Having recently played this game through to completion, I decided that in the absence of a proper written walk-through, I would create one here. Warning: Spoiler Alert!Lifeline: Whiteout game app is developed by 3 Minute and available on iTunes and Google Play. This walk-through focuses on the second chapter of the game titled “Wrecked Snowmobile “.  Click here to view the table of contents/list of chapters. Note – since the main story branches off between inspecting the snowmobile or briefcase at the start, the decisions are numbered to give equal prominence to both story-lines.

Main Story

Oh, great! This gets even better…
I’m standing on a frozen lake!
The snowmobile is already halfway through the ice. It’s only a matter of time before it sinks.
That briefcase doesn’t look good either. I doubt its contents survived.
But, since I’ve got no other options, I guess I should check them out.
What do you think? Should I go for the briefcase or the sinking snowmobile?

Decision A:
A1: Inspect the snowmobile
A2: Inspect the briefcase [Refer to Main Story A2 below]

Decision A1: Inspect the snowmobile

Are you sure? The ice is pretty damaged around the snowmobile. It might crack right under me.
But on the other hand…
There could be something useful on that snowmobile.
Something that can put this situation in perspective, or even hold clues to my identity.
And if it still works, well, that’s my ticket outta here.
That’s well worth the risk, right?
I just just have to move very carefully.
Unless the ice can’t support my weight…

And I don’t feel like taking a dip in this ice-cold water.
Especially since I don’t have any means of warming up and drying my clothes afterwards.
Speaking of which…
I could really use a fire right now. I’m freezing out here.

Decision B:
B1: You don’t have time! It could sink.
B2: Do you have supplies to build a fire? [Refer to Alternate Routes below]

Decision B1: You don’t have time! It could sink

Also Decision C3: No, the snowmobile could sink!
True. The snowmobile looks like it could submerge any minute.
And once it’s at the bottom of the lake, it’s gone.
I guess a fire can wait. But that means that I need to be extra careful not to fall in…

Multiple decision points join this story-line:

• E6: Let’s go. It’s not worth it
• F6: Forget the wood. Let’s go back

Okay, here goes… Fingers crossed!

[Adams is busy]

Well, that was… nerve-racking.
I had to tiptoe very slowly to get here. Let’s see if this thing was worth the effort.
It’s not what I expected, to be honest.
The engine is still warm, and that can only mean one thing.
I’ve been here much shorter than I initially thought.
I could look around – see if there’s some equipment I could use.

Decision C:
C1: Why don’t you pull the snowmobile out?
C2: Look for equipment. [Refer to Alternate Routes below]

Decision C1: Why don’t you pull the snowmobile out?

Also Decision D4: Pull it out. It could still work!
Well, it’s pretty big. Not to mention it’s lodged in that ice hole.
You’re right, though. That snowmobile might be my only way out.
It’s worth a shot, right?
Yeah, I’ll do it.
Well, I fiddled with it, but…
The ice could break under the combined weight of me and the snowmobile.
And I really, really don’t think I could survive a fall into this icy lake.
I’m getting chills just thinking about it.
Am I just being paranoid?

Decision D:
D1: You’ll never know if you don’t try.
D2: Don’t risk it. Salvage it for parts. [Refer to Alternate Routes below]

Decision D1: You’ll never know if you don’t try

You’re right. Fortune favours the bold, right?
At last, so they say.
Let’s see if there’s any truth to it…
The damn thing is too heavy!

Decision E:
E1: Come on, don’t give up!
E2: Salvage what you can. [Refer to Alternate Route – D2 below]

Decision E1: Come on, don’t give up!

Fine, fine! But you talked me into it!
Here goes nothing…
I did it! I really did it! Yes!
Hey, what’s that?
Damn…
I didn’t notice it at first…
But the whole side of this snowmobile is riddled with bullets.
High calibre, no less.
So the snowmobile isn’t in working condition, obviously.

