Cracking the Code: What’s the Best Map in State of Decay 2?
The eternal question plaguing survivors in State of Decay 2: Which map reigns supreme? The answer, as with most things in the zombie apocalypse, is nuanced. There isn’t a single “best” map, but rather a map that best suits your playstyle, your community’s needs, and your current game difficulty. However, if forced to pick one for the hypothetical ‘best all-arounder’ award, Meagher Valley takes the crown. It strikes a near-perfect balance between size, resource availability, base locations, and difficulty. Its compact nature makes traversal relatively safe, and its abundance of buildings provides ample looting opportunities, especially crucial in the early game. But to truly crown the best map, you need to consider all contenders and factors.
The Contenders: A Map-by-Map Breakdown
Meagher Valley: The Balanced Battlefield
As mentioned, Meagher Valley is the Goldilocks zone of maps. It’s not too big, not too small, but just right. This makes it ideal for new players learning the ropes or veterans looking for a manageable challenge.
- Pros: Dense with buildings, leading to plentiful loot. Good selection of bases, including the easily defensible Container Fort. Relatively easy to traverse.
- Cons: High zombie density can be overwhelming at times, especially on higher difficulties. Landmark outposts, while strong, can become obsolete as your base develops.
Cascade Hills: The Scenic Scavenger Hunt
Cascade Hills offers a varied landscape with winding roads and picturesque views. It’s less dense than Meagher Valley but still provides enough opportunities for scavenging.
- Pros: Beautiful scenery. Varied terrain offers interesting tactical opportunities. Unique bases like the Bridge Fort.
- Cons: Can feel a bit spread out, leading to longer travel times. Less concentrated looting areas compared to Meagher Valley.
Drucker County: The Desolate Wasteland
Drucker County is the most open and arguably the most challenging of the original maps. It is characterized by its barren landscapes and resource scarcity.
- Pros: Open terrain allows for easier vehicle navigation (initially). Unique bases like the Barricaded Strip Mall, which offer powerful starting advantages.
- Cons: Vast and sparsely populated, leading to long stretches with little loot. Resource scarcity can make early game survival difficult. The Barricaded Strip Mall has a high influence cost.
Trumbull Valley (Heartland & Homecoming): The Nostalgic Return
Trumbull Valley holds a special place in the hearts of State of Decay fans. It is broken into two distinct versions. The original from Heartland provides a narrative driven experience. The Homecoming version offers a redesigned experience.
- Pros (Homecoming): The Farmland Compound is one of the best bases in the game, with lots of open slots. Lots of nostalgia for returning players.
- Cons (Homecoming): The map is somewhat linear due to the road system. Certain missions can force you to travel across the entire map.
Providence Ridge: The Mountainous Maze
Providence Ridge offers a unique challenge with its mountainous terrain and intricate network of logging trails. It’s a beautiful map, but its difficult terrain can make travel and resource gathering a pain.
- Pros: Stunning visuals. Unique environmental challenges. Some strong base locations.
- Cons: Difficult terrain can make travel slow and dangerous. Can feel cramped in some areas.
Key Factors in Choosing Your Map
Beyond personal preference, several key factors should influence your map selection:
- Difficulty Level: Higher difficulties benefit from maps with abundant resources and defensible bases (Meagher Valley). Lower difficulties can afford more exploration and experimentation (Cascade Hills).
- Community Needs: If your community struggles with food, prioritize maps with farms and grocery stores. If they’re constantly getting injured, focus on maps with medical supplies.
- Playstyle: If you prefer close-quarters combat, dense maps like Meagher Valley are ideal. If you favor long-range engagements, open maps like Drucker County are better.
- Base Preferences: Each map offers unique base locations with different strengths and weaknesses. Consider what type of base best suits your community’s needs.
Final Verdict: It Depends!
Ultimately, the “best” map in State of Decay 2 is subjective. However, for its balance and accessibility, Meagher Valley is an excellent choice for most players. Experiment with different maps to find the one that best suits your individual playstyle and community needs. Don’t be afraid to try them all!
State of Decay 2 Map FAQs
1. Which map is easiest for beginners in State of Decay 2?
Meagher Valley is widely considered the easiest map for beginners due to its abundance of resources and manageable size. It also has excellent base locations that provide a strong starting point.
2. Which map has the largest base in State of Decay 2?
The Heartland’s Trumbull Valley contains the largest base in State of Decay 2. It provides significant space and resources to its residents.
3. Which map is the most challenging in State of Decay 2?
Drucker County is often considered the most challenging due to its vast, open spaces and scarcity of resources. This can make survival difficult, especially in the early game.
4. Which map has the best base locations in State of Decay 2?
Each map has strong bases, but Meagher Valley and Trumbull Valley stand out. Meagher Valley’s Container Fort is highly defensible, while Trumbull Valley’s Farmland Compound offers extensive customization.
5. Can I move my community to a different map in State of Decay 2?
Yes, once you complete a Legacy and start a new community, you can choose a new map to start on. This allows you to experience all the maps State of Decay 2 has to offer.
6. What are the best outposts to claim on each map in State of Decay 2?
The best outposts depend on your community’s needs. Generally, prioritize outposts that provide essential resources like food, medicine, or beds. Power and water are also very valuable.
7. How do I unlock new maps in State of Decay 2?
All maps are available from the start of the game, except for Trumbull Valley which is accessed through the Homecoming update or Heartland DLC. When starting a new community, you can choose any of the available maps.
8. Which map is best for a long-term community in State of Decay 2?
Trumbull Valley is a very popular choice for long-term communities, due to the Homecoming update to the map. It provides the largest base, the Farmland Compound.
9. How does the map affect the difficulty of State of Decay 2?
The map affects difficulty through resource availability, zombie density, and the terrain itself. More open maps like Drucker County can be harder due to longer travel times and resource scarcity.
10. Which map is best for finding specific types of loot in State of Decay 2?
Specific loot spawns are somewhat random, but generally:
* **Meagher Valley:** Good for general supplies and construction materials. * **Cascade Hills:** Good for weapons and ammo. * **Drucker County:** Can be difficult to find specific loot due to scarcity, but good for vehicles. * **Trumbull Valley:** Good for food and unique items related to the map's storyline. 11. What is the maximum number of outposts I can claim in State of Decay 2?
The maximum number of outposts you can claim is seven. This depends on your Command Center level and modifications. A level 3 Command Center provides four outposts, and the Network Signal Booster modification provides two additional outposts.
12. How does the community size affect the best map choice in State of Decay 2?
Larger communities require more resources, so maps with abundant loot (like Meagher Valley) or strong resource production bases (Trumbull Valley) are ideal.
13. Are there any differences in zombie types or special infected spawns between maps in State of Decay 2?
No, the zombie types and special infected spawns are generally the same across all maps. The density and frequency of spawns may vary based on difficulty level and location.
14. Can I play State of Decay 2 multiplayer on any map?
Yes, you can play State of Decay 2 multiplayer on any map. You can join a friend’s game or have them join yours, regardless of the map you’re playing on.
15. Where can I find more information on State of Decay 2 strategies and game mechanics?
Excellent resources for enhancing your understanding of State of Decay 2 strategies and game mechanics are available at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org. You can also find helpful tips, tricks, and community discussions on various online forums and communities.
Choosing the right map is a pivotal decision in State of Decay 2. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each map, you can optimize your chances of survival and build a thriving community. Good luck, survivor!