Is There an End to State of Decay? Unpacking the Zombie Apocalypse’s Finality
The question of whether a game truly ends is a complex one, especially in the survival genre. State of Decay is no exception. The simple answer is: yes, there is an end, but it’s nuanced and varies between entries in the series. Specifically, both State of Decay and State of Decay 2 offer an end point, though the journey to that point, and what comes after, is what truly defines the experience. It’s not a typical linear narrative with a clear-cut finish line. Instead, the “end” is more of a culmination of your actions, choices, and survival efforts throughout the game. This end usually involves completing specific objectives associated with your chosen leader’s legacy. Let’s delve deeper into what this means, and then address some related questions.
The Ending of State of Decay: A Detailed Look
The original State of Decay (and its Year One Edition) has a definite ending. After completing the main story missions, you will be presented with an end screen and credits. However, this isn’t truly the end of your game. You’re then returned to your saved state just before the final mission. You can continue to play, build your community, and explore the world. Be aware, that some key characters used in the final mission will be unavailable after you complete the story. This is not a game with a traditional single ending that ends the entire save.
In State of Decay 2, the ending is tied more explicitly to your chosen community leader. After eliminating all of the plague hearts on a map, you unlock the leader missions. Completing these final legacy missions associated with your leader (Sheriff, Trader, Warlord, or Builder) concludes your community’s current story arc. You will get a screen that details the success of your chosen leader’s goals, effectively acting as a “win” screen. Once again, it is not an ending that completely stops the ability to keep playing.
Upon completion of a legacy, you gain a boon. These are special bonuses that you can select to carry over into future playthroughs, giving you a starting advantage in new communities on different maps. The game also allows you to continue playing that community after you have “won”. You can either continue to secure the original map, or move your existing community to a new map and start again, facing the challenges all over again with all your previous characters and gear intact. It’s an ending that allows continued play with new goals.
What “Winning” Means
In State of Decay, winning isn’t about defeating a final boss or having a definitive cutscene. Instead, it’s about establishing your community’s lasting mark on the world. It is tied to the legacy you leave behind and the specific vision of your leader. The game emphasizes the idea that your community’s survival and prosperity, not a simple victory over the zombie menace, is the ultimate objective.
Understanding the Post-Ending Gameplay
The ability to continue playing after the game’s “end” is a core part of State of Decay’s appeal. You can explore new maps, develop new communities, or simply enjoy the ongoing challenge of managing resources and surviving. In State of Decay 2, this post-ending freedom allows you to carry over your experience from previous playthroughs with the boons you have earned, creating a cycle of challenge and progress. It encourages players to experience the different leaders and their associated quests to obtain all four boons and a wide variety of unique characters, items and skills to utilize.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I keep playing after “finishing” State of Decay 2?
Yes, absolutely! After completing a leader’s legacy missions and getting the end screen, you can choose to keep playing with the same community on the same map. You also have the option to move your community to a new map and start the whole process again, carrying over your legacy boons, characters and gear.
2. What are leader missions in State of Decay 2?
These are specific missions that become available after destroying all of the plague hearts on a map. They are unique to the type of leader you have in your community (Sheriff, Builder, Trader, or Warlord) and represent the culmination of your community’s story under their leadership.
3. What are the legacy boons in State of Decay 2?
Legacy Boons are powerful bonuses you unlock after completing a leader’s legacy. These boons provide an advantage when starting new communities in the game. They can range from resource boosts to extra starting influence, and more.
4. Is there a true “end” to State of Decay 2’s story?
State of Decay 2 doesn’t have a typical linear story ending. Instead, the game ends when you complete your chosen leader’s legacy missions, achieving their specific goal. You can continue playing, but in terms of the game’s “story,” that particular community has concluded its arc.
5. How long does it take to “finish” State of Decay?
The length depends on your playstyle. Focusing on main objectives could take around 15½ hours in the first State of Decay. For a more completionist approach, plan for around 37 hours. State of Decay 2 can vary widely depending on how many maps you complete, and how thoroughly you explore.
6. Can I “win” State of Decay?
Yes, you can achieve a “win” in both State of Decay games by completing the main objectives and, in State of Decay 2, by completing your leader’s legacy missions. This is not a conventional win scenario, instead it is an achievement that is tied to goals that you set for yourself through surviving.
7. Does State of Decay have an infinite mode?
While not an explicit mode, the ability to continue playing after completing a legacy, and/or moving your community to a new map, gives the game a sense of infinite replayability. There is no ultimate end to the game, as long as you keep surviving.
8. What happens when you clear all plague hearts in State of Decay 2?
Clearing all plague hearts stops plague zombies from spawning on the map. Also, it unlocks the final leader missions. Destroying all plague hearts is a key requirement to reaching your leader’s specific goal.
9. Are there different endings in State of Decay 2?
Yes, there are four different “endings” in State of Decay 2, each associated with a different leader type. The “ending” that you see depends on which leader you choose to make the main focus for your community.
10. What is the point of State of Decay?
The main goal is survival. The game is about managing people, resources, and threats within a zombie-infested world. You are not a superhero; you are a leader trying to manage a community. You succeed when they do.
11. Is State of Decay Year One Edition different from State of Decay 2?
Yes. While they share the same core survival mechanics, State of Decay 2 introduced many changes, including different maps, new base building features and other enhancements. State of Decay is also a single player game, while State of Decay 2 features co-op mode.
12. What’s the maximum survivor limit in State of Decay?
The maximum number of survivors in your community in State of Decay 2 is 12. Recruiting new survivors becomes less common as your community grows, making each recruitment decision important.
13. What’s the best base in State of Decay 2?
The “best” base depends on your preferences and what you prioritize. Popular options include Pterodactyl Ptark and Farmland Compound in Trumbull Valley, as well as Whitney Field in Meagher Valley and the Lumber Mill in Providence Ridge.
14. Will there be a State of Decay 3?
Yes, State of Decay 3 is currently in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S. It’s expected to build on the existing mechanics with a greater focus on exploration and the challenges of surviving in the wilderness.
15. Is there a story mode in State of Decay?
Yes, both State of Decay and State of Decay 2 have story elements. While the main emphasis is on survival, both games have a central narrative that progresses as you interact with the world and other survivors. They can be considered a third-person combat and a survival simulation.
In conclusion, while State of Decay offers an end point, it’s not the end of the game experience. It is a conclusion of a story arc. The game is designed to be a constant cycle of survival, growth, and adaptation, with the ability to continue exploring, building, and surviving long after the credits roll. The true end of your State of Decay experience is really up to you.