How to Win State of Decay 2: A Comprehensive Guide
The core objective in State of Decay 2 isn’t simply surviving the zombie apocalypse, it’s about building a lasting legacy for your community. You don’t just “beat” the game in the traditional sense of completing a linear campaign. Instead, winning in State of Decay 2 means completing a legacy storyline tied to your chosen leader. This involves systematically eradicating the plague, managing your community, and finally fulfilling your leader’s ambition to cement your group’s place in the post-apocalyptic world. In short, to win State of Decay 2, you must destroy all plague hearts in your chosen map and then complete the endgame legacy missions associated with your leader.
Understanding the Endgame
The game isn’t designed with a singular “final boss.” Instead, it’s a combination of strategic resource management and combat preparedness that leads to victory. Here’s a breakdown:
The Plague Heart Threat
The plague hearts are the primary source of the zombified plague, and they constantly spread the infection throughout the map. These are challenging encounters, often requiring substantial preparation, firepower, and teamwork if playing in co-op. Until all plague hearts in the map are destroyed, the true endgame won’t begin. Clearing these hearts also reduces the frequency and severity of plague zombie infestations.
Leader Selection and Legacy Goals
After a member of your community reaches the “Hero” rank, you can designate them as a leader. Crucially, the type of leader you choose will determine the specific legacy you are pursuing. There are four leader types, each with a unique endgame:
- Sheriff: Focuses on helping other communities and establishing a new order.
- Builder: Dedicated to building a self-sufficient and prosperous community.
- Trader: Aims to establish trade networks and become a crucial part of the economy.
- Warlord: Prioritizes combat, dominance, and ensuring the survival of the strongest.
Legacy Missions
Once all plague hearts are gone, you’ll unlock a series of legacy missions directly related to your leader’s chosen path. These missions will test your community’s skills, resourcefulness, and ability to adapt. Successfully completing these missions culminates in the “ending” for your community, solidifying your legacy in the game world. This signifies your win. After completing these, you can continue playing with your established community or start a new one.
Key Factors in Achieving Victory
Success in State of Decay 2 requires a multifaceted approach:
- Community Management: Carefully recruiting, training, and managing your community members is essential. Each survivor possesses unique skills and traits, which can impact your base operations, scavenging, and combat effectiveness.
- Base Building and Upgrades: Choosing the right base and developing its facilities are critical for long-term survival. You’ll need to invest in workshops, medical bays, gardens, and other amenities to support your community.
- Resource Gathering and Scavenging: Scavenging for food, medicine, ammunition, and other essential resources will be a constant activity. Learn the map and identify areas with high-value loot.
- Combat Proficiency: Mastering combat skills and understanding zombie behavior is essential for survival. Learn to use stealth, melee weapons, firearms, and explosives strategically. Prioritize headshots, and always go for instant kills when possible.
- Vehicle Maintenance: Vehicles are vital for navigating the map and transporting resources. Learn to maintain them properly and use them tactically.
FAQ: Winning in State of Decay 2
1. What is the main goal of State of Decay 2?
The main goal is to build and manage a community of survivors, eliminate the plague threat by destroying plague hearts, and complete the unique legacy missions associated with your chosen leader.
2. How many endings does State of Decay 2 have?
There are four endings in State of Decay 2, one for each leader type (Sheriff, Builder, Trader, and Warlord).
3. Can you continue playing after “winning” State of Decay 2?
Yes, after completing your legacy, you can return to the game world with your surviving community and continue playing, though some characters involved in the final mission may no longer be available.
4. What happens if everyone in my community dies?
If all survivors die, a new community will spawn at the start, and you will need to begin the game from scratch.
5. What is the best leader role in State of Decay 2?
The “best” leader role is subjective and depends on your play style. The Sheriff is often preferred for larger, more mission-oriented communities, while the Builder is ideal for creating a sustainable haven. The Trader and Warlord paths offer more specific play styles based around wealth and warfare respectively.
6. What are the best traits in State of Decay 2?
Beneficial traits often include those that boost morale (Volunteer Coordinator, Officer Material), combat effectiveness (Red Talon Operative, Diehard Veteran), and character resilience (Indefatigable, Unbreakable, Immortal).
7. What are some good beginner tips for State of Decay 2?
Prioritize learning the map, focus on looting high-value areas, understanding zombie types, stocking up before tackling plague hearts, using instant kills, maintaining stealth, and taking care of your vehicles.
8. What is the best vehicle in State of Decay 2?
The Brogan Trekker is widely regarded as one of the best vehicles due to its durability and storage capacity, making it ideal for larger groups. Other good options include the Survey Car, Military Truck, and Utility Truck.
9. What are some good bases in State of Decay 2?
Some of the best bases include Pterodactyl Ptark and the Farmland Compound in Trumbull Valley, the Barricaded Strip Mall and Mike’s Concrete in Drucker County, and the Lumber Mill in Providence Ridge.
10. When should I move bases in State of Decay 2?
It’s ideal to move to a larger base after you’ve gained several community members, as these larger bases generally have more facilities and perks.
11. Is it necessary to sleep in State of Decay 2?
Adequate beds are required for survivors to recover from fatigue. Having fewer beds than community members slows recovery, and fatigued companions may abandon you during missions.
12. Which is the best map in State of Decay 2?
Many players consider Meagher Valley to be the best map for its density of buildings, ease of looting, and balanced challenges.
13. Can you play State of Decay 2 solo?
Yes, State of Decay 2 can be played either solo or in multiplayer co-op.
14. What happens if you don’t clear infestations in State of Decay 2?
Unchecked infestations will continue to grow, becoming more dangerous over time. They will produce Screamers, which can attract hordes, and ultimately become a major problem for your community.
15. How do I cure plague infections in State of Decay 2?
You must find and destroy plague hearts to obtain the materials necessary for creating the plague cure in your medical facility.
Conclusion
Winning in State of Decay 2 is a journey, not a destination. It requires strategic planning, resource management, combat proficiency, and dedication to the unique vision of your chosen leader. Understanding the mechanics of the game, managing your community effectively, and taking the steps to complete your leader’s legacy is key to achieving victory. By destroying the plague hearts and completing your legacy missions, you not only survive the zombie apocalypse, but you also leave a lasting mark on the world, a true measure of success in the game.