In State of Decay 2, survival isn’t just about killing zombies; it’s about carefully managing a group of survivors who constantly complain, get injured, and eat all your snacks. At first, it’ll feel like you’re just wandering around looking for loot, but that’s only because you haven’t yet realized that everything in this world is trying to kill you.

Key Terms:

Freaks: Special infected who will ruin your day. They come with horrifying names like Juggernauts and Screamers – which honestly don’t need much explanation.

Blood Plague: A charming illness spread by the zombies that will eventually turn your friends into zombies, too. Good times.

Outposts: These are safe havens that allow you to claim resources and occasionally avoid death.

Influence: The game’s currency. You’ll earn it by doing useful things like clearing infestations or putting down zombies – think of it as the apocalypse’s “thank you” card.

When you start the game, you’ll be asked to pick from various “duos” with different backgrounds. Think carefully because each character brings unique traits. It’s like assembling the worst work team ever, except they’re armed and surrounded by zombies. Here’s a rough breakdown of the types you might find:

The “Survivalist”

This character knows how to handle a weapon and can likely lift more than three cans of beans. They’re great – until you realize they’re allergic to literally everything and need medical supplies every other day.

The “Hero”

They’ll keep morale high and are helpful in a fight, but they tend to have high expectations – as if this isn’t a zombie apocalypse and you have tons of food just lying around.

The “Oddball”

Possibly the most relatable character. Their skills are random, their contributions sporadic, and their complaints constant. But hey, at least they make things interesting.

The “Slightly Useless but Funny One”

Not particularly skilled but brings humor to your group. Like an apocalypse class clown, they’ll boost morale just by saying ridiculous things.

Your base is the heart of your community. But unlike in real life, where your biggest home worry is maybe a leaky roof, here it’s zombie infestations. Picking a good base is crucial, as is upgrading it, but expect it to break down or get attacked when you least expect it.

Base Essentials:

1. Infirmary: You’re going to need it because someone is always hurt, sick, or just plain clumsy. Get used to it.


2. Workshop: Repairs weapons and builds things like firecrackers. What’s that? You don’t think you’ll need firecrackers? Oh, you’ll see.


3. Garden: The apocalypse means no Instacart, so you’ll be growing your own food. Or, more realistically, watching your plants fail to grow because your survivor has a black thumb.


4. Watchtower: If you’re thinking, “Would zombies actually attack my base?” Yes. Yes, they will. This will be your first line of defense – when it isn’t broken, of course.

State of Decay 2 is more about managing resources than anything else. Sure, you’ll be fighting zombies, but you’ll spend most of your time scavenging for supplies. Each day, your survivors will burn through food, medicine, and ammo like it’s going out of style.

Resource Breakdown:

Food: Your survivors eat like they’re training for the apocalypse Olympics. Expect to go on food runs every couple of days.

Medicine: Someone’s always catching the blood plague, stepping on rusty nails, or complaining about something. Stock up.

Building Materials: Essential for upgrades. You’ll likely run out just as you’re about to finish an important project. Every. Time.

Ammo: You never have enough. Ever. Zombies swarm in packs, and that last bullet will always be wasted on a bloater when you really needed it for a Juggernaut.

The zombies in State of Decay 2 aren’t all shufflers; some are faster, stronger, and much, much worse.

Types of Freaks:

1. Screamer: As the name implies, it screams. Loudly. And that scream will summon more zombies. Pro tip: take it out from a distance or you’ll be knee-deep in zombies in seconds.


2. Bloater: This one explodes, releasing toxic gas that will slowly ruin your health and your day. Avoid running over it with a car. Trust me.


3. Feral: Fast, agile, and extremely annoying. They’ll dodge every bullet you fire and leave you questioning your life choices.


4. Juggernaut: The tank of the zombie world. It will take all of your ammo, three melee weapons, and probably half your health bar before it finally goes down.

Every good survivor knows that the only way to stay alive is by looting everything. And I mean everything. Broken weapons, scraps of metal, questionable cans of food – it’s all useful.

Scavenging Tips:

Pack Light: Go out with a nearly empty inventory because you’ll find more loot than you expect. Every time you say, “I’ll just do a quick run,” you end up with 40 pounds of junk.

Stealth is Key: Avoid running in, guns blazing. Zombies will hear you, and next thing you know, you’re swarmed.

Check for Hidden Containers: Each area usually has a few lootable spots, but some are tucked away. Always check shelves, drawers, and crates.

Your survivors aren’t just soldiers; they have personalities, needs, and a lot of complaints. Expect them to get depressed, angry, or go on morale-destroying tirades about how nobody ever listens to their ideas. Here are a few classic personalities to watch for:

The Complainer: They’ll drain morale by pointing out every little thing that’s wrong. “Why is the food all beans? We had beans yesterday!” Thanks, Carl.

The Loner: They don’t like people, which is unfortunate in a group survival scenario. Expect them to cause drama if they’re not left alone.

The Hothead: They’ll pick fights over petty things and maybe even throw a punch. The upside? They’re surprisingly good in combat.


Morale Boosters:

Enlist Their Help: Taking them on a run can distract them from the miserable reality of the apocalypse.

Build a Lounge: Give them a place to blow off steam. You can even set up a projector. Nothing like watching movies while zombies claw at the gates.

Play Music: A boombox can boost morale, which is ironic because you’d think loud music would invite zombies. But hey, it works.

Vehicles are lifesavers. They help you transport goods and mow down zombies. But they’re also loud, guzzle fuel, and, oh yeah, zombies will try to climb in if you’re not careful. Treat your car well because once it’s gone, you’re back to running everywhere.

Vehicle Pro Tips:

Watch Your Fuel: Don’t get stranded because you ran out of gas; otherwise, you’ll be hoofing it back on foot.

Be Careful with Juggernauts: Don’t try to run them over unless you want your car to turn into a flaming wreck.

Upgrade When Possible: Adding armor, spikes, or a reinforced bumper can make all the difference in a pinch.

State of Decay 2 is equal parts resource management, zombie slaying, and group therapy simulator. Every playthrough will bring its own blend of triumph and tragedy. Some of your survivors will thrive, while others might get infected by the blood plague and turn in the middle of the night. Just remember – in the apocalypse, every day above ground is a win.

So get out there, survive, and don’t let the zombie hordes get you down. Or do. Just make sure you have enough snacks.