From the PSS AMA https://robertsspaceindustries.com/spectrum/community/SC/forum/3/thread/player-status-system-ama/2875875 We haven't locked down the actual specifics right now as we are in the midst of testing - but it will be several real life hours before you die from starvation. https://robertsspaceindustries.com/spectrum/community/SC/forum/3/thread/player-status-system-ama/2875996 This is what currently happens - so as you begin to suffer from a particular status (i.e. hypothermia, dehydration etc) - you will start to suffere very small negative effects - so increased stamina costs, slight blurry vision etc. This will then get progressively worse if you do not address it. In terms of how often you should be eating/drinking - the idea behind it was to make it long enough so that it was not intrusive to the gameplay - but short enough that at least you had to eat/drink once a play session (i.e. several hours). If we made it too long it would kind of devalue the purpose of having it at all. https://robertsspaceindustries.com/spectrum/community/SC/forum/3/thread/player-status-system-ama/2876006 Yes, you can die from hunger and you can die from thirst, independently of each other. As you’d imagine it’s a gradual affair, taking time for the effect of the food and drink you’ve previously consumed to wear off, until you reach the state of starvation or dehydration, which themselves last for quite some time, giving you time to rectify your situation. Please remember to eat and drink IRL too. I prefer pizza over not eating. I'm really unhappy about this. When they first introduced food it was supposed to serve as a buff, but I guess it was foolish to think they wouldn't run away with it and make it mandatory and obtrusive. This is my opinion and my CONCERN.