Articles

Lena Ulmer Trails is an independent blog about hiking, camping and gear management in video games, from cozy campfire adventures to demanding wilderness survival titles.

A game hiker climbing a switchback mountain trail above the clouds What makes a good hiking game? A friendly introduction to hiking games: stamina, terrain, pacing and exploration, and why walking through a virtual landscape can feel so rewarding. Read more A game hiker sorting gear beside an open backpack in a forest Packing smart: managing weight in survival and hiking games Practical tips for managing inventory weight in hiking and survival games: what to carry, what to leave behind and how to plan for longer trips. Read more A game campsite under a rock overhang beside a lake at twilight Choosing the perfect campsite in outdoor games Learn how to pick safe, comfortable campsites in camping and survival games, from shelter and water access to fire safety and wildlife. Read more A game character holding a map and compass above a misty valley Finding your way: navigation in exploration games How to navigate exploration and hiking games without waypoints: reading maps, using landmarks, compasses and the sun to find your way. Read more A game hiker walking through a snowstorm toward a distant cabin Rain, wind and snow: weather as a game mechanic An explainer on how rain, wind, snow, heat and seasons work as game mechanics in outdoor games, with tips for planning around changing conditions. Read more A sunny meadow campsite contrasting with a frozen tundra in game art style Cozy camping or hardcore survival: which trail is yours? An opinion piece on cozy camping games and hardcore survival titles: what each style offers, who it suits and why both deserve a place on your shelf. Read more A game character repairing a jacket at a cabin workbench by lantern light Keep it working: crafting and repairing gear in the wild A guide to crafting and repairing gear in survival and camping games: durability, materials, repair kits and keeping equipment ready for long trips. Read more A game hiker photographing a foggy mountain sunrise from a cliff Capturing the view: tips for virtual trail photography Tips for capturing beautiful screenshots in hiking and camping games: composition, lighting, weather and patience on the virtual trail. Read more A game hiker at a misty forest trailhead at dawn What outdoor games get right and wrong about hiking A balanced look at what hiking and camping games portray well, what they simplify and why real trips need proper preparation and local guidance. Read more