What a massive oversight on my part, right? This site was essentially built on covering State of Decay 2, with guides and content focused on the open-world zombie survival game, and where the series is going as a whole, and yet I never took the time to put out a complete State of Decay 2 review. Well, after 600 hours in the post-apocalypse, let’s change that!
Features of State of Decay 2
First, let’s explore the various standout features in State of Decay 2, like the base building and character development. Some of the key elements include:
Base Building
As promised, let us check out the base building mechanic in State of Decay 2. It’s hit-or-miss with the community, as most want a more fleshed-out building system in the upcoming State of Decay 3. Others, however, are pretty content with what we have now; perhaps a little more structure variety would be ideal.
You’ll start your post-apocalyptic journey off with a single starting base. It’s a small residential house with a sturdy wall surrounding the perimeter and enough room to build basic amenities. Here, you’ll branch out to explore, loot, and fight the undead while growing your community and eventually moving into a more substantial base.
But for that, you require resources. The main gameplay loop in State of Decay 2 revolves around collecting resources to improve your community. You need food, medicine, materials, ammo, and fuel.
Survival Mechanics
As a zombie survival game in 2023, it only makes sense that State of Decay 2 includes addicting and easily approachable survival mechanics. First and foremost, every community relies on the previously mentioned resources—food, medicine, materials, ammo, and fuel—to thrive. But players also want to track down new weapons—firearms and melee—building augmentations, crafting resources, and usable items, like medkits and molotovs.
Furthermore, managing overall health and stamina during a fight is crucial. If either falls too low, you risk falling victim to the undead. Or, even worse, Blood Plague!
Character Development
In State of Decay 2, each character is unique. These individuals have unique names, leadership styles, and abilities in the field. The various traits affect their overall stats, like Cardio, Wits, Fighting, and Shooting. A fifth skill slot provides unique bonuses that can set some survivors apart.
To improve one’s stats, players must take control of various community members, head out into the world to loot and complete missions, and defend against the ever-encroaching zombie menace at home.
In time, you can build up a legendary hero with a backstory all their own.
Multiplayer
Yes, there is State of Decay 2 multiplayer. At least somewhat. It’s more of a co-op game mode, with a few players joining the host’s persistent world, and the only progress made for the accompanying players is some of the loot they gather. It’s a fun way to help out a buddy, but don’t expect to make meaningful progress.
In addition, there’s the wave defense mode called Daybreak, which transports players to a scenario where they face relentless waves of zombies and special infected. The objective is to protect a passable base and its engineer from being annihilated. While it provides a momentary diversion for a few rounds, I must admit that it lacks substance compared to other aspects of State of Decay 2. I would venture to say that it stands as the weakest component of the game.
That said, everyone in the community hopes the multiplayer in State of Decay 3 proves more approachable and fleshed out overall. We want more actual coop gameplay with meaningful progression and persistence.
The Overall State of Decay 2 Experience
From the wonderful State of Decay 2 Heartland expansion to the story-generating campaign, the unending addicting gameplay loop and role-play mechanics keep players like me repeatedly returning to State of Decay 2.
I currently have approximately 600 hours in the game, and I suspect that by the time State of Decay 3 releases, I’ll double that time. With the upcoming Steam Summer Sale on the horizon, it’s a fantastic time to grab a copy of State of Decay 2 on Steam for relatively cheap!
How did you enjoy this State of Decay 2 review? Let us know in the comments below what you thought of the game!