Decision F:
F1: Back away from there. It’s not safe.
F2: Bullet holes? Do you remember anything? [Refer to Alternate Routes below]

Decision F1: Back away from there. It’s not safe

Multiple decision points join this story-line:

• Decision F3: Bullet holes?
• Decision H4: You’re doing fine. Don’t give up!

Shh! I hear something…
Hey, it’s…
The ice!
It’s cracking!

[Adams is busy]

Let me… catch my… breath.
That was close! Too close.
If I’d been any closer to the snowmobile, I’d have ended up in the lake!
My hands are shaking…
My hearty is pounding…
I HATE this place! It’s like every SINGLE thing is out to get me!
If I hadn’t been paying attention, I’d be dead now.
Sorry, I’m all right. Just frustrated.
At least that briefcase is on solid ice, for now.

Decision G:
G1: Go for it!
G2: Can you retrieve the snowmobile?

Decision A2: Inspect the Briefcase

Multiple decision points join this story-line:

• Decision G1: Go For it! 
• Decision G2: Can you retrieve the snowmobile?

All right. I’m gonna grab that briefcase.

[Adams is busy]

It doesn’t look any better up close.
The briefcase’s metal casing is bent from the crash.
And it’s locked. Of course it is.
But why? It’s not like there are any bandits in this wasteland…
Or, well, anyone.
Oh? Wait a second!
I found something interesting.
The briefcase had some snow stuck to it.
But when I brushed it off, I saw a logo.

Decision H:
B3: Inspect the lock.
B4: Logo?

Decision B3: Inspect the Lock

Always practical, aren’t you?
I guess it’s not important.
Well, there’s no keyhole, or padlock, or anything like that…
It’s pretty bare, in fact.
Yep. Just your simple, everyday, steel-reinforced briefcase.
But, there is a weird knob…

Decision I:
C5: Turn the knob. See what happens!
C6: We’re wasting time.

Decision C5: Turn the knob. See what happens!

Are you sure that’s a good idea?
What if it’s a bomb or something?
Then again, it would have exploded after getting dented like that…
I can move it either left or right.
Left, right, left! Left!
Sorry.

Multiple decision points join this story-line:

• Decision C8: Maybe the answer is in the briefcase?
• Decision D9: Bash it open!

But I heard a click when I moved it!
This knob must be the locking mechanism.
Maybe I have to turn it in the right sequence?
I’m not guessing, though.
In case you haven’t noticed, today isn’t my lucky day.
So, will you help me choose?

Decision X (repeated three times):
D7: Turn it left.
D8: Turn it right.

Turning the knob is a sequence of three turns which I have split into Decisions K, L and M. No matter which way you turn, after three repetitions, the lock will open.

YES! We Did it!
Time to get my prize!
I don’t know why I’m so excited about opening a briefcase.
Maybe because it’s my first success so far…

What a treasure trove!
There’s food inside! I didn’t realise how hungry I was…
Back in a bit. I’m gonna chow down!
Yuck!
The food was… disgustingly tasteless.

It wasn’t much to begin with. Beef jerky isn’t exactly mouth-watering…

But it tasted so bland!
Either there’s something wrong with it, or there’s something wrong with my taste buds.

At least I had all this snow to wash it down with.
And before you ask, do I didn’t eat any yellow snow.
Now, let’s see what else is in here…

I found a business card!
Dr. W. Sibellius, Biomedical Research and Development, ALT International.

That name… I feel like I should know it, but I can’t remember. I know it’s important.

Hey, there’s some kind of hidden compartment…
What IS this?!
You won’t believe this!
It’s some kind of data-storage unit, sealed in a blood-soaked zip bag.
But whose blood is this?

Decision E:
E7: There’s no time. Just take it.
E8: That’s what I’m saying!

Decision E7: There’s no time. Just take it.

Will do. Give me a minutes to pack up.

[Adams is busy]

Done!
This jumpsuit isn’t the warmest, but at least it’s got plenty of pockets,

[Decision E8 joins the story-line here]
Okay, I don’t want to panic…
But there’s a helicopter in the distance.

It’s still pretty far away. I can’t even hear the engines over this howling wind.

