Does the Sawmill Horde Count in Days Gone? Unraveling the Freaker Frenzy

Yes, the Sawmill Horde counts in Days Gone, but with a crucial caveat. You won’t receive official completion credit, or the associated experience boost, until you take them down during a specific story mission near the end of the game. While you can technically eliminate the horde before this mission, the game won’t register it as “completed” until the designated storyline event. Many players attempt to tackle this monstrous mass of Freakers early, only to discover that their efforts aren’t officially recognized, leading to frustration and wasted resources. Therefore, while the horde is certainly present and destructible, its impact on your progression is gated by the narrative.

Understanding the Sawmill Horde’s Significance

The Old Sawmill Horde is not just another Freaker cluster; it’s arguably the most iconic and challenging horde in Days Gone. With around 500 Freakers, this massive swarm represents a significant test of your skills, strategy, and resources. Its location at the Old Sawmill provides a complex environment filled with chokepoints, vantage points, and environmental hazards, all of which can be used to your advantage – or exploited by the horde. Successfully conquering this horde early requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics, a well-equipped arsenal, and a carefully planned strategy.

When Does the Sawmill Horde Count?

As mentioned, the game recognizes the Sawmill Horde as “defeated” only during the designated story mission, which occurs towards the end of the main storyline. Even if you manage to wipe them out beforehand, they may respawn, or the game won’t register the completion, so you’ll need to fight them again during the mission to get the official completion. This is important to keep in mind as you progress through Days Gone, as it will help you plan your progression in the game.

Tactics and Strategies for Tackling the Sawmill Horde

Even though you might want to wait until the story mission to receive official credit, learning how to defeat the Sawmill Horde is a key aspect of mastering Days Gone. Here are some effective strategies:

• Preparation is Key: Before engaging the horde, scout the area thoroughly. Identify escape routes, chokepoints, and areas where you can funnel the Freakers. Gather resources and craft essential items like attractors, explosives, and Molotov cocktails.
• Leverage Environmental Hazards: The Old Sawmill is filled with environmental hazards that can be used to your advantage. Exploding barrels, fuel tankers, and makeshift traps can significantly thin the horde’s ranks.
• Attractors and Explosives: Attractors are incredibly useful for grouping Freakers together, making them vulnerable to explosives. Combine attractors with grenades, proximity mines, or explosive bolts for maximum damage.
• The Chicago Chopper: This weapon is a Freaker-slaying machine. Its high rate of fire and large magazine capacity make it ideal for mowing down hordes. Pair it with the SMP9 sidearm for close-quarters combat.
• Hit-and-Run Tactics: Don’t stay in one place for too long. Use hit-and-run tactics to deal damage and avoid being overwhelmed. Utilize your bike for quick escapes and repositioning.
• Focus Fire on Screamers: Screamers can amplify the horde and make them more aggressive. Prioritize eliminating Screamers to reduce the overall threat level.
• Upgrade Your Skills: Invest in skills that enhance your survivability, weapon handling, and crafting abilities. Skills like “Crowd Control” and “Iron Grip” can make a significant difference in horde battles.

FAQ: Sawmill Horde and Beyond

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Sawmill Horde and other horde-related aspects of Days Gone:

Is the Sawmill Horde the Biggest in Days Gone?

Yes, the Old Sawmill Horde is widely considered the largest and most challenging horde in Days Gone, boasting around 500 Freakers.

Can You Beat the Sawmill Horde Early?

Yes, it is possible to beat the Sawmill Horde before the story mission, but you won’t receive official completion credit until the designated storyline event.

Where Does Two Dog Hide in Days Gone?

Two Dog was last seen near the Old Sawmill, according to Rikki.

Why is the Sawmill Horde Not Spawning?

If the Sawmill Horde isn’t spawning, try closing the app and reloading your save. Sleeping at the NERO checkpoint nearby can sometimes cause them to despawn temporarily.

What’s the Best Weapon for Killing Hordes in Days Gone?

The Chicago Chopper is considered one of the best weapons for horde clearing, especially during the late-game. Early to mid-game, the MWS, SMP9, and MG45 are solid choices.

Are Hordes Marked on the Map in Days Gone?

Yes, horde camps are eventually marked on the map as you progress through the story. Three red circles will indicate their possible location as you get closer.

What Are Some Other Challenging Hordes in Days Gone?

Besides the Old Sawmill Horde, other challenging hordes include:

• White King Mine Horde
• Chemult Community College Horde
• Rimview Ranch Horde
• Sagebrush Point Horde
• ‘Keep Them Safe’ Horde
• ‘What It Takes To Survive’ Horde
• Chemult Horde

How Many Freakers are in a Horde?

Hordes can range in size from 25 to 500 Swarmers.

Do Freakers Respawn in Days Gone?

Yes, Freakers respawn after a day passes or if you are away from the area for a while.

Can You Reset Hordes in Days Gone?

Yes, you can reset horde jobs after beating the main campaign and completing the Horde Killer storyline at 100%.

How Many Regions are in Days Gone?

The Days Gone map is divided into six regions: Cascade, Belknap, Lost Lake, Iron Butte, Crater Lake, and Highway 97.

Will There Be a Days Gone 2?

While Days Gone ends on a cliffhanger, suggesting a sequel, evidence suggests that Sony shot down the idea for a Days Gone sequel.

What are Newts in Days Gone?

Newts are adolescent children or teenagers infected with the “Freaker Virus.”

Who is the Intelligent Freaker in Days Gone?

The only known intelligent Freaker is James O’Brian, but he implies there are others and that N.E.R.O. is under their control.

What is the Fastest Zombie in Days Gone?

Reachers are incredibly fast, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40mph.

Conclusion

The Sawmill Horde is a formidable challenge in Days Gone, and taking it down is a true test of your skills. While you might be tempted to tackle it early, remember that the official completion and rewards are tied to a specific story mission. So, plan your approach carefully, gather your resources, and prepare for an epic battle against the Freaker horde. Games can offer incredible insights into leadership, planning, and team dynamics, topics explored by organizations like the Games Learning Society. You can learn more about how games can enhance learning by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org. The integration of gameplay mechanics with educational principles is an exciting frontier, and Days Gone provides a compelling example of how challenging gameplay can translate to valuable problem-solving skills.