Where is the Best Place to Live in State of Decay? A Comprehensive Guide
The zombie apocalypse has descended, and finding a safe haven is paramount for survival in the State of Decay universe. The answer to the best place to live isn’t simple. It depends on your play style, goals, and the specific State of Decay game you’re playing. However, we can break down the ideal locations based on several key factors, providing a comprehensive understanding to help you make the best choice. Let’s dive into the details.
The Best Bases in State of Decay: A Breakdown
When considering the best places to live, it’s crucial to distinguish between different games within the franchise: the original State of Decay (Year One Survival Edition) and its successor, State of Decay 2. The landscape, features, and strategies differ greatly between the two.
State of Decay (Year One Survival Edition)
For State of Decay, Snyder Trucking Warehouse in Marshall stands out as the premier choice. This location, found in the southwest corner of the map, offers several key advantages:
- Abundant Facilities: It boasts the highest number of built-in facilities, reducing the need for resource expenditure on crucial infrastructure like beds, a workshop, and storage areas.
- Strategic Location: Its location is easily accessible and located centrally, which minimizes travel time to other key locations on the map.
- Outpost Potential: The warehouse allows for a higher number of outposts to be established around the map, bolstering your resource income and defense capabilities.
While other bases might have specific unique advantages, Snyder’s provides a well-rounded package making it the most effective option overall.
State of Decay 2: The Top Contenders
State of Decay 2 offers more diverse maps and base options, requiring a more nuanced approach. Here are some of the top contenders across the various maps:
Trumbull Valley
- Farmland Compound: This base is a favorite among many, offering high amounts of space. It has slots for one small indoor, one small outdoor, and three large outdoor facilities. It starts with a free (but damaged) infirmary and bunkhouse, making it a great all-around base after some repairs. It also offers two clearable spaces for further expansion.
- Pterodactyl Ptark: While also situated in Trumbull Valley, it doesn’t quite match the Farmland Compound in terms of facility slots and initial advantages.
- Heartland’s Trumbull Valley Base: This is the largest base in the entire game and a unique option within the ‘Heartland’ DLC that gives the player even more facilities.
Drucker County
- Barricaded Strip Mall: This base stands out for its excellent defensive potential and ample interior space. It can be difficult to initially set up, but once secured, it becomes a fortress against zombie hordes.
- Mike’s Concrete: Another strong option on this map. It provides a good balance of defense and facility space.
Providence Ridge
- Fortified Truck Stop: A solid choice, especially for new players in Providence Ridge, due to its central location, and it includes a unique distillery within its kitchen, something other bases often lack.
- Lumber Mill: Another good base with decent resources and a reasonable amount of space.
Meagher Valley
- Whitney Field: This base is a large open field area that has plenty of space to build and is seen as an ideal location for those looking for a large build space. It also is a great map to learn the game.
Choosing the Right Map for Your Playstyle
The best place to live is not just about the base itself but also the map you choose. Each map presents unique challenges and benefits.
- Meagher Valley: Is considered the best map for newcomers due to its diverse environments, combat scenarios, and a selection of solid bases, this is the easiest starting map to learn the game, and has solid resources available.
- Trumbull Valley: Offers the largest base in the game along with good base options in general, making it a favorite for those that have played the game for a while.
- Providence Ridge: Offers some very good bases that are easily defended and central locations, which reduces travel time.
- Drucker County: While not considered one of the easiest maps, it offers a good balance of resources and unique challenges.
Additional Considerations
Beyond just the base location, several factors play a role in determining the “best place to live”:
- Facility Slots: The number of built-in and additional slots for facilities dictates how versatile your base can become.
- Resource Availability: Proximity to key resources like food, materials, and fuel is important.
- Outpost Potential: The ability to set up outposts near your base for additional resource income and defense.
- Defensibility: A base that’s easy to defend against zombie sieges, with fewer entry points, can make your life much easier.
- Starting Difficulty: The higher the difficulty, the more important a good base is.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best place to live in State of Decay depends on your personal preferences and the specific game you’re playing. For State of Decay (Year One), Snyder Trucking Warehouse is the clear winner, while for State of Decay 2, bases like Farmland Compound, Fortified Truck Stop, and Barricaded Strip Mall are highly recommended depending on the map you’re playing on. Always consider the map, facility slots, resource availability, and defensibility when selecting your home base. By understanding these crucial factors, you’ll increase your chances of surviving the zombie apocalypse and thriving in your chosen community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the largest home base in State of Decay?
The largest base in State of Decay is the Heartland’s Trumbull Valley Base, available within the ‘Heartland’ DLC of State of Decay 2.
2. Can you have multiple home bases in State of Decay 2?
No, you can only have one main base at a time, along with several smaller outposts. When you move bases you lose all of the facilities built in the previous base.
3. What happens if you move bases in State of Decay?
When you move your main base, all resources, vehicles, and survivors are automatically moved to the new location, however, any facilities you constructed are lost.
4. Which is the best starting map in State of Decay 2?
Meagher Valley is considered the best map for newcomers due to its balanced resources, various combat scenarios, and decent base options.
5. What is the best vehicle in State of Decay 2?
The Brogan Trekker is widely regarded as one of the best all-around vehicles, especially when carrying large parties.
6. How many survivors can you have in State of Decay 2?
The maximum community size in State of Decay 2 is 12 survivors.
7. What are the best traits to look for in survivors?
Good traits include Volunteer Coordinator, Officer Material, Indefatigable, and Unbreakable, as they all contribute to the community.
8. Can you win State of Decay?
Yes, once you beat the last mission, you get an end screen and credits. After that, you can continue playing with your remaining survivors on the same map if you choose.
9. How do I get good at State of Decay?
Rotate between characters, don’t rely too heavily on guns, use “back and fill” tactics, never go alone, and be nice to your neighbors.
10. What happens if I don’t clear infestations in State of Decay 2?
Infestations will grow, increasing the number of zombies and screamers, making areas more dangerous over time. If left uncleared they will cause a morale drop among your survivors.
11. How many players can play co-op in State of Decay 2?
State of Decay 2 supports four-player co-op gameplay.
12. Can you have multiple leader buildings?
No, you can only have one active leader at a time, and therefore only one leader-specific building. But if your leader changes, you can have new unique buildings, keeping the old ones in place.
13. When should I change the map in State of Decay?
You can change maps when you complete your leader’s legacy or at any map exit point.
14. Which is the best leader type in State of Decay 2?
The best leader type depends on your preferred playstyle, but Builder and Trader leaders are often favored due to their overall long term benefits.
15. Which is better, State of Decay 1 or State of Decay 2?
State of Decay 1 is praised for its difficulty, story, and map, while State of Decay 2 excels in customization, mission variety, and graphics, making both games very good.