Master the Apocalypse: Essential Survival Tips for Days Gone – Surviving in the post-apocalyptic world of Days Gone can be as brutal as it is rewarding. The sprawling open-world game from Bend Studio throws players into a land overrun by Freakers, hostile humans, and environmental challenges. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to refine your skills, these survival tips will help you master the chaos and thrive in this dangerous world.

1. Understand the World and Its Dangers

The first step to surviving in Days Gone is understanding its world. Central Oregon is teeming with threats, from Freaker hordes to marauding bandits. Here’s a breakdown:

• Freakers: These zombie-like creatures are fast, aggressive, and come in various types. Learn their behavior and weaknesses.
  • Swarmers: The most common type, usually attacking in groups.
  • Newts: Adolescent Freakers that attack only if you’re vulnerable or intrude on their territory.
  • Breakers and Screamers: More powerful Freakers that require special strategies to defeat.
• Human Enemies: Marauders and Rippers are equally dangerous. They’re armed, strategic, and can ambush you if you’re not careful.
• Wildlife: Wolves, bears, and cougars pose significant threats. Always be ready to fight or flee.

Survival Tip:

Use your binoculars to scout areas before engaging. Mark enemies to keep track of their positions and plan your approach.

2. Master the Art of Resource Management

Resources are scarce in Days Gone, making effective management crucial. Prioritize the following:

• Ammunition: Conserve bullets by using melee weapons whenever possible.
• Health Items: Always keep your health topped up. Use bandages and medkits sparingly.
• Crafting Materials: Collect everything you find. Items like kerosene, rags, and scrap are essential for crafting molotovs, repairing your bike, and more.

Pro Tip:

Loot abandoned vehicles and houses thoroughly. Police cars often contain ammo, while ambulances have health supplies.

3. Upgrade Your Bike

Your motorcycle is your lifeline. Without it, you’ll struggle to escape hordes or traverse the vast map efficiently.

• Fuel Up Regularly: Gas stations and fuel cans are scattered around the map. Never let your tank run dry.
• Repair Often: Keep your bike in good condition using scrap found in the world.
• Invest in Upgrades: Focus on improving fuel capacity, durability, and speed. A well-maintained bike can save your life.

Bonus Tip:

Park your bike strategically. Always have it facing an escape route to make quick getaways easier.

4. Stealth is Your Best Friend

Charging into a group of enemies is a quick way to get overwhelmed. Stealth allows you to eliminate threats quietly and conserve resources.

• Use Silencers: Attach suppressors to your weapons to take out enemies without alerting others.
• Distract Enemies: Throw rocks or use noisemakers to lure enemies away from your path.
• Take Down Freaker Nests: Burning nests during the day minimizes Freaker activity at night.

Pro Tip:

Stay in tall grass and move slowly to avoid detection. Always plan your escape route before engaging.

5. Understand the Day-Night Cycle

The time of day significantly impacts gameplay in Days Gone:

• Daytime: Freakers are less active, but human enemies are more prevalent.
• Nighttime: Freakers roam in greater numbers and are more aggressive. However, this is the best time to scavenge as human enemies are less active.

Bonus Tip:

Time your missions wisely. Clearing Freaker nests during the day makes nighttime scavenging safer.

6. Tackle Hordes Strategically

Hordes are one of the most challenging aspects of Days Gone. These massive groups of Freakers can quickly overwhelm you if unprepared.

• Scout the Area: Locate chokepoints, explosive barrels, and other environmental advantages.
• Use Traps: Set up proximity mines and explosives to thin out the horde.
• Manage Stamina: Keep moving and avoid getting cornered. Use stamina-boosting items as needed.

Pro Tip:

Save horde encounters for when you have powerful weapons and adequate supplies. Early-game hordes should be avoided unless necessary.

7. Invest in Skills Wisely

The skill tree in Days Gone is divided into three categories: Melee, Ranged, and Survival. Choose skills that complement your playstyle:

• Melee: Focus on skills like Field Repairs to keep melee weapons functional.
• Ranged: Prioritize skills that improve accuracy and reduce recoil.
• Survival: Unlock abilities like Thief in the Night to enhance stealth capabilities.

Recommended Skills:

Early-game players should focus on skills that increase stamina and improve resource gathering.

8. Learn to Hunt and Gather

Food and resources aren’t just for crafting; they’re also essential for trading with camps.

• Hunting: Animals like deer and wolves can be hunted for meat, which can be sold at camps.
• Gathering: Collect plants and herbs for crafting or trading.

Bonus Tip:

Use your survival vision to highlight resources in the environment. This makes gathering faster and more efficient.

9. Build Relationships with Camps

Camps are vital hubs for trading, upgrading, and missions. Each camp specializes in different areas:

• Copeland’s Camp: Focuses on bike upgrades.
• Tucker’s Camp: Provides weapons and supplies.
• Iron Mike’s Camp: Offers balanced resources and missions.

Pro Tip:

Complete missions and bounties for camps to earn trust. Higher trust levels unlock better upgrades and gear.

10. Stay Alert for Dynamic Events

The world of Days Gone is alive with random events. These can be opportunities or dangers:

• Ambushes: Be cautious when traveling; human enemies often set traps.
• Rescue Missions: Save survivors to earn rewards and build camp trust.
• Freaker Attacks: Sometimes, Freakers will disrupt human enemy activities, creating opportunities to scavenge or escape.

Bonus Tip:

Always keep a weapon ready and your bike close by during dynamic events.

11. Adapt to Changing Strategies

As you progress in Days Gone, your tactics must evolve:

• Early Game: Focus on stealth and resource conservation.
• Mid Game: Upgrade your bike and unlock essential skills.
• Late Game: Take on hordes and complete challenging missions with advanced weaponry.

Final Advice:

Patience is key. Rushing into situations often leads to disaster. Observe, plan, and execute carefully.

Conclusion

Surviving in Days Gone requires a blend of strategy, adaptability, and resourcefulness. By understanding the world, managing your resources, and mastering stealth, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in the apocalypse. With these tips, Deacon St. John’s journey will be less daunting and more rewarding. Now, gear up, start your engine, and conquer the wasteland!