The Bonfire is the defining survival mechanic of the game. Fuel depletion is constant, and severe weather events amplify the depletion rate by 200–400%. Failing to plan for the fuel economy is functionally equivalent to a death sentence in the mid-game.
The depletion math
Base depletion rate is roughly 4 fuel points per real-world minute at Bonfire Level 1. The level resistance coefficient reduces this — Level 4+ Bonfires lose roughly 40% less fuel per minute due to the stone foundation.
The weather multiplier
Clear weather: 1.0× depletion. Rain: 1.8× depletion. Heavy Storm: 2.6× depletion. Blizzard: 3.5× depletion. A multi-day storm event can wipe out a 6-hour fuel bank if you don't compensate.
Fuel value hierarchy
Logs contribute minimal fuel at high tiers (less than 1% per log past Bonfire Level 4). Coal is moderate. Fuel Canisters are high-yield. Oil Barrels are apex. Biofuel is the highest processed yield per unit.
The log inefficiency trap
Once Bonfire reaches Level 4, routing logs through the Grinder for advanced structures is more efficient than burning them directly. This is the meta counter-intuitive rule that wipes most unprepared players.
The Blue Flame buff
If you have a Blue Flame modifier active, the weather multiplier is suspended for the duration of the buff. Time your Blue Flame activations with incoming weather fronts.
Emergency protocol
If your Bonfire reaches zero fuel, health regeneration halts, the map becomes inaccessible, and high-threat entities spawn at 100% probability — frequently inside your own stronghold. The Biofuel Processor and Oil Drill are the standard answers to emergency fuel deficits.