Is State of Decay 2 a Fun Game? A Deep Dive into Zombie Survival
Yes, State of Decay 2 is undeniably a fun game, offering a compelling blend of survival, strategy, and action within a zombie-infested open world. However, the enjoyment is heavily reliant on the player’s preferences. If you appreciate games that demand resourcefulness, base building, community management, and a constant struggle against overwhelming odds, then State of Decay 2 will likely be a highly rewarding experience. It’s not a game for those seeking a linear narrative with a defined protagonist, but rather a sandbox where you create your own stories of survival.
The Core Appeal: Survival and Community
State of Decay 2 shines in its simulation of a post-apocalyptic world where every decision has consequences. You’re not just fighting zombies; you’re managing a community of survivors, scavenging for resources, fortifying your base, and dealing with internal conflicts and external threats. The game’s dynamic world means that no two playthroughs are ever quite the same. Random events, evolving zombie hordes, and the ever-present threat of losing a valuable survivor make each session unique and engaging.
Base Building and Community Management
The base building mechanic is a core element of the gameplay loop. You’ll need to establish a safe haven, upgrade facilities, and manage resources like food, medicine, and ammunition. Each survivor in your community has unique skills and traits, and you must leverage these effectively to ensure the collective survival. Balancing their needs and preventing internal issues like low morale or exhaustion is crucial. This complex community management aspect adds a layer of strategy often absent in other zombie games.
Dynamic Open World and Combat
The open-world of State of Decay 2 is dynamic and reactive to your actions. Zombie infestations can grow over time, and Plague Hearts, the game’s key threat, influence the intensity of the zombie activity in the surrounding areas. Combat is brutal and unforgiving. You need to be strategic in your fights, using your environment and resources to your advantage. Guns are powerful but noisy, attracting more zombies, while melee weapons require careful timing and positioning. Stealth is an essential component, and knowing when to fight and when to flee is key to survival.
Progression and Legacy
State of Decay 2 doesn’t have a traditional end-game in the sense of a final boss battle. Instead, the goal is to eliminate all Plague Hearts on a map, and after doing so, you unlock a legacy story based on the type of leader you selected. This gives the player a true sense of accomplishment for the community they built and a feeling of leaving a lasting impact on the world. This non-linear approach to end-game and progression creates a more immersive experience.
Potential Drawbacks
While many appreciate its unique gameplay loop, State of Decay 2 isn’t without its flaws. Some might find the lack of a traditional narrative and compelling central character a drawback. The game also has some technical shortcomings, such as occasional bugs or glitches. These can break the immersion momentarily but, they don’t ruin the overall experience for most players. Furthermore, the learning curve can be steep, especially for new players as it demands patience and adaptability. The game’s difficulty, while appealing to many, can sometimes be challenging for those who prefer a more casual experience.
Final Verdict
State of Decay 2 is a highly engaging zombie survival game that provides a deeply immersive and rewarding experience for those who appreciate its unique blend of open-world exploration, base-building, and community management. It excels in simulating the challenges of surviving in a post-apocalyptic world, emphasizing strategic decision-making and constant resource management. While not without its faults, the game’s strengths in its dynamic and reactive gameplay create an addictive and enduring experience. Ultimately, whether or not State of Decay 2 is fun boils down to personal preference but, for fans of the genre, it’s a game that offers hundreds of hours of replayability and survival challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is State of Decay 2 playable solo?
Yes, State of Decay 2 is entirely playable solo. The game scales its difficulty to adjust to the number of players, making the solo experience both challenging and rewarding. You can manage your community and face all the same dangers without relying on others.
2. Is State of Decay 2 a long game?
The main objectives of State of Decay 2 can be completed in approximately 16 hours. However, if you strive for 100% completion or explore all the different map variations, the playtime can extend to 100 hours or more. Completing all 27 Heartland achievements can take around 20-25 hours.
3. Is State of Decay 2 a good game on Reddit?
Reddit communities generally view State of Decay 2 positively. The consensus is that it’s a great zombie survival game with its open sandbox, scavenging, and community management elements. However, some criticisms exist concerning the lack of a central narrative and occasional technical issues.
4. What is the main point of State of Decay 2?
The main point of State of Decay 2 is to survive in a post-apocalyptic world by gathering survivors, scavenging resources, and building a thriving community. You define your own path and legacy through your actions and decisions.
5. Does State of Decay 2 ever end?
Yes, State of Decay 2 has an end condition. By destroying all the Plague Hearts in the area, you unlock an endgame legacy story based on the leader you’ve chosen, effectively “winning the game” for your community.
6. Do you fight humans in State of Decay 2?
Yes, while most survivors are peaceful, you will encounter hostile enclaves that attack you. You might also encounter hostile survivors during missions, and some enclaves can turn hostile if you ignore their requests or threaten them.
7. Is State of Decay 1 or 2 better?
It depends on individual preference. State of Decay 1 is generally praised for its difficulty, map design, and story. State of Decay 2 wins out in terms of customization, missions, and graphics, and offers a more polished multiplayer experience.
8. Is State of Decay similar to DayZ?
State of Decay is a single-player, RPG-like open-world game where zombies are the main threat. DayZ is more of an MMO, where the main threat is other players, making them very different game styles.
9. Do you need to sleep in State of Decay 2?
Yes, characters in State of Decay 2 get fatigued and need rest. If you don’t have enough beds for your community, their fatigue recovery is slower and may cause negative effects.
10. Is State of Decay 2 a horror game?
State of Decay 2 is classified as a survival horror game, due to its focus on tension, resource management, and the constant threat of zombies and other dangers.
11. Is State of Decay 2 fun in single-player?
Yes, State of Decay 2 is highly enjoyable in single-player mode. You can do everything in single player that you can do in co-op. Many players enjoy the single-player experience for its focus on solitary survival and community management without outside interference.
12. How many survivors can be in a community in State of Decay 2?
The maximum number of survivors in a State of Decay 2 community is 12. Reaching the limit will prevent you from recruiting new members, even if there are open beds and food reserves.
13. Can 4 people play State of Decay 2?
Yes, State of Decay 2 supports co-op multiplayer with up to four players. You can join your friends’ games to help them out or have them join yours in the main campaign, Daybreak, or Heartland.
14. Can you get infected in State of Decay 2?
Yes, your survivors can contract an infection from zombie bites or attacks. The plague infection can be cured by obtaining the appropriate cure, usually involving taking risks and destroying plague hearts.
15. Can guns break in State of Decay 2?
Yes, all weapons, including guns, have durability. Once the durability reaches zero, the weapon will break and can no longer be used. So, proper maintenance and finding new weapons is a crucial part of the game.