How to Cross the River in Outbound: Repairing Bridges and Lowering the Drawbridge
Introduction
You're cruising along in your cozy camper van, enjoying the open road in Outbound, when suddenly your journey hits a dead end—a massive drawbridge is raised, and every other bridge across the river is in ruins. Don't worry, though; getting past this obstacle is simpler than it looks. All you need is a bit of exploration, some crafting, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything from gathering materials to flipping that final switch, so you can get back on the road in no time.
What You Need
- 20 Everwood logs (or more if you plan to fix multiple bridges)
- Sawmill blueprint (unlocked via Signal Towers or Download Coupons)
- A built Sawmill inside your van
- Axes (optional but helpful for faster wood gathering)
- Access to a broken bridge (north or south of the drawbridge)
Once you have these basics, you're ready to start fixing bridges and lowering that drawbridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Locate a Broken Bridge
Drive along the riverbank until you spot one of the two broken bridges—one lies north of the drawbridge, the other south. Either will work, so pick whichever is closer. Approach it on foot or in your van; the repair prompt will appear when you're near enough.
Step 2: Gather 20 Everwood Logs
Head into the wooded areas near the river. Fallen Everwood trees are scattered on the ground—if you've unlocked the Axe recipe, you can chop them to get five logs each. Alternatively, pick up loose logs from the forest floor. You'll need at least 20 Everwood logs to craft the planks for one bridge.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for Signal Towers along the way; they may contain blueprints you haven't unlocked yet.
Step 3: Unlock and Build the Sawmill
If you don't yet have the Sawmill blueprint, unlock it by downloading recipes at nearby Signal Towers. You can also earn Download Coupons by cleaning up Litter at campsites along the road. Once you have the blueprint, install the Sawmill inside your van. It's a compact crafting station that will turn Everwood logs into planks.
Step 4: Craft Everwood Planks
Interact with your Sawmill and convert 20 Everwood logs into 10 Everwood Planks. (Yes, the ratio seems odd, but it works!) Make sure you have the logs in your inventory—they won't be usable if stored in the van's storage. Repeat if you need more planks for additional bridges.
Step 5: Repair the Broken Bridge
Take the 10 Everwood Planks to the broken bridge you found earlier. Approach the bridge until the repair prompt appears, and confirm the action. The planks must be in your personal inventory; they won't count if they're in your van's storage. Once repaired, the bridge is fully usable—drive your van across to the other side of the river.
Step 6: Find the Drawbridge Control Center
After crossing, turn sharply and drive along the river toward the drawbridge. On the right side of the bridge (relative to your approach), you'll see a small control center building. Park nearby and enter it.
Step 7: Lower the Drawbridge
Inside the control center, locate the large switch and flip it. The drawbridge will lower, opening a direct route across the main river. You'll also find a Bottle Cap collectible inside—don't miss it!
Tips for Success
- Stockpile Everwood: Other bridges in the area require even more wood. Keep your Sawmill running in the early game to avoid backtracking.
- Prioritize Signal Towers: Downloading new recipes (like the Axe and Sawmill) expands your crafting options. Always check towers when you see them.
- Check your inventory: Materials must be on your person, not in storage, to be used for repairs and crafting. Double-check before heading to a bridge.
- Explore thoroughly: The area around the river has hidden collectibles and resources. Take a few extra minutes to scavenge.
With these steps, you'll be back on the road in Outbound, ready to continue your adventure. Happy travels!