What Should I Build First in State of Decay?

Navigating the zombie-infested world of State of Decay and its sequel can be daunting, especially when you’re first establishing your base. A smart start is crucial for long-term survival. So, what should you prioritize building in your first base? The short answer: focus on essentials first. This means prioritizing facilities that enhance your community’s survival chances and resource management. For almost all players, the early game should be focused on building Storage, and Medical stations.

Early Base Priorities: Storage and Medical

Storage

Your first base in either State of Decay or State of Decay 2 will likely be small and vulnerable. Resources will be scarce early on. Building or upgrading your storage is crucial for several reasons:

• Preventing Spoilage: In State of Decay 2, resources can degrade over time. More storage capacity helps keep your valuable food and other materials from going to waste.
• Resource Buffering: A larger storage capacity allows you to stockpile resources. This is invaluable during emergencies and when you need to quickly build or upgrade other facilities.
• Efficiency: Effective storage minimizes trips for resource collection. You can bring larger loads, meaning you’ll spend more time fortifying and less time scavenging.

Medical Stations

A functional medical station is paramount for dealing with the inevitable injuries in the zombie apocalypse. Its main benefits include:

• Healing Trauma: Medical stations significantly speed up healing from severe injuries, reducing the downtime of your valuable survivors.
• Preventing Infection: They help in treating infections and diseases, which can spread rapidly within your community and deplete your resources.
• Resource Production: As you upgrade medical stations, they can begin to generate medical supplies, further bolstering your community’s long-term health.

Why These Priorities?

Building these two facilities first allows you to consolidate your early game focus on surviving the early onslaught. Prioritizing medical and storage early on will give you more time and resources for when you finally need to move on to more offensive options. It’s a balancing act between immediate survival and long-term sustainability, so be sure not to over look either when setting up your initial base.

Base Building Strategy

While early game base building can seem difficult, the most important strategy to use in the early phases is:

• Assess Your Current Base: Before building anything, identify your base’s strengths and weaknesses. What resources are readily available? What defenses are already in place?
• Strategic Allocation: Don’t overextend your base too early. Start with one medical station and one or two storage options, then gradually expand as your resources and community grow.
• Upgrade When Ready: When resources and staffing permit, focus on upgrading these facilities. Upgrading will greatly increase the benefits each one is able to provide.
• Adapt to Your Needs: As your community evolves, your needs may change. Be prepared to adjust your building strategy and add new facilities as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best first base in State of Decay?

The Snyder Trucking Warehouse in Marshall (the southwest corner of the map) is widely considered the best first base in the original State of Decay. It has the most facilities, outposts, and an accessible location on the map. The Trumbell County Fairgrounds is a close second.

2. What are the best facilities to build in State of Decay 2?

The best large facilities in State of Decay 2 are generally: Trade Depot, Farm, Staging Area, Armory, and Lounge. The Auto Shop and Forge are helpful but can be replaced by purchased items. Solar arrays are less useful once you have the Builder Boon.

3. What is the best starter map in State of Decay 2?

Meagher Valley is considered the best starting map for newcomers due to its varied environments, numerous combat scenarios, and decent base selections.

4. What are the best traits to start with in State of Decay 2?

Some of the best starting traits include Volunteer Coordinator, Officer Material, Red Talon Operative, Indefatigable, Diehard Veteran, Unbreakable, Immortal, and Can Sleep Anywhere. These traits enhance morale, combat ability, and endurance.

5. How many survivors should I have in State of Decay 2?

The game limits communities to 12 survivors, but opportunities to recruit become rare once you hit 9 or more. Recruit wisely and consider the strengths of each survivor.

6. Is State of Decay 1 or State of Decay 2 better?

State of Decay is better in terms of difficulty, map, and story. State of Decay 2 is better in customization, missions, and graphics. Ultimately, which game is “better” depends on your personal preferences.

7. What is the best leader to choose in State of Decay 2?

The Builder leader is considered one of the best for the long term, as their leader boon grants free base-wide power and water. Other good leaders include the Sheriff (focus on community stability), Trader (focuses on commerce), and Warlord (focuses on combat).

8. How do I make State of Decay more fun?

Consider adding challenges such as starting with survivors who lack strong core skills, recruiting every new survivor, ignoring enclaves, and not building or using an infirmary for a more challenging and engaging experience.

9. What is the best base in State of Decay 2?

The Farmland Compound in Trumbull Valley is considered by many to be one of the best bases in State of Decay 2, offering a high amount of spaces and a free infirmary and bunkhouse.

10. What is the fastest way to recruit people in State of Decay 2?

Completing enclave quests will make them favor you, leading to recruitment opportunities.

11. What is the best vehicle in State of Decay 2?

The Brogan Trekker is often cited as one of the best due to its large carrying capacity, while the Survey Car is great for resource gathering. The Military Truck also comes in handy when dealing with hordes.

12. What does the “Unbreakable” trait do in State of Decay 2?

The “Unbreakable” trait provides +45 Max Health and a -100% Injury Chance, making the survivor more durable.

13. Can zombies see your flashlight in State of Decay 2?

No, zombies do not react to flashlights in State of Decay 2. Night vision may still attract zombies when in use, however.

14. What is the fastest way to get influence in State of Decay 2?

You earn influence by killing zombies, destroying hordes and plague hearts, clearing infestations, and returning resources to your base.

15. When should I move to a new base in State of Decay 2?

It’s best to move to a new base after you’ve gained a few community members. The new base will likely have better perks and more facility slots.

Conclusion

Starting smart with your base in State of Decay is the best way to ensure long-term survival. Prioritizing storage and medical facilities early on sets a solid foundation for managing resources and keeping your community healthy and safe. By following these early game principles and adapting to your changing needs, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the many challenges the zombie apocalypse throws your way. Remember, every decision counts and a well-built base is the best defense against the undead hordes.