Decision F:
F8: Lay low! They could be hostile.
F9: They could be here to rescue you. Signal them!

Decision F8: Lay low! They could be hostile

That may be true, but there’s just one problem…
I’m standing on a frozen lake, which means there’s absolutely no cover.
Here goes…

[Adams is busy]

Well, I did the best I could.
Which is to say, I’m lying down, but it’s kind of obvious I’m here…

[Decision F9 joins the story-line here]
Wait. Something’s not right.
The helicopter is veering wildly back and forth. That’s not normal…
Either the pilot doesn’t know what he’s doing or…
Wait! There’s smoke coming from the engines!
It’s… It’s going down!
No! No!

[Adams is busy]

(heavy panting)
Don’t worry. I’m fine… Can’t say the same for that copter, though.
It just… plummeted like a rock. Then there was a huge explosion just over the hill.

I couldn’t look away… Like a a deer in the headlights…
Oh no.
Really? I mean, really? Like all of this wasn’t enough?!
More bad news!
The explosion was far off, but the ice here was already usntable…
The ice cracked!
Teh cracks are spreading!
No, no, no! One’s heading my way!

Decision G:
G6: Don’t just stand there! Run!
G7: Hold very still! Don’t panic! [Refer to Alternate Route – H1 below]

Decision G6: Don’t just stand there! Run!

You don’t have to tell me twice!

[Adams is busy]

That was too close!
I’m so glad to be off that lake at least…

 

[END OF CHAPTER 2 / START OF CHAPTER 3]

The helicopter’s crash site is a couple of miles away…
There’s a steep hill blocking my view of the wreckage, but there’s a column of smoke rising behind it.
Judging by the colour, the copter is probably on fire.
I can see something else to my left.
Make that my FAR left…
I’m not sure, but I think I see some blinking red lights.
It might be a beacon, but I can’t tell from this distance.
I’ll have to get closer to know for certain.

I can’t decide which option is better… or worse.
I am almost sure that’s a signal beacon of a relay station. And a station could provide shelter… or a radio!

But, what if someone survived that crash?

 

Alternative Routes

Decision B2: Do you have supplies to build a fire?

Well. I’m not carrying anything, even though this jumpsuit has a ton of pockets.
I’ll need to find something to burn first.
Gimme a minute, and I’ll scout around.
There must be something…

[Adams is busy]

Hey, are you still there?
Well, I have good news, I think.
I spotted a cluster of dead trees – a veritable oasis in this sea of tundra…
Everything is covered in snow and ice. I had to strain my eyes to see it in all this white.
Anyway, there should be some dry branches over there. That should be enough to get a fire going.
Once I figure out a way to get one going, that is.
But, first things first. I can’t start a fire without firewood, right?
What do you think? Should I head for the trees?

Decision C:
C3: No, the snowmobile could sink! [Refer to Main Story – B1 above]
C4: Yes. You can’t survive without fire.

Decision B4: Logo?

It’s the same one on my jumpsuit!
It’s a globe with… a plane? And some letters: ALT? I guess it’s an acronym?
What does it stand for?

Decision I:
C7: That doesn’t matter now.
C8: Maybe the answer is in the briefcase?

Decision C2: Look for equipment

I didn’t find anything useful.
I guess I didn’t plan on being out here very long…
I at least should’ve packed some snacks!
Maybe I could salvage some parts from this snowmobile?

Decision D:
D3: Good thinking
D4: Pull it out. It could still work! [Refer to Main Story – C1 above]

Decision C4: Yes. You can’t survive without fire

I’m not sure how long this will take. It’s hard to judge distance without any landmarks.
But I’m guessing 10 minutes, tops.
I’ll let you know once I reach them.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

Hey, it’s Adams.
I’m a few feet away from those trees, but there’s something on my mind.
I’m not sure how to say this, other than…
I feel like something’s watching me.
Maybe I’m just being afraid.

Decision D:
D5: Do you see anything?
D6: Let’s turn back.

