Days Gone presents a world filled with dangerous factions, a relentless cult, and, of course, the ever-present Freakers. While the gameplay may initially seem straightforward, the game holds several hidden mechanics that are easy to overlook. This guide covers key insights and strategies to help players thrive in this unforgiving world.
Prioritize Upgrading Your Bike
One of the first decisions players should make is upgrading their bike’s speed at Copeland’s Camp. This upgrade may seem minor initially, but it significantly reduces travel time in the long run.
Optimize Fuel Capacity
To avoid the frustration of constantly searching for fuel, prioritize enhancing your bike’s gas tank. This ensures longer trips without frequent stops for refueling.
Refuel Strategically
Running low on fuel? Look for gas cans in towns or Nero sites. Additionally, keep an eye out for gas station icons on your mini-map, where you can refill directly without leaving your bike.
Master Walking Your Bike
Instead of simply riding in, use the left stick to silently walk your bike forward or backward. This allows for stealthier approaches or easy movement when the bike is damaged or out of fuel.
Choosing Where to Deliver Leon’s Stash
After taking down Leon, you must decide where to deliver his drug stash. Opt for Copeland’s Camp over Tucker’s. While Tucker’s Camp offers better guns, Copeland’s bike upgrades are far more valuable in the early game.
Efficient Looting Techniques
When searching cars for loot, focus only on those with fully closed trunks or hoods. Partially open ones are empty, saving you time during scavenging.
Managing Weapons
Purchased weapons are automatically stored in your gun locker, but those found in the wild are not. Prioritize keeping your purchased guns and only swap them for temporary upgrades.
Neutralizing NERO Site Alarms
Before activating a NERO Site’s MMU power generator, disable all speakers. Follow the wires to locate speakers on floodlights or trailers. You can shoot them or disconnect them manually.
Blinding Freakers
Shine your flashlight at Freakers at night to temporarily blind them. Although this can buy you time, it is not a foolproof method for defense.
Interpreting Map Markers
If you notice a question mark on your map, it usually indicates a dynamic event, such as helping survivors or fighting Freakers. Be cautious, as some of these events can be traps.
Disabling Car Alarms
When scavenging cars for scrap, watch for blinking red lights. These indicate active alarms that can draw Freakers if triggered. You can use these alarms to your advantage by luring enemies away.
Smart Use of Molotovs
Molotov cocktails are essential for dealing with Infestation Nests. Always keep a few on hand, and use them strategically to maximize their impact.
Preserving Scrap
While it’s tempting to use scrap for melee weapon repairs, always keep a few pieces for bike repairs, ensuring you are never stranded.
Quick Mounting
Sprinting toward your bike allows for faster mounting, perfect for escaping quickly from hostile areas.
Avoiding Freakers While Riding
Maintain speed when traveling through areas with Freakers. Slowing down makes you an easy target.
Seeking Out NERO Injectors
NERO Injectors, which boost Deacon’s stamina, health, or focus, can be found not only at NERO Sites but also in hidden locations like caves or crashed helicopter sites.
Smart Gun Choices
Rather than spending resources on Tucker’s Camp’s early guns, focus on progressing the story to unlock better weapons.
Prioritizing Character Stats
When using NERO Injectors, prioritize increasing Stamina. This will allow you to run and dodge more effectively, especially during challenging encounters.
Unlocking Fast Travel
Fast travel requires clearing NERO Checkpoints, Ambush Camps, and all Infestation Nests along the route.
Using Ambush Camp Maps
After clearing an Ambush Camp, access its bunker to unlock map markers for collectibles, NERO Research Sites, and more.
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