Which Map is the Easiest in State of Decay 2?
The straightforward answer is: Meagher Valley is widely considered the easiest map in State of Decay 2, especially for new players. Its relatively flat terrain, abundance of open spaces, and a good mix of base locations make it the most accessible and forgiving map to navigate and manage. While other maps might offer more lucrative loot or more challenging combat, Meagher Valley provides a comfortable learning curve and a less overwhelming experience overall.
Why Meagher Valley is Considered the Easiest
Several factors contribute to Meagher Valley’s reputation as the easiest map. Let’s break down the key reasons:
Flat and Easy to Traverse
Unlike some of the more mountainous regions in State of Decay 2, Meagher Valley boasts a relatively flat landscape. This is a significant advantage as it allows for easy vehicle navigation. You can quickly reach most areas without having to deal with treacherous hills, which can be particularly problematic when fleeing hordes or transporting vital resources. Reduced driving time also means less exposure to the zombie threat and more efficiency in completing objectives. This makes it very accessible to players of all skill levels and a great place for newcomers to learn the ins and outs of the game.
Decent Bases with Room to Grow
Meagher Valley offers a varied selection of bases, many of which are relatively easy to establish and expand. Although not the biggest bases, they provide solid options for early to mid-game progression. This means players have viable options for establishing their community without being forced into overly complex management scenarios. While Landmark Outpost may not be ideal if you already have base-wide power and water, many other bases are extremely viable and provide a solid start. They also offer good placement and many are easily defensible.
Balanced Environment and Resource Distribution
The distribution of resources in Meagher Valley is more consistent and less spread out than other maps, like Drucker County. This means that players don’t need to spend excessive amounts of time traveling between resource locations to find what they need. Additionally, the density of zombies is moderate, providing ample opportunities for combat without being overly punishing. The mixture of rural and urban settings also allows for variety in the combat scenarios players will encounter. It’s very easy to find vehicles, ammo, medical supplies, and food, all without undue difficulty.
Good Starting Point for New Players
For new players, the lack of complexities in Meagher Valley makes it the perfect starting point. The ease of navigation, manageable threat levels, and reliable resource distribution allows players to focus on learning the core mechanics of the game. This includes base management, combat, resource gathering, and community management. It is a great map for learning the game before moving on to more challenging areas.
FAQs About State of Decay 2 Maps
To further enhance your understanding of maps in State of Decay 2, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. What is the hardest map in State of Decay 2?
Drucker County is often cited as the hardest map due to its spread-out loot, hilly terrain, and unpredictable resource locations. The lack of easy travel and the increased time required to obtain loot make it much more difficult to manage for a community, especially in the early game.
2. Which map has the best bases in State of Decay 2?
Many players consider Cascade Hills to have the best bases due to their strategic locations and good mix of large and small facilities. However, it is more difficult than Meagher Valley for new players, and harder to navigate due to the steep terrain in places. Foothills is also often mentioned as having excellent bases, especially for more experienced players.
3. Which map is the flattest in State of Decay 2?
Meagher Valley is the flattest map and, as mentioned, is known for ease of travel. While Trumbull Valley also has wide areas of flatness, it is a special map only available with the Heartland DLC and is not a starting map.
4. What is the biggest base in State of Decay 2?
The biggest base in State of Decay 2 is in Heartland’s Trumbull Valley, and is the only base on that special DLC map. However, this is not a base available in the regular game.
5. Which map has the most loot in State of Decay 2?
While Drucker County appears to have a lot of military loot, it’s more spread out compared to other maps, making the acquisition of such loot more challenging. Maps like Cascade Hills and Meagher Valley have a more reasonable distribution of useful loot, making them better options for consistent resource gathering.
6. Are maps randomized in State of Decay 2?
No, the maps themselves are not randomized. Each map has pre-set locations, roads, and structures. However, the loot placement and the missions are randomly generated, adding replayability.
7. What is the largest community size in State of Decay 2?
The maximum community size is 12 survivors, but recruiting new survivors becomes more difficult as your community size reaches 9 or more.
8. How do you move to a new map in State of Decay 2?
To move to a new map, you must destroy all Plague Hearts on the current map, secure the new base by clearing it of zombies, and meet the requirements for claiming the new base.
9. What are the best traits in State of Decay 2?
Some of the best traits include Volunteer Coordinator, Officer Material, Red Talon Operative, Indefatigable, and Unbreakable, as these directly impact efficiency and reduce stress on your survivor community.
10. What should I do early in State of Decay 2?
Early on, focus on claiming safe outposts, learning the loot locations, understanding zombie types, stocking up before taking on Plague Hearts, and utilizing stealth. Building a still for water, a garden for food, and a medical facility should be top priority.
11. Which vehicle has the most storage in State of Decay 2?
The Brogan Trekker and Brogan Rapscallion both have the most storage and passenger capacity making them ideal for resource gathering.
12. What is the most expensive base in State of Decay 2?
The Barricaded Strip Mall in Drucker County is one of the most expensive bases, requiring a large amount of influence and a high number of survivors to unlock.
13. Which car is the fastest in State of Decay 2?
The Road Racer MX is considered the fastest vehicle in the game.
14. Which outposts should I choose in State of Decay 2?
Focus on outposts that help mitigate your current problems. If you have a medicine shortage, choose an outpost that provides medicine. If you have a shortage of beds, choose one that provides beds.
15. How do you recruit new people in State of Decay 2?
The main method of recruitment is to complete enclave quests. This increases their favor towards you and allows the opportunity to recruit them.
Conclusion
While other maps offer different challenges and rewards, Meagher Valley stands out as the easiest and most accessible map in State of Decay 2. Its flat terrain, reliable resource distribution, and manageable zombie threat make it ideal for new players and those looking for a less stressful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, understanding the nuances of each map can significantly impact your gameplay and make your survival that much more effective and enjoyable. So, if you’re just starting out, consider making your stand in Meagher Valley before venturing into the more challenging territories.