Can You Have More Than One Home Base in State of Decay 2? Exploring Base Management
The simple answer is no, you cannot have more than one active home base in State of Decay 2 at any given time. While the game allows you to establish multiple outposts, these serve as resource hubs and safety zones but not as alternative primary residences for your community. Only one location functions as your central home base, from which all your survivors, resources, and vehicles are managed. This limitation is a core mechanic of the game, forcing players to carefully choose and strategically upgrade their single base. Let’s delve deeper into how this mechanic works and what it means for your gameplay.
Understanding Home Bases and Outposts
Home Base Functionality
Your home base is the heart of your survival effort in State of Decay 2. It’s where your survivors sleep, manage resources, heal, and upgrade facilities. Every time you move to a new map or select a new base, all your survivors, resources, and vehicles automatically relocate to the chosen location. This primary base is crucial for managing morale, developing skills, and maintaining a semblance of order in the chaotic zombie apocalypse. You can find various bases across different maps, each with its own unique layout, built-in facilities, and potential for upgrades. Some bases, like the ones found in Heartland’s Trumbull Valley, are notably larger with more pre-built structures, while others offer unique perks, making the selection a key element of strategic play.
Outpost Utility
In contrast to home bases, outposts act more as resource generators and defensive locations. They don’t house your entire community but allow you to extend your reach across the map. By claiming an outpost, you gain access to resource bonuses based on the outpost type (like food, materials, or fuel). Outposts also create safe zones in their immediate vicinity, deterring zombies and providing a place to fall back to during long scavenging runs. However, you are limited to a maximum of seven outposts, unless you use mods on your Command Center to increase the number. These can provide valuable additional support to your home base and expand your resource streams. Choosing the right kind of outposts and placing them strategically is vital for long-term survival.
Choosing Your Home Base Wisely
Selecting a home base is a pivotal decision that impacts your entire playthrough. Each map has several bases with unique characteristics, influencing your gameplay style. Early in the game, you start with a small base. As you progress, you can choose from medium-sized locations in central areas and eventually large bases located on the map corners. The largest bases, including the Pterodactyl Ptark and the Farmland Compound in Trumbull Valley, offer extensive space, multiple building slots, and pre-built facilities, but often require a significant influence cost and a larger number of survivors to unlock. The best choice depends on your playstyle and resource needs. For example, a base with many small slots can be ideal for a community that prioritizes food production and crafting, while a base with more large slots might be preferable for those focused on defense and technology.
Moving to a New Home Base
Once you find a base you like, moving to it is straightforward. You first need to search the base for resources and eliminate all the zombies lurking inside. After that, you simply need to find the spot with the flag icon (not always marked on the map) and press the interact button to claim it. When you make the decision to move your community, it is important to remember that all your existing resources, vehicles, and survivors will move with you. Therefore, choosing your base is a one-time decision, unless you want to restart at a new location.
Community Management and Base Importance
Maintaining a happy and thriving community in State of Decay 2 is closely tied to your chosen home base. The best location can maximize morale and provide the resources needed to excel. Morale is crucial and can be improved by the right facilities, community traits, and a generally well-run base. For instance, the best way to maintain a safe and happy base is by having a good Infirmary, as well as a solid Workshop to keep resources flowing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the maximum community size in State of Decay 2?
The maximum community size is 12 survivors. However, the game starts limiting recruitment opportunities once you reach a population of 9 or more.
2. What are the best home bases on each map?
Some of the best bases are: Pterodactyl Ptark and Farmland Compound (Trumbull Valley); Barricaded Strip Mall and Mike’s Concrete (Drucker County); Lumber Mill (Providence Ridge); Container Fort (Cascade Hills), and Snyder Trucking Warehouse (Meagher Valley).
3. What is the most expensive base in State of Decay 2?
The Barricaded Strip Mall in Drucker County is one of the most expensive bases, requiring 3,500 influence and 8 survivors to unlock.
4. How do I claim a new home base in State of Decay 2?
After searching the new base and clearing all zombies, go to the spot with the flag icon (not marked on the map) and press the interact button to claim the base.
5. How many outposts can I have?
You can have a maximum of seven outposts, which can be increased with certain Command Center mods.
6. What is the difference between the main campaign and Heartland?
Heartland is a story-driven expansion with bespoke playable characters, set slightly in the future, focusing on blood plague mutations. The main campaign is an open-ended survival sandbox.
7. What are the best traits for survivors in State of Decay 2?
Some of the best traits include Volunteer Coordinator, Officer Material, Red Talon Operative, Indefatigable, Diehard Veteran, Unbreakable, Immortal, and Can Sleep Anywhere.
8. What is the best map in State of Decay 2?
Meagher Valley is often considered one of the best, as it has a good balance of density and resources, making it easy to traverse and loot.
9. Do houses restock in State of Decay 2?
No, once a location has been searched, it generally stays empty. The only exception would be missions or radio command resources that spawn new items.
10. How do you get more outpost slots in State of Decay 2?
You can install a Signal Antenna for one additional outpost slot or a Network Signal Booster for two at your Command Center.
11. What should I build first in my base in State of Decay 2?
Prioritize a Workshop for weapon repair and resource generation, an Infirmary for healing, and a Builder’s legacy boon for free power and water.
12. What do luxury items do in State of Decay 2?
Luxury items are purely for trading with vendors to get influence and other items.
13. Is State of Decay: Year One Edition worth playing?
Yes, it’s a good title for fans of the survival genre, offering a challenging zombie survival experience.
14. How many enclaves can I have in State of Decay 2?
You can have a maximum of 16 enclaves, including the Bounty Broker.
15. What does the builder’s leader legacy provide?
The Builder leader focuses on building base improvements and utilities. The boon grants free base-wide power and water.
Conclusion
While you can’t have multiple home bases in State of Decay 2, the single base mechanic encourages strategic planning, resource management, and community development. By choosing your base wisely, establishing strategic outposts, and building a balanced community, you can maximize your chances of survival against the zombie hordes and build a lasting community in the apocalypse. Remember that your home base is your lifeline and that its success is paramount to your overall survival in the game.