Mastering Base Building: How to Snag Those Coveted Large Slots in State of Decay 2

So, you’re diving into the zombie-infested world of State of Decay 2 and quickly realizing that base management is just as important as headshot accuracy. One of the key aspects of a thriving community is optimizing your base, and that means making the most of your facility slots. But how do you get those valuable large slots that allow you to build game-changing facilities? The short answer: you can’t create large slots. Your base size and the number of large slots are pre-determined by the location you choose to call home. You must move to a larger base location that already possesses the desired number of large slots.

Understanding Facility Slots

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s break down what facility slots are and why they matter. In State of Decay 2, your home base isn’t just a safe haven; it’s a hub of activity. You need to generate resources, heal the wounded, train skills, and keep morale high. All this requires facilities, and facilities require slots.

• Slots: These are the designated spaces within your base where you can construct facilities.
• Small Slots: Primarily for smaller, more basic facilities like gardens, workshops, or medical areas.
• Large Slots: Reserved for larger, more impactful facilities that require more space and resources, such as farms, trade depots, or armories.

The availability of these slots, especially the large ones, significantly dictates the potential and capabilities of your base. They’re not just about quantity; they’re about quality. Having enough large slots allows you to create a self-sufficient and thriving community, capable of weathering any storm (or zombie horde).

Finding the Right Base

As mentioned before, you can’t magically conjure more large slots. Instead, your focus should be on selecting the right base in the first place or moving to a new one when your needs outgrow your current setup. Here’s what to look for:

1. Scouting is Key: Before committing to a base, thoroughly scout the location. Drive around, clear out any immediate threats, and then access the base menu (usually by approaching the base’s signpost or command center). This will show you the layout, the number of small and large slots, and any pre-existing facilities.

2. Prioritize Large Slots: If your long-term plan involves building specific large facilities (like a farm for food sustainability or a trade depot for resource acquisition), make sure the base you choose has enough of these slots.

3. Map Matters: The best base for you will also vary based on which map you’re playing on. Meagher Valley is often praised for its balanced layout and good base options. Drucker County might offer more isolated bases, while Cascade Hills provides challenging terrain and strategic locations.

4. Consider Built-in Facilities: While you’re primarily looking for large slots, also consider the existing facilities. Some bases come with useful built-ins, like a workshop or a medical bay. However, remember that these often cannot be removed, which can limit your flexibility.

5. Community Size: A smaller community might thrive in a smaller base with fewer large slots. A larger community requires more resources and facilities, necessitating a base with more space.

Top Base Locations with Abundant Large Slots

While the “best” base is subjective and depends on your playstyle and needs, here are some notable locations across different maps known for their generous large slot offerings:

• Meagher Valley:

  • Whitney Field: A popular choice with ample beds and several slots, making it great for larger communities.

• Cascade Hills:

  • Container Fort: Boasts a whopping seven building slots, including two large slots, making it a powerhouse of potential.

• Drucker County:

  • Barricaded Strip Mall: This large base in Drucker County comes with 2 large slots.

• Trumbull Valley:

  • Pterodactyl Ptark: A large base in Trumbull Valley with great potential for long-term sustainability.
  • Farmland Compound: Located in Trumbull Valley, this base offers large slots as well as great resource output.

• Providence Ridge:

  • Lumber Mill: This location offers plenty of space and resources.

Maximizing Your Slots

Once you’ve secured a base with the right number of large slots, it’s time to optimize their use.

1. Strategic Planning: Before building anything, plan out your base layout. Consider what resources are most critical to your community’s survival and choose facilities accordingly.

2. Complementary Facilities: Choose facilities that complement each other. For example, a farm works well with a kitchen, providing a consistent food source.

3. Facility Mods: Many facilities can be upgraded with mods that enhance their output or add new functionalities. Experiment with different mods to find the best combinations for your needs.

4. Community Skills: The skills of your community members also influence facility effectiveness. A member with gardening skills will significantly boost farm output, while someone with mechanics skills will enhance the workshop’s capabilities.

5. Don’t Neglect the Small Slots: While large slots are crucial, don’t underestimate the importance of small slots. They can house essential facilities like workshops, medical areas, and training grounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions regarding base building and slots in State of Decay 2:

1. Can I destroy a built-in facility to create a new slot?

   • Generally, no. Built-in facilities are permanent and cannot be removed or replaced, with the exception of your Command Center, which can be upgraded.

2. What’s the best large facility to build early in the game?

   • This depends on your playstyle and community needs. However, a farm or garden is often a good early choice for securing a reliable food source.

3. Are some maps better than others for base building?

   • Yes, maps vary in terms of terrain, resource availability, and base locations. Meagher Valley is often considered a good starting map due to its balanced layout.

4. Can I move my base without losing my progress?

   • Yes, you can move your base at any time. However, you’ll need to pack up all your resources and facilities, and you’ll incur a cost in terms of influence.

5. How many bases can I have simultaneously?

   • You can only have one main base at a time. However, you can claim multiple outposts to provide additional resources and benefits.

6. What’s the purpose of outposts?

   • Outposts provide various benefits, such as resource income, safe zones, and access to specific resources like water or power.

7. How do I claim an outpost?

   • Clear the area of zombies, then approach the outpost location and spend influence to claim it.

8. Can I upgrade my Command Center?

   • Yes, upgrading your Command Center unlocks new abilities, facilities, and outpost slots.

9. What’s the significance of community morale?

   • Morale affects your community’s overall performance and happiness. Low morale can lead to infighting, desertion, and even outbreaks of violence.

10. How can I improve community morale?

    • Provide adequate resources, build comfortable living spaces, complete community goals, and resolve disputes peacefully.

11. Are some community members better suited for base management than others?

    • Yes, community members with skills like gardening, cooking, medicine, and mechanics can significantly improve the efficiency of your facilities.

12. What is the staging area good for?

    • The Staging Area facility speeds up the Global Build Action Speed and covers the Materials upkeep costs of all of your facilities, for free.

13. Does difficulty level affect base building?

    • Yes, higher difficulty levels often result in increased zombie activity and resource scarcity, making base management more challenging.

14. How do traits affect survivors?

    • Each survivor has different traits that affect their performance. Some traits can be really good, like unbreakable which offers +45 Max Health and -100% Injury Chance.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and the social impact of games?

    • If you’re interested in the deeper aspects of gaming, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society. This organization focuses on the intersection of games, learning, and social impact. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

Mastering base building in State of Decay 2 is an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and optimizing. Understanding the importance of large slots, choosing the right base, and strategically utilizing your facilities are all crucial for building a thriving community that can survive the zombie apocalypse. Good luck out there, and happy building!