Decision C7: That doesn’t matter now

You’re right.
Answering that question won’t provide food… or shelter.
Speaking of food… Maybe there’s some in the briefcase?
I still have no idea how I’ll open this briefcase.

Decision J:
D9: Bash it open!
D10: Examine the lock

Decision C8: Maybe the answer is in the briefcase?

Maybe…
I’ll see if I can open it.
give me a minutes or two.

[Adams is busy]

[Refer to Alternate Route – D7 below]

Decision D2: Don’t risk it! Salvage it for parts

Also Decision D3: Good thinking OR E2: Salvage what you can
Would you look at that? This snowmobile is more than just a useless pile of scrap metal after all!
There are some useful parts, if I can manage to get them loose somehow.
I can reach the gas tank, maybe scavenge what’s left of the fuel.
Even better! The battery is dislodged, so I won’t need any tools to remove it…
Just a few minutes and some elbow grease.
What do you think? Which one should I try first?

Decision E:
E3: The fuel
E4: The battery

Decision D5: Do you see anything?

[Decision D6: Let’s turn back joins this story-line.]
Something about this patch of tree seems… ominous, but I can’t say why.
It looks like some animals have been here. There’s an antler here. Maybe some elk passed by?
One of the dead fir trees has fallen over. I can’t see from here, but maybe it’s covering some kind of hole?
There’s a strong smell here too.
Whatever it is, it’s rank, and really sharp – like ammonia.
I don’t like this. I don’t like this at all.

Decision E:
E5: It’s okay. Just grab the wood and go.
E6: Let’s go. It’s not worth it.

Decision D6: Let’s turn back

Not yet.
Hold on. I want to take a closer look.

[Refer to Alternate Route – Decision D5]

Decision D9: Bash it open!

Here’s the situation:
There’s no lock on the briefcase, per se…

But there is this weird knob.
I know, what a poetic description, right?

[Refer to Main Story – C5 above]

Decision E3: The fuel

You’re right, fuel is invaluable.
It could help me build a fire.
That is, if I can even find anything to burn out there.
This cold… You can’t even imagine…

[Adams is busy]

Just my luck.
There’s only a few drops left.
There could have been some if not for one tiny, little problem.
What problem, you ask?
It’s covered in bullet holes!

Decision F:
F3: Bullet holes? [Refer to Alternative Route – E4 below]
F4: Forget it. Check the battery. [Refer to Alternative Route – E4 below]

Decision E4: The battery

Also Decision F4: Forget it! Check the battery
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking.
It could be useful.
I could short-circuit it for a spark, or connect it to a light bulb when night falls.

If I could just pull it free…
Geez! This is harder than I thought…

Damn! It was all for nothing!
The battery is leaking all over the place.
It’s been peppered with bullets! There’s a couple lodged in it.

Decision G:
F5: Are the battery cables salvageable?
F2: Bullets? [Refer to Alternative Route – F2 below]

Decision E5: It’s okay. Just grab the wood and go

I’m closer now. I can even see some tracks…
Here’s a clear one. It’s a paw – looks canine. A big one…
Like a wolf?
Shit. Is this place a wolves’ den?
Now that I think about it, the hole under the dead tree would make a perfect den.

Are they watching me now?
The only way to find out would be to stick my head in and see if anyone’s home, and I’m NOT doing that.
Maybe they’re out hunting?
As long as I don’t disturb them, they won’t mind.
They’re more scared of me than I am of them, right?
I’ll just grab a few fallen branches and head back…

Decision F:
F6: Forget the wood. Let’s go back.
F7: Just do it quickly.

Decision E6: Let’s go. It’s not worth it.

It’s like you read my mind.
Whatever was here might still be here, and I don’t want to stick around to find out what it was.
I’ll let you know when I’m back to the lake. I just hope that the snowmobile hasn’t sunk yet.
I’m gonna stay quiet until I get back, just in case there really is something out here watching me.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

I’m back!
And good news! The snowmobile hasn’t sunk yet.
But since my quest for fire failed, I’ll have to be extra careful not to fall in…

[Refer to Main Story – C1 above]

Decision E8: That’s what I’m saying!

