Finding Your Footing: The Best Starting Area in State of Decay 2
The best starting area in State of Decay 2 is Meagher Valley. While the game presents you with three options – the Foothills, Plateau, or Valley – Meagher Valley stands out as the superior choice for newcomers. It provides a well-rounded experience, offering a diverse landscape, numerous combat encounters, and a selection of decent starting bases, all contributing to a smoother learning curve. This balance allows new players to grasp the core mechanics of the game effectively, making it the most advisable option for your initial playthrough.
Why Meagher Valley is Ideal for Beginners
Meagher Valley excels in several key areas that make it the best choice for those new to State of Decay 2:
Varied Environments and Combat Scenarios
The map of Meagher Valley is a tapestry of different terrains. From open fields to dense forests, and small town areas, it provides a variety of environments to explore. This variety isn’t just aesthetic; it also directly impacts gameplay. You’ll find yourself adapting to different combat scenarios, learning how to handle hordes in open areas and navigate tight corners in urban sections. These diverse encounters are crucial for honing your combat skills early on.
A Good Selection of Initial Bases
Meagher Valley offers a solid selection of starting base locations, which are generally suitable for a fledgling community. While not the absolute best bases in the game, they are certainly good enough for the early game. This is important as you won’t be overwhelmed with decisions, and will learn basic mechanics of base management. It provides a great space to begin your game, especially while you are learning. This ease of management ensures that you can focus more on learning the core gameplay loops rather than being bogged down by complex base mechanics.
Gradual Increase in Difficulty
Meagher Valley allows for a gradual increase in the game’s difficulty, which is perfect for new players. You’ll encounter challenging situations, but you are not thrown into the deep end immediately. This progressive curve gives you the chance to learn the game at your own pace without becoming overwhelmed by advanced zombie types or heavily infested areas right away. This aspect of progression aids in making it the best starting area in the game.
Accessibility and Central Location
Meagher Valley is generally considered to be accessible and centrally located. This makes navigating the map easier and ensures that resources and locations are less spread out. This provides the player with a less overwhelming experience while they are learning and trying to acquire resources, weapons, and survivors. The central location also gives the player the ability to get to most corners of the map without spending an excessive amount of time travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best base location in Meagher Valley?
While there isn’t one definitive “best” early base, the Squelones Brewing Company is a solid choice in Meagher Valley for newcomers. It provides decent starting space, ample parking for vehicles, and is conveniently located near resources. It also has some pre-built facilities that can be upgraded or utilized immediately. Other notable early bases in Meagher include the Whitney Field due to its multiple built in facilities.
2. Can you move to other maps after starting?
Yes, absolutely. Once you’ve established a solid community and completed a specific goal related to your leader, you can move to a new map, including the same one you just finished. This allows you to reset the map with new resources and plague hearts while keeping your established community and their items.
3. How many survivors can I have in my community?
The maximum community size in State of Decay 2 is 12 survivors. This is an important consideration when choosing bases and managing resources.
4. What are the different leader types, and which is best for beginners?
There are four leader types: Sheriff, Builder, Trader, and Warlord. For beginners, the Builder leader is often recommended. This type of leader focuses on base development and creating a self-sustaining community, which is beneficial for establishing a firm foundation. The Trader leader is also a good option as they make resource management much easier, and allows for trading.
5. Should I claim outposts early in the game?
Yes, claiming outposts is highly beneficial early on. Outposts can provide safe havens, resource income, and other advantages. You should choose outposts based on your community’s needs. An outpost that provides beds or meds, for example, would be a good choice in the early game.
6. What’s the best way to deal with Plague Hearts?
Plague Hearts are critical to eliminate to progress the game. Before attacking a plague heart, make sure you have plenty of ammunition, explosives, and healing items. It’s best to have a partner to help. Attacking a plague heart is noisy so make sure you are prepared to deal with any zombies in the area.
7. What are the most important traits to look for in survivors?
Look for traits that boost morale, combat effectiveness, or resource production. Traits like Volunteer Coordinator, Officer Material, and Indefatigable can be extremely useful. Avoid survivors with negative traits that cause problems within the community.
8. Is stealth important in State of Decay 2?
Yes, stealth is a vital component of the game. It’s essential for avoiding large hordes of zombies and getting the upper hand on enemies. Practicing stealth will keep you alive, and can allow you to obtain resources or deal with zombies quietly.
9. How important are cars, and which are the best?
Cars are essential for travel, looting, and evading hordes. The Brogan Trekker is a great all-around vehicle, especially for transporting multiple survivors. Others, like the Survey Car and Military Truck are also valuable options depending on their unique traits. Make sure to keep your vehicle repaired.
10. What should I do with enclaves?
Enclaves can be valuable allies, and provide resources and quests. However, not all enclaves are helpful. Focus on building relationships with the beneficial ones. Avoid or deal with hostile enclaves quickly.
11. Are there any game-breaking bugs or glitches?
While the game has improved significantly with updates, some minor bugs may still occur. It’s always a good idea to save frequently to avoid losing progress. Most common bugs are related to environmental interactions or vehicles.
12. How do I increase my community’s morale?
Morale is crucial for a successful community. You can boost morale by completing quests, upgrading your base, and ensuring everyone has what they need. High morale can result in positive buffs to your community.
13. Can I recruit survivors from other maps?
No, you cannot recruit survivors directly from other maps. When you move to a new map, your existing community moves with you. You’ll need to recruit new survivors on the current map.
14. What is the best weapon type in the game?
The “best” weapon depends on your playstyle and situation. Melee weapons are crucial for quiet kills. Guns provide stopping power, and the Eternal Guard’s Infinite Rage is a favorite. Some of the best weapons are rare so acquire them when you can.
15. What is the endgame objective of State of Decay 2?
The main goal in State of Decay 2 is to eliminate all Plague Hearts on the map. Once that’s done, you can complete the legacy goals associated with your chosen leader type. This is how you “win the game”, and each leader gives a unique ending experience.
Final Thoughts
While personal preferences may vary, Meagher Valley undeniably provides the smoothest starting experience for newcomers to State of Decay 2. It’s a well-balanced map that allows you to learn the core mechanics of the game without overwhelming you. By focusing on Meagher Valley, you can establish a solid foundation and prepare yourself for the challenges ahead, thus improving your overall enjoyment of the game. Remember that it’s important to understand that the game is designed to provide a different experience on each map, and moving to other maps provides a different type of challenge.