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.

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

One contestant seems on the brink of insanity and needs to be restrained, while another comes close to death as everyone must deal with plunging temperatures and a loss of hope after some members of the group set off to explore the beacon, while others stay behind to find food and clothing at the abandoned producers' camp.

Johnny, Daniel, Joyce, and Sam continue searching for the beacon despite Sam's frostbitten foot, but disorientation sets in when the signal light goes out. Meanwhile, Neeko, Sabina, Annie, and Esther go into the woods to find the missing Irene and Miljan, and make a grisly discovery.

While Johnny, Sam, and Daniel explore the research station, trying to restore the power, they make several grisly discoveries. Meanwhile, at the settlement one of the missing contestants resurfaces and warns Sabina and Neeko that "they" are coming... and they're neither animal nor human.

The Evenki capture Neeko, Sabina, and Miljan, but reunite them with their friends. While the tribesmen explain that the contestants violated their enemy's territory, the group at the science center attempt to make contact with the outside world.

In the season finale, a reunion of the contestants marks a possibility of hope and salvation; but the eventual arrival of the rescue party turns out to be the most dangerous encounter yet!