My Winter Car Fatigue Guide | How Fatigue Works
Fatigue controls when you can sleep and how long you can function each day. If you ignore it, the game hard stops your progress fast. This guide explains exactly how fatigue works and how to manage it early.
How Fatigue Works
Fatigue goes up as you stay awake, work, drive, and move around. It goes down only when you sleep or use specific items.
You cannot sleep whenever you want. The game checks fatigue level and room conditions before allowing sleep.
If the sleep icon does not appear, fatigue is not low enough or the room is too cold.
How To Sleep Successfully
Sleeping is done in a bed by holding F. This only works if all conditions are met.
Fatigue must be low enough
Body temperature must be stable
The room must be warm
You must not be freezing
If the house heaters are off or set too low, sleep will fail even with high fatigue.
Why You Cannot Sleep
This is the most common early game issue.
Cold rooms block sleep completely. Radiators take time to heat rooms. Turning them on and immediately trying to sleep will not work.
Fatigue also must drop past a threshold. Being slightly tired is not enough.
How To Reduce Fatigue Faster
Sleeping is the main method. Short naps still help, but longer sleep reduces fatigue more.
Energy drinks lower fatigue but do not fully replace sleep. They are best used to finish work or make it home.
Coffee helps but is no longer unlimited.
Alarm Clock and Fatigue
The alarm clock only works if you are tired enough to sleep.
Set the wake time first. Then turn the alarm on. If fatigue is too high, you will wake early anyway.
If fatigue is low enough, you sleep until the alarm rings.
Common Fatigue Mistakes
Trying to sleep in a cold house
Turning heaters on and not waiting
Thinking energy drinks replace sleep
Forgetting body temperature affects sleep
Driving and working all day without planning sleep
Yes, the game expects you to plan rest. Finland does not care if you are busy.
Final Blurb
Fatigue is not random and not bugged. It is strict on purpose. Warm the room, wait for heat to build, and only sleep when fatigue is actually low enough. Once you respect that loop, fatigue becomes predictable instead of annoying.
FAQ
What happens if fatigue stays high?
You lose the ability to sleep and eventually stall all progress.
Can I sleep anytime I want?
No. Fatigue level and room temperature must both be correct.
Do energy drinks replace sleep?
No. They only reduce fatigue temporarily.
Why does my bed do nothing?
The room is too cold or fatigue is not low enough.
Does alarm clock ignore fatigue?
No. You still must be tired enough to sleep first.
