Level Up Your Base: A Comprehensive Guide to Improving Utilities in State of Decay 2
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Improving your base’s utilities in State of Decay 2 is essential for long-term survival and community prosperity. Utilities, primarily power and water, dictate the functionality of your facilities, morale, and overall resource production. The core mechanic revolves around building and upgrading specific facilities that generate these resources. Simply put, to improve your utilities you need to construct power- and water-generating facilities, and then activate these facilities to begin seeing the benefits, often leading to an increase in resource generation and improved community morale. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Powering Your Survival
Generator: The Workhorse of Power
The Generator is your basic power solution, requiring fuel to operate. It provides base-wide power when active and provides a morale boost for your community. However, the constant need for fuel makes it a resource-intensive option. It’s a great starting point and useful for powering up your base quickly. Keep in mind that the noise generated by the generator can attract unwanted attention in the form of hordes.
Solar Array: Free and Silent Power
The Solar Array is an excellent alternative to the generator. Once built, it provides free, silent power to your entire base without the need for fuel or any other upkeep. The only drawback is its initial build cost but, once in place, it’s the most efficient and convenient option. Its quiet operation also helps to reduce unwanted attention from zombies. This should be your go-to facility for long-term power stability.
Power Outposts: Claiming External Resources
Beyond base facilities, you can claim Power Outposts. These locations are scattered throughout the map and when claimed, will grant base-wide power similar to what a Generator or Solar Array can offer. This is an excellent solution for communities that are still struggling to get a permanent power facility running or want a secondary source of electricity.
Wind Mills: Landmark Outposts
Similar to Power Outposts, Wind Mills also act as a landmark outpost that provides base-wide power. They are not as common but are worth seeking out if you are in an area where they are available.
Unique Facility Power Sources
Some unique bases, like the Prescott Fire Station, have built-in power facilities. The Utility Room at the Prescott Fire Station provides the benefits of a Rain Collector and a Level 3 Generator and cannot be demolished. Furthermore, the Red Talon Workshop has its own power supply, but only the facility benefits from it.
Securing Your Water Supply
Latrine: Basic Sanitation
The Latrine, while primarily for sanitation, is one of the first steps in establishing your base’s water collection system. It can later be paired with other facilities to improve your water supply.
Rain Collector: Gathering Natural Resources
The Rain Collector gathers rainwater to provide a steady supply of water for your community. This is crucial for the health and well-being of your survivors and works well to keep your water source stable.
Still: Purifying Your Water
The Still is another way to improve your water supply. Often used in conjunction with the rain collector, the Still will purify the water you collect, making it safe for drinking.
Upgrading Your Utilities
Once your utilities are operational, focus on upgrading them:
- Facility Mods: Use facility mods to enhance the efficiency and output of your power and water facilities. These mods can increase resource production and provide other beneficial effects.
- Leveling Up Skills: Some survivor skills can improve facility performance, such as a character with the Mechanics skill improving Generator efficiency or a character with the Plumbing skill enhancing your water collection.
- Strategic Placement: While most utility facilities provide base-wide benefits, placement within your base can influence other facilities. Make sure that you build in a way that provides convenient access and efficient use.
- Specialization: Some facilities have unique specializations or uses that will benefit your base, and some survivors have unique hero bonuses to increase the output. Make sure that you take full advantage of all possibilities.
By diligently pursuing these methods, you will solidify your base’s stability and ensure your community’s survival against the odds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best utility skill in State of Decay 2?
While many skills are useful, the Spin Kick is considered highly beneficial due to its effectiveness against Ferals. It’s not directly related to utility facility output, but increases survivor survivability.
2. How do I unlock utility skills in State of Decay 2?
Utility skills are improved by doing actions within the game that are related to said skill. For example, the mechanics skill is raised by repairing cars, etc. Some skills are learned from textbooks, or from other enclaves, and are not improved via actions.
3. What does the Utility Room in the Prescott Fire Station do?
The Utility Room combines a Rain Collector and a Level 3 Generator without needing facility mods. It’s a unique benefit of that base.
4. How does the Solar Array work?
The Solar Array provides free and silent base-wide power, eliminating the need for fuel. It’s a maintenance-free power solution once established.
5. What are the downsides of using a Generator?
The Generator requires fuel to operate, and its noise can attract zombies. However, it provides base-wide power and a morale bonus.
6. Is there a limit to how many facilities I can build?
Yes, you are limited by the number of facility slots at your base. Choose wisely and prioritize your needs.
7. What is the ideal community size in State of Decay 2?
While the game allows up to 12 survivors, a community of 9 or less allows for easier recruitment. Balancing survivors is key to optimal resource management and survival.
8. What are some of the best survivor traits in State of Decay 2?
Traits like Volunteer Coordinator, Officer Material, Red Talon Operative, Indefatigable, and Diehard Veteran are among the best for improving morale, combat effectiveness, and resource management.
9. What is the best base in State of Decay 2?
Bases like Pterodactyl Ptark, Farmland Compound, Barricaded Strip Mall, Mike’s Concrete, and Lumber Mill are frequently cited as top choices based on their built-in facilities and strategic locations.
10. How do I find unique vehicles like the Megalodon?
The Megalodon is a reward from the Bounty Broker and is part of the Plunder Pack. You cannot find it in the game world normally.
11. How do I choose the right leader for my community?
Warlords are excellent for providing ammunition, Builders provide legacy bonuses that make later games easier, Sheriffs focus on law and order, and Traders focus on trade. Choose based on your playstyle.
12. What should I build first in a new base?
Prioritize a Still for water, a Garden for food, and a Medical Facility. Having these running early on in the game is critical for your community.
13. What does the Legacy system in State of Decay 2 do?
Characters sent to the Legacy Pool carry over all of their items and leveled perks, making it possible to create extremely powerful characters when starting new games. You also get legacy bonuses for beating the game with certain leader types that carry over into new playthroughs.
14. Do I need to worry about my survivors sleeping?
Yes, lack of sufficient beds leads to slower fatigue recovery. Make sure that you have enough beds for everyone in your community.
15. Can I have more than one base in State of Decay 2?
No, you can only have one main base. You can, however, claim various outposts to boost resource income and provide defensive buffers.