The Ultimate Guide to the Best Base in Cascade Hills: State of Decay 2
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The question of the best base in State of Decay 2 is a common one, and the answer often depends on individual playstyles and preferences. However, when it comes to Cascade Hills, one base consistently stands out: the Container Fort. It’s not just a good base; it’s arguably the best location in the region, a must-have for anyone serious about establishing a permanent and powerful stronghold against the undead hordes.
Why Container Fort Reigns Supreme
The Container Fort’s dominance stems from its sheer utility and strategic advantages. It boasts a remarkable seven building slots, a number that is unmatched in Cascade Hills, with two of those being large slots. This combination allows players to build an array of crucial facilities, effectively meeting almost all their community needs.
Building Slot Advantages
- Large Slots: The two large slots open up options for key facilities such as a Farm, a Trade Depot, or a Staging Area, all of which provide significant benefits, ranging from consistent food production to improved trading capabilities and boosted morale.
- Small Slots: The five additional small slots can be used to construct essential infrastructure like a Workshop, an Infirmary, and other crucial components to round out your base.
Strategic Location and Defensibility
Beyond the number of building slots, the Container Fort’s location provides tactical benefits. Its central placement in Cascade Hills allows for easy access to various resources across the map. Additionally, its design and layout are inherently defensible, making it easier to manage and repel zombie sieges.
Setting Up the Perfect Base
To fully utilize Container Fort, consider the following set-up:
- Large Slot 1: Farm. Provides a constant source of food, which helps reduce reliance on looting. This is a critical long-term resource.
- Large Slot 2: Trade Depot/Staging Area. Both are good options, but the Trade Depot allows for trading for resources you may still be lacking, or sell excess to acquire Influence. If you’re in a pinch or your morale is low, the Staging Area offers a powerful morale boost for your community.
- Small Slot 1: Workshop. Crucial for crafting and repairing weapons and gear. A well-upgraded workshop is essential for survival.
- Small Slot 2: Infirmary. A must-have for healing injuries and treating plague infections. Keep your community healthy and safe with this facility.
- Small Slot 3: Watchtower. Offers increased visibility, helps keep an eye on zombies from afar, and provides a morale boost. Defenses are as important as offense in the zombie apocalypse.
- Small Slot 4: Beds. Unless your community has perks that offer beds, ensure there is ample sleeping space for your survivors.
- Small Slot 5: Gardens or Water. If a garden is your secondary method of food production, it will need the Gardens facility. If your main form of water is not your base having a water facility, then this can be used to fill that need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bases in State of Decay 2
1. What is the largest base in State of Decay 2 overall?
While the Container Fort is the best in Cascade Hills, the largest base overall is the Trumbull County Fairgrounds in Heartland’s Trumbull Valley. It has even more building slots than Container Fort, making it the ultimate base if you have access to that DLC.
2. Which map is easiest to traverse in State of Decay 2?
Meagher Valley is considered one of the easiest maps to navigate, thanks to its dense layout and numerous buildings. This makes looting much easier than in more spread-out regions.
3. What are the best large facilities to build in a base?
Generally, the Trade Depot, Farm, Staging Area, Armory, and Lounge are considered the best large facilities. They provide a mix of essential resources, morale boosts, and defensive capabilities. The selection depends on your community’s unique needs.
4. What kind of leader should I choose in State of Decay 2?
For a first playthrough, the Builder leader is often recommended. Their legacy bonus makes subsequent playthroughs easier by providing access to free water and power facilities in your base when the game is started.
5. What is the best trait to have for a survivor?
Traits like Volunteer Coordinator, Officer Material, Red Talon Operative, and Indefatigable are among the best. They provide boosts to morale, combat efficiency, and stamina, which are crucial for survival.
6. When should you move to a new base?
Moving to a new base is best done after gaining a few community members, allowing you to take advantage of a bigger base with more slots and better perks. Move when your current base can’t meet your survivor needs.
7. What is the maximum population a community can have?
The maximum community size is 12 survivors. After reaching 9, recruiting new members becomes much rarer, so choose your survivors wisely.
8. What is the most expensive base in State of Decay 2?
The Barricaded Strip Mall in Drucker County is one of the most expensive bases, requiring 3,500 Influence and eight survivors to unlock. However, this expense is justified by the many existing facilities and available slots.
9. How do you recruit new members in State of Decay 2?
Completing enclave quests is the primary method for recruiting new survivors. By increasing favor with enclaves, you get the option to recruit members into your community.
10. What happens when you send a survivor to the legacy pool?
Survivors sent to the legacy pool will not be included in your continued community. They remain in the pool and are accessible in future playthroughs. Additionally, you keep your supply locker contents when continuing a community.
11. What is the best starting base in Cascade Hills?
The Bridge Fort in Cascade is an excellent option for an early move. It has a large slot and is easy to defend, requiring only four survivors. However, it has a scarcity of small slots, so consider if that suits your strategy.
12. Is it possible to “win” State of Decay 2?
Yes, by destroying every last plague heart in the area and completing the endgame legacy story that matches your leader selection. This cements your community’s contribution to the world.
13. What is the fastest way to level up skills in State of Decay 2?
Experience is earned from combat, completing tasks, using the skills, and reading skill books. Focusing on a specific skill will ensure they are levelled efficiently. There is no “fast way.”
14. Is there a way to make State of Decay 2 easier?
Starting with three survivors who cannot max at least one core skill can make the game slightly less challenging. Additionally, focusing on base-building and ignoring enclaves may make it easier to manage. The use of legacy boons and an established community from a previous playthrough can also make the game easier.
15. What is the most important skill in State of Decay 2?
Skills such as Fishing are extremely important as they guarantee food, but skills such as Mechanics or Medicine are also essential. There are skills that can help the community and individual skills. The “best” skill is determined by a survivors role and skills that fill gaps in the community.
Conclusion
The Container Fort stands as the pinnacle of base locations in Cascade Hills, providing a robust and versatile stronghold that can meet the needs of any community. By utilizing its numerous building slots strategically and understanding the strategic advantages of its location, players can establish a thriving and secure base in the zombie-infested wasteland. When choosing your next base in State of Decay 2, keep these factors in mind and make the decision that fits your strategy and community needs.