I guess there’s no way to know whose blood it is…
One thing is clear. Someone REALLY wanted the data-storage unit.
Why didn’t they clean the blood off? Were they in a hurry?
Hold on!
Can you hear that?
It’s barely audible…
Wait! I know that sound…
Shit!

[Refer to Main Story – Decision E7 above]

Decision F2: Bullet holes? Do you remember anything?

Also Decision F3: Bullet holes? OR H3: Don’t wimp out on me now, Adams.
Look, I don’t remember a thing…
I’ve got amnesia, remember?
The only thing I’m sure of is that someone wants me dead.
And that makes me feel… even worse.

[Refer to Main Story – F1 above]

Decision F5: Are the battery cables salvageable?

Yeah, maybe I should just hang myself with these cables.
Except, there are no trees in sight.
I’m going to die here anyway…

Decision G:
G4 (F3): Don’t wimp out on me now, Adams. [Refer to Alternative Route – F3 above]
G5 (F1): You’re doing fine. Don’t give up! [Refer to Main Story – F1 above]

Decision F6: Forget the wood. Let’s go back

Bah… then this excursion was a total failure.
But I guess it’s better to be cold than to be eaten by wolves.
I’ll let you know when I’m back to the lake. I just hope that the snowmobile hasn’t sunk yet.
I’m gonna stay quiet until I get back, just in case there really is something out here watching me.
Adams out.

[Adams is busy]

I’m back!
And good news! The snowmobile hasn’t sunk yet.
But since my quest for fire failed, I’ll have to be extra careful not to fall in…

[Refer to Main Story – B1]

Decision F7: Just do it quickly

Right. I don’t see any wolves. I’ll keep an ear open for them too.
My heart is pounding so loud I can hear it in my ears.
Shoot. These branches are all wet…
Wait! There are some dry ones… at the mouth of the den.
Ugh, the smell is tgronger here… I’ll grab these and go.
What was that?
Something cracked!
There it is again!
I’m getting out of here!
Whoa! Okay, that’s definitely a wolf…

And it’s blocking my path.
That’s okay, I’ll just go this way–
Shit! I’m surrounded!
Hey now! I don’t want any trouble fellas… I was just leaving.
Stay back! STAY BACK!
No! AHH!
…

Signal interrupted.
Attempting to reconnect…
Connection lost…

[End of transmission]

Decision F9: They could be here to rescue you. Signal them!

I don’t think they can see me.
Not yet, at least. They’re still far away.

Decision G2: Can you retrieve the snowmobile?

No way. It’s a goner.
That water is freezing and God knows how deep. I’m freezing now as it is…
It’s not like I could swim while holding a snowmobile.

[Refer to Main Story – G1]

Decision G7: Hold very still! Don’t panic!

I’m not so sure that’s a…
It stopped! Phew.
That was close. Too close.

Decision H:
H1: Back away very slowly.
H2: Can you see the helicopter? [Refer to the Main Story – Chapter 3]

Decision H1: Back away very slowly

Will do!
There. I think I’m okay for now.
I’ll feel much better when I’m miles away from this lake.
I know it’s just my imagination, but it creeps me out.
If felt like it was alive, trying to swallow me whole.
Is it just me, or did this place get even colder?
I should get moving. Maybe exercise will keep me warm.

[Refer to the Main Story – Chapter 3]

Commentary & Analysis

With a total of 50 unique decision nodes, and 27 choices to make, the mapping of Chapter 2 is actually not feasible via flowchart, like Chapter 1. However, the 50 decisions nodes can be presented in the following table:

[table “” not found /]

Inspecting the briefcase has a total of 45 possible permutations for arriving at a successful outcome. The main story-line above follows a total of 15 steps from start to finish. This is NOT the shortest path through the game. Interestingly the only possible path that leads to doom and death, at the hands of a pack of wolves, is the shortest path for the chapter – ending after seven steps when inspecting the snowmobile.