Sixteen international contestants are dropped by helicopter into an unpopulated Siberian wilderness. With only the clothes on their backs, they must try to survive with no help from producers or the outside world to win a big cash prize. They are soon faced with frightening events and unexpected situations that go horribly awry.

A shocking announcement comes with the loss of another contestant, while those who remain are dealing with deception and drama, including accusations of theft, the discovery of a bloody scene in the woods and arguments over food rationing. Elsewhere, Victoria suffers a frightening hallucination after being tricked by Esther into eating uncooked mushrooms.

The group have to pick up the pieces after a devastating fire. As some deal with feelings of lust, others are anxious about surviving in the Siberian wilderness with a lack of food and a possible tiger nearby.

A mysterious light appears in the Siberian night sky and seems to alter the intimate relationships that the contestants are beginning to form. At the same time, Sam offers Daniel advice on his love life; Natalie sends mixed emotions to Anne-Marie; Carolina reveals some big news to Johnny; and Neeko tries to take control of his fellow players.

The contestants grow suspicious of one another; Esther proves herself a strategic player; Carolina reveals a shocking truth; and a mysterious sighting in the woods causes fear and panic.

Johnny, Joyce and Daniel tell the others about the bloody scene they found at the abandoned producers' base camp; some of the contestants freak out over the prospect of having to fend for themselves in the wilderness; Esther is attacked verbally; Sam gains possible insight from Miljan's century-old Russian diary; and the appearance of a radio-tower beacon offers a glimmer of hope