Is State of Decay 2 Underrated? A Deep Dive into the Zombie Survival Gem

Yes, unequivocally, State of Decay 2 is an underrated game. While it has garnered a dedicated cult following, its overall reception often falls short of the critical acclaim and widespread recognition it arguably deserves. This isn’t to say the game is flawless—it certainly has its rough edges—but its unique blend of community management, open-world exploration, and satisfying zombie combat creates an experience that is both engaging and rewarding. Many gamers, perhaps turned off by initial technical issues or a slightly unconventional design, have missed out on a true zombie survival gem. The game’s strengths in emergent storytelling and player agency often go underappreciated.

Why State of Decay 2 Deserves More Credit

Unique Blend of Genres

State of Decay 2 isn’t just another zombie shooter; it’s a complex hybrid of survival, strategy, and RPG elements. You’re not just fighting hordes of the undead; you’re building and managing a community, scavenging for resources, and making difficult choices that impact your survivors’ lives. This intricate system provides depth and longevity beyond the typical zombie game formula. The focus is on the collective, not just individual survival, adding a layer of responsibility and attachment that many games fail to achieve.

Emergent Storytelling

One of the most compelling aspects of State of Decay 2 is its emergent storytelling. Unlike narrative-driven games with pre-determined plot lines, your experiences are shaped by the choices you make, the survivors you recruit, and the challenges your community faces. Each playthrough feels unique, leading to memorable moments and compelling personal narratives. No two communities or survival stories will be the same, making the game incredibly replayable.

The Satisfaction of Community Management

The satisfaction of building and growing your community is surprisingly addictive. From scavenging for materials to constructing and upgrading your base, every action contributes to your community’s survival. The constant juggle of managing resources, improving morale, and defending against zombie attacks creates a tense yet rewarding loop that keeps you engaged for hours. Each survivor has their own unique traits and skills, forcing you to make tough decisions and ensuring that every loss feels significant.

Challenging But Fair

While the game can be challenging, especially on higher difficulties, it is also fair. The difficulty stems from the unforgiving world and the consequences of your decisions, not from unfair mechanics or cheap enemy tactics. The constant threat of permadeath for your survivors adds a genuine sense of danger and forces you to play cautiously, adding another dimension to the overall experience.

Undervalued Mechanics and Design

State of Decay 2 is praised for its ability to offer a unique and immersive experience. While not without its flaws, the game’s core mechanics and design choices contribute to its distinctive charm. The resource management, the strategic base building, the permadeath system, and the unique character traits all come together to create a survival game unlike any other. The game avoids being overly prescriptive, allowing players to chart their own path in the zombie-infested world.

Addressing the Criticisms

While State of Decay 2 has many strengths, it’s important to address some common criticisms:

• Initial Bugs and Technical Issues: The game did experience some technical problems at launch. However, these issues have largely been addressed through patches, and the game is now much more stable.

• Graphics: While not the most graphically impressive title, the art style and atmosphere of State of Decay 2 are effective. The game is more focused on the overall gameplay experience rather than pushing visual fidelity to its limits.

• Slow Pacing: Some players might find the pacing to be slower compared to more action-packed zombie games. However, this slower pacing is deliberate, emphasizing survival and community management over mindless zombie killing.

In Conclusion

Despite its flaws, State of Decay 2 is a compelling and engaging experience that deserves more recognition. Its unique blend of genres, emergent storytelling, satisfying community management, and challenging gameplay creates a survival experience that is both rewarding and highly replayable. If you’re a fan of zombie games with a strategic focus, don’t let the “underrated” label deter you—give State of Decay 2 a try; you might just find a new favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many hours of gameplay can I expect from State of Decay 2?

When focusing on main objectives, State of Decay 2 takes approximately 16 hours. However, a completionist playthrough can take up to 116 hours to achieve 100% completion.

2. Which is better, State of Decay 1 or State of Decay 2?

This depends on preference. State of Decay 1 is often praised for its difficulty, map design, and story. State of Decay 2 excels in customization options, mission variety, and graphics.

3. Does State of Decay 2 have an ending?

Yes, you “win” the game by destroying all the plague hearts in the area and completing the endgame legacy story that matches your chosen leader.

4. Can State of Decay 2 be played solo?

Yes, State of Decay 2 is fully playable in solo mode. It also supports multiplayer, allowing you to join friends or have them join your game.

5. What is the maximum population I can have in my community?

There’s a soft cap of 9 survivors. However, you can exceed this by recruiting entire enclaves, potentially reaching up to 12 survivors.

6. Is State of Decay 2 fun in single player?

Absolutely. There is nothing you can do in multiplayer that you can’t do in single player. The game offers a challenging and enjoyable experience even when played alone.

7. Will there be a State of Decay 3?

Yes, State of Decay 3 is currently in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.

8. Was State of Decay 2 a commercial success?

Yes, State of Decay 2 has been a commercial success, which is notable for a single-player focused game with limited co-op elements.

9. What are some of the best base locations in State of Decay 2?

Some of the best base locations include: Pterodactyl Ptark and Farmland Compound in Trumbull Valley, Barricaded Strip Mall and Mike’s Concrete in Drucker County, and Lumber Mill and Fortified Truck Stop in Providence Ridge.

10. Which is the most difficult map in State of Decay 2?

Meagher Valley is generally considered the most challenging due to its dense zombie population.

11. What is the best leader type in State of Decay 2?

There isn’t a single best type, but Warlord, Trader, Sheriff, and Builder leaders each offer unique advantages to your community.

12. Do I need to make my survivors sleep in State of Decay 2?

Yes, if you don’t have enough beds, your characters recover slower from fatigue. Companions will also fatigue, which could cause them to run home.

13. Can you sleep until day in State of Decay 2?

No, you cannot skip time by sleeping until day in the game.

14. How replayable is State of Decay 2?

The game has infinite replayability, as you can move your community between maps indefinitely.

15. What is the best difficulty to start State of Decay 2?

For new players, starting on “dread zone” difficulty is a good balance. You can adjust to “nightmare” for a harder experience or normal if it feels too challenging.