Do Enclaves Respawn in State of Decay 2? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, enclaves in State of Decay 2 do respawn. This mechanic is a core component of the game, ensuring a dynamic and ever-changing world. Unlike static elements that remain the same throughout your playthrough, enclaves will appear and disappear, offering new opportunities for interaction, recruitment, and conflict. While the specific location of any previous enclave won’t always be the same, new ones will continuously populate the map. This makes each playthrough feel fresh and unpredictable. The frequency of enclave respawns isn’t constant and can be influenced by factors like the current state of the game world, your actions, and the number of active enclaves already present.
Understanding Enclave Dynamics
Enclaves in State of Decay 2 are not simply static groups of survivors. They have their own needs, personalities, and goals. Your interactions with them can range from friendly trade and mutual assistance to fierce conflict and hostile takeovers. This dynamic interplay makes managing your relationships with enclaves a critical part of the gameplay experience. As you explore the map and complete various objectives, you will invariably encounter these groups. Some enclaves are more stable and consistent than others, while others might only be around for a brief period before disappearing or being wiped out by the zombie hordes.
The number of enclaves that exist on a map is also limited. You can’t have more than 16 enclaves simultaneously, and this includes the Bounty Broker. This limit ensures the game doesn’t become too chaotic and helps to maintain a sense of balance. As older enclaves are eliminated through combat or recruitment, new enclaves appear on the map, offering a constant stream of potential interaction.
Factors Affecting Enclave Respawn
While the game ensures the consistent appearance of enclaves, there are factors that influence when they will respawn:
- Enclave Elimination: Once an enclave has been eliminated, either by your hand or by the zombies, a slot opens up for a new enclave to generate. This could be relatively soon or after a longer period.
- Community Size: Your own community size and activity level can indirectly impact the game world, affecting enclave spawns to some extent.
- Map State: The overall state of the map, including the number of infestations and plague hearts, can play a role in enclave activity and spawns. Clearing infestations might allow new enclaves to appear.
- Game Progression: As you progress through the game, the types and frequency of the enclaves you encounter can change to match the game’s escalating difficulty and story.
- Randomness: A degree of randomness is always present in the game. As such, the time and locations of enclave respawns can vary.
Why is Enclave Respawn Important?
Enclave respawning is a fundamental mechanic for several reasons:
- Dynamic Gameplay: It prevents the game from becoming static, ensuring there are always new challenges and opportunities.
- Resource Management: Enclaves can be important trading partners for resources, weapons, and even recruits.
- Social Interactions: Managing your relations with enclaves provides a crucial social element to the game.
- Recruitment Options: Certain enclaves offer unique recruitment opportunities, providing your community with access to new skills and abilities.
- Combat Opportunities: Dealing with hostile enclaves provides some combat and scavenging opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Enclaves
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding enclaves and their respawn mechanics, designed to provide even more insights:
1. How many enclaves can exist simultaneously on the map?
The maximum number of enclaves that can exist simultaneously on a map in State of Decay 2 is 16, including the Bounty Broker. Once this limit is reached, no new enclaves will generate until one is eliminated through combat or recruitment.
2. Can I recruit an entire enclave?
You can recruit members of medic, mechanic, drunk, and soldier enclaves. To do so, you must complete their missions. Eventually, you will get a mission that, if refused, would cancel the enclave’s project. After that, they will radio you to join your community, which, if accepted, will bring all three members.
3. How do I get rid of an enclave?
You have two main methods to get rid of an enclave: become allied with them and then recruit one member, disbanding the group, or make them hostile by threatening them, and then eliminating the entire enclave through combat.
4. What happens if I become hostile with an enclave?
If you threaten an enclave, they will become hostile and attack you on sight. You can then take over their base by eliminating all members. However, be aware that hostile enclaves can be very dangerous.
5. How many allies can I have in my community?
You are limited to a maximum of 12 survivors in your community. After reaching a population of nine, new recruitment opportunities become less frequent.
6. Can I threaten every enclave?
No. You cannot threaten allied enclaves. You can threaten friendly enclaves, and the game will not allow it with some specific groups or if you do not meet specific requirements.
7. Can I recruit cannibals?
Yes, it’s possible. If you kill the person they ask you to bring in their questline, they become friendly. If you complete their missions and follow up with the trader legacy mission, they will become allied, and you can recruit one member.
8. What is the fastest way to recruit people?
Completing quests for enclaves will increase their favor toward you, making them more likely to join your community. Each quest completion grants 100+ Influence and sometimes useful items.
9. What happens if I disband my community?
If you disband, all non-legacy characters will be lost, including their supplies in your locker. If you continue, you can choose a new map, difficulty, and survivors.
10. What is the most difficult map?
Meagher Valley is generally considered the most difficult map due to its dense zombie populations and frequent hordes.
11. What happens when I send a survivor to the legacy pool?
They will be saved but not part of your next community. You also keep the contents of your supply locker when continuing.
12. How long does it take to 100% the game?
On average, it takes about 116 hours to 100% complete State of Decay 2, focusing on all aspects of the game.
13. What does an awakened plague heart do?
An awakened plague heart will actively send out infesting hordes to attack your base. Certain actions in plague territory can raise the alertness of plague hearts until they awaken.
14. What are legacy boons?
Legacy boons are bonuses that you unlock when you complete the game with specific leader types and can use on future playthroughs. You can unlock up to two legacy boons.
15. What is the best base in State of Decay 2?
The best base depends on your playstyle, but commonly recommended ones include: Pterodactyl Ptark and Farmland Compound in Trumbull Valley, Barricaded Strip Mall and Mike’s Concrete in Drucker County, and the Lumber Mill in Providence Ridge.
Conclusion
Enclave respawning is a critical and compelling mechanic in State of Decay 2. Understanding how enclaves work, their respawn patterns, and their various interactions is crucial for mastering the game. By actively engaging with enclaves, you can acquire valuable resources, recruits, and a more dynamic and engaging experience. Embrace the unpredictability and adapt to the ever-changing landscape as you strive to survive the zombie apocalypse.