Is Water Important in State of Decay 2? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, water is absolutely crucial in State of Decay 2. It’s not just a passive element in the background; it actively impacts your community’s survival and success. Its significance stretches across various aspects of gameplay, making it a foundational resource that players must prioritize. From enabling crucial facility upgrades and actions to providing essential morale and stamina boosts, water plays a multifaceted role. Ignoring water management can cripple your community, while effectively utilizing it can be a game-changer.
The Multi-faceted Importance of Water
Water is not just about quenching the thirst of your survivors; it’s a vital component of your base’s functionality and your community’s overall well-being. Here’s how it plays a critical role:
Essential for Facilities
Water is directly tied to the functionality of many facilities. You can’t simply build or upgrade certain essential structures, like Hydroponics or Latrines, without water access. Facilities that provide sanitation, food production, and overall quality of life often rely on a steady water supply. This dependence makes establishing a reliable water source one of the first things you should focus on when setting up a new base.
Fueling Facility Actions
Several crucial facility actions require water. Actions such as crafting specific items, cleaning up messes within your base, and certain research projects often have a water cost associated with them. By ensuring a good supply, you can keep your community efficient and productive, allowing you to progress and deal with the numerous challenges of a zombie-infested world.
Enhancing Passive Effects
Many facilities that you build will have enhanced passive effects if they have access to water. A well-plumbed latrine, for instance, won’t just keep your community clean; it can significantly boost morale. This means that establishing and properly utilizing water sources doesn’t only meet basic needs but also gives passive bonuses that can elevate your community’s capabilities.
Boosting Morale and Stamina
Perhaps the most direct impact of water is on the well-being of your survivors. Proper plumbing in facilities like latrines or officer’s quarters can lead to significant morale bonuses. Additionally, characters benefit from the +20 stamina boost if their facility is plumbed to its maximum potential. This stamina increase alone can be a game-changer during tough expeditions and intense fights.
Strategic Advantage
In summary, water isn’t just a simple resource; it’s a strategic asset. Efficient water management is directly linked to having better facilities, enhanced passive effects, and increased stamina for your characters. Ignoring water can be as detrimental to your long-term survival as ignoring the plague hearts. Therefore, you must prioritize establishing and maintaining a reliable water source right from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the role of water in State of Decay 2, here are 15 frequently asked questions with detailed answers:
1. How Do I Get Water in State of Decay 2?
There are four primary methods to secure water:
- Water Collector: These structures passively collect water. They’re relatively straightforward and can be placed in almost any base.
- Water Outposts: Claiming outposts that provide water is another method. You may need to search for locations that have a water resource marked on them.
- Still: By acquiring a Still, you can craft water, but this can be a slower method depending on your supplies.
- Plumbing: This involves installing plumbing within the proper facilities. These require a base with built-in water points, and the Utilities skill will enhance efficiency.
2. What Does Plumbing Do in State of Decay 2?
Plumbing in State of Decay 2 specifically upgrades facilities like the Latrine or Officer’s Quarters. It provides a morale boost for survivors and can, when fully upgraded, also give a significant +20 stamina boost to the character assigned to that facility.
3. Which Facilities Need Water?
Various facilities benefit from or require water, including Latrines, Hydroponics, Stills, and certain upgrade options for other facilities. Always check the requirements and potential bonuses of each facility before upgrading to maximize the benefits of your water sources.
4. How Do I Level Up the Utilities Skill?
The Utilities skill is leveled by building structures like Latrines, Water Collectors, Stills, and Generators, as well as by performing facility actions in your base. The Utilities skill can also be improved using textbooks or by choosing survivors with inherent traits or specializations in Utilities.
5. Is Utilities a Good Skill in State of Decay 2?
Yes, Utilities is a valuable skill. While it may not be as flashy as combat skills, its ability to improve water and power-related structures makes it essential for a successful base. The ability to use hydroponics efficiently is another key reason to have a survivor with the Utilities skill.
6. What is the Ideal Community Size in State of Decay 2?
While the game limits any community to 12 survivors, a more manageable size is typically around 9 survivors. This keeps the pressure on your resources lower while still allowing you to have a well-rounded team.
7. What are the Best Traits for Survivors?
Traits like Volunteer Coordinator, Officer Material, Indefatigable, Unbreakable, and others provide essential bonuses to your survivors. Focus on recruiting survivors with traits that enhance morale, stamina, and combat effectiveness.
8. What is the Best Base in State of Decay 2 for Water?
Bases with built-in water points and multiple facility slots are advantageous. Farmland Compound in Trumbull Valley is known for its customizability and central location. However, many bases have unique benefits; choose one that best suits your style of play.
9. What are the Best Vehicles in State of Decay 2?
Vehicles like the Brogan Trekker, Military Truck, and Utility Truck are some of the best, providing storage, durability, and off-road capabilities. Choose a vehicle that suits your needs and playstyle.
10. Do I Need to Sleep in State of Decay 2?
While you don’t personally need to sleep, your survivors need adequate rest. Having fewer beds than survivors will slow down recovery from fatigue. You need to ensure that everyone has a bed and is regularly resting.
11. What Does Gardening Do in State of Decay 2?
Gardening improves yield and allows the growing of meds at Gardens and Farms. It is a crucial skill to have on a survivor that allows you to maintain your food and medicine resources.
12. Do I Have to Eat and Drink in State of Decay 2?
Yes. While the mechanics of ‘drinking’ are not specifically managed in the same way as food, it’s an implicit requirement that proper sanitation and hydration are met. Food is definitely a critical resource. Ignoring your community’s food needs will have negative repercussions on their morale and productivity.
13. What is the Best Leader Role in State of Decay 2?
The best leader depends on your community’s needs and playstyle. Sheriffs are great for larger communities and extensive missions. Builders are great for base infrastructure, while Traders are helpful for prosperity through commerce.
14. What is the Best Strategy for State of Decay 2?
A good strategy in State of Decay 2 involves:
- Choosing the right outposts,
- Learning the best locations to loot,
- Knowing zombie types,
- Stocking up before taking on plague hearts,
- Stealth,
- Taking care of cars.
15. What Happens When I Send Survivors to the Legacy Pool?
Sending survivors to the Legacy Pool allows you to use them in a subsequent playthrough. Any equipment or supplies they have will be removed when added to the pool. Your supply locker contents are kept when starting a new community.
Conclusion
Water is not just an accessory; it’s a critical resource in State of Decay 2. By understanding its importance and strategically implementing water sources and upgrades, you significantly increase your community’s survivability and thrive in the zombie apocalypse. Don’t neglect it – make it a cornerstone of your base development and see how it transforms your game.