Does State of Decay 2 Have an Ending? Exploring the Legacy System and Endgame
Yes, State of Decay 2 does have an ending, but it’s not a traditional, linear narrative conclusion. Instead, the game utilizes a system called “Legacies”, which function as the endgame scenarios. After you successfully eliminate all the Plague Hearts on your map, you unlock a series of missions unique to your community leader. Completing these leader-specific missions triggers the game’s ending and awards you a “Boon” that can be used in future playthroughs. This system allows for replayability and encourages players to experience different leadership styles and their consequences.
The game is less about a single, definitive ending and more about the journey of survival and community building. The Legacy system provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment and closure for each community, while also opening up new possibilities for future playthroughs. The focus shifts from mere survival to establishing a lasting legacy in a world overrun by the undead. This approach makes State of Decay 2 a unique and engaging experience that rewards long-term commitment and strategic decision-making.
Understanding the Legacy System
The core of State of Decay 2’s endgame lies within its Legacy system. Each of your community members possesses a specific skill or characteristic that qualifies them to become the community leader. The four leader types and their associated legacies are:
- Sheriff: Focuses on bringing justice and order to the post-apocalyptic world. Their Boon provides daily resource income.
- Trader: Emphasizes trade and economic prosperity. Their Boon provides access to a valuable trader at the start of the game.
- Warlord: Prioritizes strength and eliminating threats by force. Their Boon provides weapons and ammunition.
- Builder: Aims to rebuild society and provide essential infrastructure. Their Boon provides free utilities at your base.
Once you’ve eradicated all Plague Hearts, you’ll begin receiving missions specific to your current leader. These missions typically involve resolving conflicts, securing resources, or making difficult choices that reflect their leadership style. Completing these missions culminates in a final mission that triggers the Legacy ending.
Preparing for the Endgame
Before initiating the Legacy missions, it’s crucial to prepare your community for the transition. The game “retires” the community and its inventory once the final mission is complete, but specific characters can be added to your Legacy Pool. Here are a few key steps to take:
- Choose Your Legacy Pool: Select up to three of your most skilled and valuable survivors to add to your Legacy Pool. These survivors will be available to start new communities in future playthroughs.
- Stock Up on Resources: While you won’t be able to carry over all your resources, ensure you have enough supplies to complete the final missions. Ammunition, medicine, and repair kits are essential.
- Upgrade Your Base: Maximize your base’s facilities to provide a lasting benefit to your community, even as it nears its end.
- Equip Your Survivors: Give your chosen Legacy Pool survivors the best weapons, armor, and accessories you can find.
Replayability and Legacy Boons
The Legacy system is designed to encourage replayability. Each leader type offers a unique ending and a powerful Boon that can significantly impact future playthroughs. Furthermore, after completing multiple Legacy endings, you can choose to activate up to two Boons simultaneously at the start of a new game, creating even more diverse and challenging experiences.
Experimenting with different leader types and Boon combinations is a key element of State of Decay 2’s long-term appeal. It allows players to tailor their gameplay experience to their preferred style, whether it’s focusing on resource management, combat prowess, or community development. This replayability contributes significantly to the game’s longevity and its success as a zombie survival simulator.
The Future of State of Decay: State of Decay 3
While State of Decay 2 continues to receive updates and support, the anticipation for State of Decay 3 is growing. The game was announced in 2020, and although details remain scarce, it promises to build upon the foundations of its predecessors with enhanced graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and a deeper, more immersive world. While rumors suggest a possible release date around 2027, fans eagerly await further news from Undead Labs. State of Decay 3 is currently in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens when you beat State of Decay 2?
When you “beat” State of Decay 2 by completing your leader’s Legacy missions, that community is retired. Characters you didn’t put in your Legacy Pool are lost, and your base is disbanded. You then receive the Boon associated with that leader, which you can use in future playthroughs.
2. How many endings does State of Decay 2 have?
State of Decay 2 has four main endings, each corresponding to one of the four leader types: Sheriff, Trader, Warlord, and Builder. Each ending features unique missions and a unique Boon reward.
3. Can you continue playing after beating State of Decay 2?
No, you cannot continue playing with the same community after completing the Legacy missions. The community is retired. However, you can start a new game with survivors from your Legacy Pool and activate Boons earned from previous playthroughs.
4. What is the main goal of State of Decay 2?
The main goal of State of Decay 2 is to build and maintain a thriving community of survivors, manage resources, and eliminate the zombie threat, particularly the Plague Hearts. Ultimately, the goal is to complete a Legacy, securing a better future for humanity.
5. What is the max amount of survivors you can have in State of Decay 2?
The maximum number of survivors you can have in a community in State of Decay 2 is 12. However, recruitment opportunities become less frequent as your community size increases beyond 9.
6. Is death permanent in State of Decay 2?
Yes, death is permanent in State of Decay 2. There is no way to revive a dead character without using mods or save editing. This makes every decision and every encounter potentially life-threatening.
7. Can you solo State of Decay 2?
Yes, State of Decay 2 can be played solo. You can also play multiplayer, joining your friend’s game or having them join yours to collaborate and survive together.
8. How long does it take to complete State of Decay 2?
When focusing on the main objectives, State of Decay 2 is about 16 hours in length. If you’re aiming for 100% completion, expect to spend around 116 hours.
9. What happens if you disband your community in State of Decay 2?
If you choose to disband your community, you’ll lose all the characters that you don’t send to the Legacy Pool and all the supplies in your locker. It’s generally better to complete a Legacy ending rather than disbanding.
10. Is there a main story in State of Decay 2?
State of Decay 2 has a main storyline divided into three phases, guided by your goals. However, you are free to pursue alternative objectives and manage your community as you see fit, even without pushing the main story forward.
11. How do you recruit an entire enclave in State of Decay 2?
You can recruit certain enclaves, such as medics, mechanics, or soldiers, by completing their missions until they offer to join your community. Accepting this offer will recruit all members of the enclave.
12. Do cars disappear in State of Decay 2?
Vehicles in State of Decay 2 do not despawn permanently. The last vehicle you used should be marked on the map.
13. What is the best base in State of Decay 2?
The best base in State of Decay 2 depends on the map and your play style. Some popular options include Pterodactyl Ptark and Farmland Compound in Trumbull Valley, Barricaded Strip Mall and Mike’s Concrete in Drucker County, and Lumber Mill in Providence Ridge.
14. What are Legacy Boons and how do I use them?
Legacy Boons are rewards you earn for completing the game with a specific leader. These Boons provide significant advantages when starting a new community. You can choose up to two Boons to activate at the beginning of a new game.
15. What is Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society is a community of researchers, educators, and game developers exploring the intersection of games and learning. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org or https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
State of Decay 2 offers a compelling blend of survival, strategy, and community management, culminating in a satisfying Legacy system that rewards players for their efforts. With its replayability, diverse gameplay options, and the promise of State of Decay 3, the franchise continues to thrive in the zombie survival genre.