Days Gone: Conquering the Horde – Rewards, Strategies, and Everything You Need to Know

So, you’re facing down the Freaker hordes in Days Gone and wondering if the effort is truly worth it? You’re not alone. Many players grapple with the sheer scope of wiping out all 40 hordes scattered across the map. Let’s cut to the chase:

The ultimate reward for exterminating all hordes in Days Gone is the “St. John Horde Killer Custom Accent” skin for your motorcycle. This unique skin is a visual badge of honor, a testament to your dedication to reclaiming Oregon from the undead menace. While the skin itself is the primary final reward, the journey to acquire it is paved with smaller, but significant, benefits. Each horde slain grants you trust for the region’s encampments, unlocking access to better weapons and supplies. You’ll also earn a healthy dose of experience points, helping you level up and unlock crucial skills to survive the harsh world. Completing hordes also unlocks new weapons at different percentage completion milestones.

Understanding the Horde Mentality: Beyond the Bike Skin

The St. John Horde Killer Custom Accent skin for your motorcycle is not just the only thing you receive. While the motorcycle skin is a cosmetic, it also carries a psychological impact. The accomplishment of conquering all hordes changes the way you approach the game’s open world. The fear of Freakers turns into an anticipation of the next battle, and this feeling of mastery enhances the overall gaming experience. It also allows you to fully explore the post-apocalyptic setting without being in a constant state of terror.

Strategic Horde Hunting: Tips from a Veteran

Before diving headfirst into every horde encounter, it’s crucial to approach each situation strategically. Here’s a breakdown of crucial steps to take before engaging a horde. First, scout the area to identify escape routes, choke points, and environmental hazards you can use to your advantage. Next, maximize your arsenal with powerful weapons, explosives, and crowd control devices. Then, use stealth whenever possible to thin the herd before initiating a full-scale attack. Most importantly, plan your exit!

Weapons of Choice: Gearing Up for the Apocalypse

Choosing the right weaponry is critical to horde success. Here are some of the most effective weapons:

• Chicago Chopper: An incredibly powerful automatic weapon perfect for mowing down Freakers.
• .50 BFG: This Sniper Rifle deals massive damage to a group of Freakers.
• RPD: A powerhouse of a light machine gun that is very effective at mowing down Freakers.

The Importance of Skills and Upgrades

Investing in the right skills can drastically improve your horde-slaying capabilities. Focus on skills that enhance your combat prowess, stamina, and crafting abilities. Also, constantly upgrading your weapons and bike is essential for improving your survivability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hordes in Days Gone

Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) designed to provide additional insights and clarification about hordes in Days Gone:

1. What are the benefits of defeating hordes besides the bike skin? Beyond the skin, defeating hordes boosts your trust level with local encampments, unlocks better weapons and supplies, and grants experience points for leveling up.
2. Are all hordes the same size? No, horde sizes vary. Some are relatively small (around 50 Freakers), while others, like the Old Sawmill horde, are massive (hundreds of Freakers).
3. Can hordes respawn? Generally, no. Once you clear a horde, it’s gone for good. However, after completing the main story and related storylines to 100%, you can reset the jobs and face the hordes again.
4. What’s the best strategy for taking on a large horde? Planning is key. Scout the area, use choke points, deploy explosives, and prioritize crowd control. Don’t forget to have an escape route!
5. What is the biggest horde in the game? The Old Sawmill Horde is widely considered the largest and most challenging horde in Days Gone.
6. Can I fight hordes early in the game? It’s possible, but not recommended. Hold off until you have better weapons, skills, and sufficient resources.
7. What happens if I die during a horde fight? You’ll respawn at the nearest safe location, typically a camp or a fast travel point. The horde’s health resets to its previous state before you died.
8. Do hordes roam the map, or are they stationary? Hordes typically have set territories, but they do move around within those areas, following migration patterns and reacting to the time of day.
9. What time of day are hordes most active? Hordes are generally more active at night, when they emerge from their caves and feeding grounds.
10. Are there any special types of Freakers in hordes? While most Freakers in hordes are standard Swarmers, you might occasionally encounter Screamers or Breakers mixed in.
11. How many hordes are there in Days Gone? There are a total of 40 hordes scattered throughout the game’s map.
12. Can I track my horde progress? Yes, the game provides a horde killer storyline that tracks your progress in eliminating hordes across different regions.
13. What is the best melee weapon for hordes? The Superior Metal Axe is widely regarded as the best melee weapon in the game due to its high damage and durability.
14. Does clearing infestation zones affect horde behavior? Clearing infestation zones reduces the number of nests where hordes can rest, potentially forcing them to roam more frequently.
15. Is there a new game plus mode in Days Gone? Yes, Days Gone features a New Game Plus mode, allowing you to replay the story with your existing skills, weapons, and bike upgrades.

Beyond the Hordes: Exploring the World of Days Gone

Once you’ve conquered all the hordes, there’s still plenty to explore in Days Gone. Completing all the “Finding NERO” missions reveals a secret ending that expands the story’s lore. Discover all hidden syringes. The world of Days Gone is rich with detail and hidden secrets, rewarding players who take the time to uncover them.

The Legacy of Days Gone

While a sequel remains uncertain, Days Gone has left a lasting impact on players. The game’s gripping story, challenging gameplay, and immersive world have earned it a dedicated following. The struggle for survival and the bonds of friendship in the face of overwhelming odds continue to resonate with gamers around the world. And hopefully, they learn a bit about teamwork and problem-solving along the way. You can find additional resources on gaming and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Is the Horde Grind Worth It?

Ultimately, whether the reward of the St. John Horde Killer Custom Accent skin is “worth it” depends on your personal play style and preferences. However, the journey of taking down each horde offers a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. It forces you to master the game’s mechanics, strategize effectively, and overcome seemingly impossible odds. More than just a cosmetic item, the motorcycle skin symbolizes your triumph over the Freakers and your unwavering determination to survive in a world gone mad. So, grab your guns, fuel up your bike, and prepare to face the hordes. Oregon depends on you!