Is Days Gone Hard to Play? A Comprehensive Guide to Difficulty

The short answer is: no, Days Gone is not inherently a hard game to play, especially after the initial learning curve. While it presents a world teeming with dangers in the form of Freakers (zombies), Marauders, and wild animals, the game’s difficulty is largely adjustable and dependent on player choices. The perceived difficulty often stems from the player’s approach to gameplay, resource management, and understanding of the game’s mechanics. A player can tailor their experience from a relatively accessible zombie adventure to a genuinely challenging survival experience.

Understanding the Difficulty Settings

Days Gone offers a range of difficulty settings that significantly impact the gameplay experience. These settings affect various aspects of the game, including enemy damage, resource availability, and even the aggressiveness of Freakers.

Difficulty Levels Explained

1. Easy (Story Mode): This mode focuses on the narrative experience, reducing combat difficulty significantly and providing ample resources. It is ideal for players primarily interested in the story and world without demanding combat encounters.
2. Normal: This is the default setting, offering a balanced experience. It provides a fair challenge without being overly punishing, making it suitable for players familiar with action-adventure games.
3. Hard: As the name suggests, Hard mode increases the difficulty by reducing resource availability, increasing enemy damage, and making enemies more aggressive. This mode encourages strategic gameplay and careful resource management.
4. Survival: This mode takes the challenge a step further by restricting fast travel, removing enemy indicators from the HUD, and further reducing resource availability. It offers a more immersive and tense survival experience.
5. Survival II: This is the most difficult setting, further restricting resources, enhancing enemy damage, and making Freakers incredibly aggressive. Only recommended for experienced players seeking a true test of their skills.

Beyond Difficulty: Gameplay Choices that Impact Difficulty

Beyond the preset difficulty levels, numerous player choices directly influence how hard Days Gone feels.

• Resource Management: Scavenging for resources like scrap, fuel, and ammunition is critical. Neglecting to regularly replenish these can lead to dire situations, especially when facing hordes or ambushes.
• Skill Tree Choices: Investing in specific skills can dramatically alter gameplay. Skills that enhance melee combat, gunplay, or crafting capabilities can significantly ease the challenges of survival.
• Weapon Selection and Upgrades: Choosing the right weapon for the situation is crucial. Upgrading weapons and customizing them with suppressors can provide a significant advantage in combat.
• Stealth vs. Direct Combat: Days Gone allows for both stealthy approaches and direct confrontations. Mastering stealth mechanics can help avoid unnecessary fights and conserve resources.
• Horde Encounters: Hordes are one of the signature challenges in Days Gone. Approaching them unprepared is a recipe for disaster. Strategic planning, use of environmental traps, and powerful weaponry are essential for success.

Overcoming Early Game Challenges

Many players find the early hours of Days Gone to be the most challenging. Deacon St. John starts with limited resources, skills, and equipment, making survival feel precarious.

Tips for the Early Game

• Prioritize Stealth: Avoid unnecessary confrontations, especially with larger groups of Freakers. Use stealth to eliminate enemies one by one or sneak past them entirely.
• Scavenge Relentlessly: Thoroughly search every building and vehicle for resources. Scrap is especially important for repairing melee weapons and crafting essential items.
• Focus on Skill Upgrades: Invest early skill points in “Field Repairs” to repair melee weapons, “Focused” to increase Focus duration, and “Carry That Weight” to increase inventory space.
• Upgrade the Bike: The bike is Deacon’s lifeline. Upgrade the fuel tank, engine, and storage capacity as soon as possible to improve mobility and resource gathering.
• Avoid Hordes: Early on, hordes are best avoided. They are simply too overwhelming with limited resources and skills.

Is It Worth Playing Days Gone?

Despite any perceived difficulty, Days Gone offers a compelling and rewarding experience. The game’s narrative, character development, and open-world exploration provide a rich and immersive adventure.

• Compelling Story: The story of Deacon’s search for his wife and his struggles to survive in a post-apocalyptic world is emotionally engaging.
• Dynamic Open World: The open world of Days Gone is dynamic and unpredictable. Weather conditions, day/night cycles, and Freaker behavior all contribute to a constantly evolving environment.
• Satisfying Progression System: The game’s progression system allows players to steadily improve Deacon’s skills, equipment, and bike, making them feel more powerful and capable as they progress.
• Unique Horde Mechanics: The hordes in Days Gone are unlike anything seen in other zombie games. They are massive, relentless, and require careful planning and execution to defeat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Days Gone Difficulty

1. On what difficulty should I play Days Gone for the first time?

Normal is generally recommended for a first playthrough. It provides a balanced experience that allows you to enjoy the story and gameplay without being overly challenging.

2. Is Hard mode really that hard in Days Gone?

Hard mode does increase the challenge, but it’s manageable with strategic gameplay and resource management. It’s a good option for players familiar with survival games or looking for a more intense experience.

3. What is the hardest enemy in Days Gone?

Breakers are arguably the most challenging regular enemy due to their strength and resilience. Hordes, particularly the larger ones like the Old Sawmill Horde, pose the greatest overall threat.

4. Are there any difficulty trophies in Days Gone?

Yes, there is a trophy for completing the game on Survival difficulty.

5. Can I change the difficulty in Days Gone after starting the game?

Yes, you can change the difficulty at any time from the options menu, except for Survival II which can only be selected at the start of a new game.

6. Is it better to play stealthy or go in guns blazing in Days Gone?

Stealth is generally more efficient, especially early on. It conserves resources and allows you to eliminate enemies without attracting unwanted attention. However, direct combat can be necessary in certain situations.

7. What are the best skills to unlock early in Days Gone?

Field Repairs, Focused, Carry That Weight, and Hard Hitter are all excellent choices for early skill upgrades.

8. How do I deal with hordes in Days Gone?

Planning and preparation are key. Use environmental traps like explosive barrels and chokepoints to your advantage. Bring plenty of ammunition, explosives, and stamina-boosting items.

9. How important is upgrading the bike in Days Gone?

Upgrading the bike is crucial for mobility, resource gathering, and survival. Focus on the fuel tank, engine, and storage capacity first.

10. What is the best weapon to use in Days Gone?

The Chicago Chopper is widely considered one of the best weapons in the game due to its high fire rate and damage output. The .50 BFG sniper rifle is also excellent for long-range engagements.

11. How long does it take to beat Days Gone?

The main story takes around 36 hours to complete. Achieving 100% completion can take upwards of 65 hours.

12. Can you play Days Gone after beating the main story?

Yes, you can continue playing after completing the main story to explore the open world, complete side missions, and take down remaining hordes.

13. Are hordes missable in Days Gone?

No, hordes are not missable. You can encounter and defeat them at any time after they are unlocked in the game.

14. Is Days Gone scary?

Days Gone can be intense and suspenseful, particularly during horde encounters. The atmosphere and sound design contribute to a sense of dread and vulnerability.

15. Where can I learn more about the design and impact of video games on learning and society?

You can explore the valuable resources and research at the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Ultimately, the difficulty of Days Gone is subjective and adjustable. By understanding the game’s mechanics, difficulty settings, and gameplay choices, players can tailor their experience to match their skill level and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a challenging survival experience or a more accessible zombie adventure, Days Gone has something to offer. The game encourages players to adapt and learn, making it a rewarding experience that goes beyond simple button-mashing.