State of Decay: Understanding Player Limits and Cooperative Gameplay
The question of maximum player counts in the State of Decay series is crucial for anyone diving into this zombie survival world. The answer, however, varies depending on the specific game within the series. Let’s clarify: The first State of Decay game is a strictly single-player experience, meaning you’re on your own against the hordes. However, State of Decay 2 allows for cooperative gameplay with up to three other players, bringing the total to a maximum of four players in a single session. This applies to the main campaign, as well as the Daybreak and Heartland DLCs. This collaborative aspect fundamentally changes the gameplay experience, encouraging teamwork and strategic planning to survive the zombie apocalypse.
Cooperative Gameplay in State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 was built with cooperative multiplayer as a central feature. This means that you are not alone in the ravaged world, and can invite up to three friends to join your session. This drastically changes the dynamics of the game and allows for some new strategies. Here are some things to be aware of when it comes to multiplayer in the game:
- Teamwork is Key: Coordinating scavenging, base defense, and mission completion with friends enhances the survival experience. Different players can take on specialized roles, like scouting, resource gathering, or combat.
- Cross-Play: You can team up with players on different platforms, as State of Decay 2 supports cross-play between Xbox and PC, whether the PC players are using Epic Games or Steam.
- Session Joining: You can either invite your friends directly, or use the radio to find other players looking to join a game. You can also volunteer to help others who need assistance through this feature.
- No Split-Screen: Though the game supports online co-op, the engine used to build State of Decay 2 does not support local split-screen multiplayer.
Community Size and Management
While the maximum number of players in a single session is four, it’s important to not confuse this with the maximum community size within the game. In State of Decay 2, your community can only house a maximum of 12 survivors. Keep in mind however, that once you have 9 or more survivors, recruiting new ones becomes rare. This forces players to make difficult choices on who to recruit, who to keep around, and who to exile from their community. This emphasis on community management is a core part of the gameplay loop, where you need to balance numbers, skills, and personality conflicts within your group.
Considerations for Community Members
- Skills and Abilities: Each survivor has unique skills and attributes that can affect your community’s performance. Carefully select your recruits based on how they will support your goals.
- Morale: Keeping your community happy is essential. Unhappy survivors can cause internal problems or even leave your community.
- Legacy Characters: Survivors that are brought to the end of their story can be saved to the ‘Legacy Pool’ allowing you to bring them back into a new game. If a survivor is not in the legacy pool, they are gone forever when your community disbands.
Enclave Limit
In addition to your community, you will also encounter enclaves. These are the other groups of survivors who have made a home on the map. The game has a limit on the number of enclaves you can have at a time, at a maximum of 16 enclaves simultaneously. This limit includes the Bounty Broker, and players should consider the benefits each brings to the table when interacting with them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that cover more specific points about player limits and multiplayer in State of Decay.
1. Is State of Decay 1 multiplayer?
No, the original State of Decay is solo player only. There is no multiplayer mode in the original game.
2. Can I play State of Decay 2 with someone who has it on a different platform?
Yes, State of Decay 2 supports cross-play between Xbox and PC players. This means PC players using either Epic Games or Steam can play with players on Xbox.
3. Can I play State of Decay 2 split-screen?
No, split-screen multiplayer is not possible in State of Decay 2. The engine that the game was built with does not support split-screen play.
4. What happens if I disband my community in State of Decay 2?
If you disband your community, all of the characters that you don’t send to the Legacy Pool will be gone forever, as well as all of the supplies in your Locker.
5. Is State of Decay 2 online?
Yes, State of Decay 2 requires an online connection to play multiplayer. However, the base game is playable offline, once it has been opened online. Online multiplayer on console requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core (sold separately).
6. How many survivors can I have in my State of Decay 2 community?
The maximum size of your community in State of Decay 2 is 12 survivors. However, you will find that recruiting new survivors becomes rare once your community reaches 9.
7. What is the maximum number of enclaves in State of Decay 2?
The maximum number of enclaves that can exist at the same time on the map, including the Bounty Broker, is 16.
8. What is the best map in State of Decay 2?
Many consider Meagher Valley the best map in State of Decay 2. It has a dense layout, with a good amount of buildings, and is not too large. This map offers more looting opportunities than others.
9. How long does it take to complete State of Decay 2?
The estimated time to complete all 27 Heartland achievements for State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition is 20-25 hours.
10. Does State of Decay 2 ever end?
Yes, State of Decay 2 has a definable end. You can ‘win the game’ by destroying all of the Plague Hearts on the map, which unlocks an endgame legacy story. Completing this story will ‘win’ the game for that particular community.
11. Is State of Decay 2 a horror game?
State of Decay is a survival horror game series that focuses on zombie survival in an open world environment.
12. Will State of Decay 3 be on Xbox One?
State of Decay 3 will be released on Xbox Series X and PC, not on the Xbox One.
13. Is State of Decay 1 a good game?
Yes, State of Decay was considered one of the best Xbox Live Arcade titles on the Xbox 360, and one of the console’s best games overall.
14. Is State of Decay 2 underrated?
State of Decay 2 is seen by many as being underrated. It has a cult following, but often doesn’t receive the recognition that players feel it deserves.
15. Is State of Decay 1 offline?
State of Decay 1 requires an internet connection to start the game. However, once started, you can disconnect from the internet and continue to play the game offline.
Conclusion
Understanding the player limits in the State of Decay series is key to knowing what to expect when starting the games. While the original game is a solo endeavor, State of Decay 2 opens up the experience with cooperative multiplayer, allowing you to team up with up to three friends to survive the zombie apocalypse together. When combined with the community management aspects and strategic gameplay, State of Decay 2 offers an in-depth experience with friends or solo.