Choosing the best base in State of Decay 2 can significantly impact your gameplay experience. Each base in the game offers unique advantages, features, and challenges. With multiple maps and several base options on each, deciding which base is the best can be overwhelming for new and seasoned players alike. The goal of this blog is to help you make an informed decision by breaking down base options, their strengths, weaknesses, and their suitability for different playstyles.
Whether you prefer focusing on survival, resource management, or combat readiness, understanding the layout and functionality of each base will make your gameplay smoother and more enjoyable. This blog will cover major questions players ask about bases, comparing them with helpful charts and explanations.
Key Points:
- Some bases offer more customization than others.
- The best base depends on your playstyle.
- Resources and location play a major role in base effectiveness.
What Makes A Base The Best In State Of Decay 2?
The term “best” is subjective in State of Decay 2, depending on the player’s needs and strategies. However, generally, the best base should provide a good mix of safety, resource production, utility slots, and expansion possibilities.
For example, the “Barricaded Strip Mall” in Drucker County is often considered one of the best due to its sheer number of slots and built-in amenities like a watchtower and latrine. Yet, for a player who enjoys a more mobile and combat-focused gameplay style, the “Container Fort” in Cascade Hills might be more appealing due to its defensibility and central location.
Other factors that contribute to a base being labeled “best” include:
- Number and type of facility slots (e.g., large, small, outdoor)
- Built-in facilities that save building time and materials
- Defensive capabilities
- Proximity to key resources or locations
Note: The best base for a beginner might not be ideal for advanced players seeking a challenge.
Which Are The Top Bases In Each Map?
Here is a breakdown of the top base in each map of State of Decay 2:
| Map Name | Best Base | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Drucker County | Barricaded Strip Mall | Built-ins, large area, many slots |
| Cascade Hills | Container Fort | High walls, defensible, central location |
| Meagher Valley | Whitney Field | Huge space, built-in watchtower and beds |
| Providence Ridge | Lumber Mill | Great large slots, location, and built-in workshop |
Each of these bases has its pros and cons. For example, Whitney Field provides great defense but has a large area to cover, which can stretch your resources thin if not managed well.
Reminder: Always scout the base before moving in. Some bases require specific community sizes or influence points.
How Does Base Size Affect Gameplay?
Base size is crucial in how efficiently your community functions. Larger bases typically offer more facility slots, which means more room for workshops, infirmaries, gardens, and other useful buildings. However, they also attract more zombies and can be harder to defend.
Smaller bases may be easier to defend and require fewer resources, but they can quickly become insufficient as your community grows. You may struggle to fit all the essential facilities, leading to tough decisions about what to build and what to sacrifice.
For example, a base with only two small slots and one large slot won’t allow you to build both an infirmary and a garden if you also need a workshop.
| Base Size | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Small Base | Easy to defend, low upkeep | Limited facilities |
| Medium Base | Balanced utility and defense | May lack specialization options |
| Large Base | High potential, full customization | High upkeep, more zombie threats |
Choosing the right size depends on your current situation. If you’re early in the game, a medium base with room to grow is ideal. As you gain more survivors and resources, transitioning to a large base becomes more beneficial.
What Facilities Should You Prioritize In Your Base?
Not all facilities are created equal, and your choice of what to build can determine your success or failure. Some facilities are essential no matter what base you’re using:
- Infirmary: Always needed for treating injuries and infections.
- Workshop: Useful for repairing weapons and crafting items.
- Garden/Farm: Critical for sustaining food supply.
- Watchtower or Defensive Facility: Helps reduce the frequency of zombie sieges.
Advanced players might also invest in a Hydroponics station for enhanced food production or a Training Area to improve survivor skills. Some built-in facilities can’t be removed but can be upgraded, so be mindful of what each base offers by default.
Facility prioritization example:
- Early Game: Infirmary > Workshop > Garden
- Mid Game: Infirmary > Workshop > Garden > Watchtower
- Late Game: Add Hydroponics, Auto Shop, and Lounge for morale
Is The Barricaded Strip Mall The Best Overall Base?
Many players consider the Barricaded Strip Mall to be the best overall base in State of Decay 2. It offers:
- 2 Large Slots
- 7 Small Slots
- Built-in amenities like a Kitchen, Watchtower, and Latrine
- Great defensibility
- Central location for resource gathering
The downside is that it requires 3500 influence and 8 survivors to claim. That means you can only get it in the mid-to-late game. It also requires good planning because the large area can attract many zombies during sieges.
However, for players looking to maximize their base’s potential and create a self-sustaining community, this base is hard to beat.
Note: This base is best for long-term gameplay and community stability.
Conclusion
Picking the best base in State of Decay 2 depends on many factors, including your playstyle, game progression, and map preference. While some bases shine due to their layout and built-in facilities, others stand out because of their location or defensive structure. The Barricaded Strip Mall remains a top-tier choice, but it’s not the only viable option. Evaluate your needs and make your choice wisely to survive and thrive in the zombie apocalypse.
FAQ’s
- What is the best base for beginners in State of Decay 2?
- The Container Fort in Cascade Hills is great for beginners due to its central location and defensibility.
- How many survivors do I need to claim the best bases?
- Typically, you need 6 to 8 survivors and 1000 to 3500 influence points, depending on the base.
- Can I relocate my base in State of Decay 2?
- Yes, you can move your base by paying the influence cost and meeting survivor requirements.
- Which base is best for food production?
- Providence Ridge’s Lumber Mill allows easy setup of farms or hydroponics with its large slots.
- Is bigger always better when choosing a base?
- Not always. Bigger bases offer more options but also bring more challenges, like higher upkeep and zombie threats.
