In the post-apocalyptic wilderness of Days Gone, navigating the open world requires careful planning and strategic combat choices. While dealing with massive hordes of Freakers presents a constant threat, hostile human factions like Marauders and Rippers pose an equally lethal danger across the Pacific Northwest. Clearing out the various fortifications established by these groups is essential for securing travel routes and gaining crucial survival upgrades.
Understanding the Benefits of Clearing Hostile Camps
Stumbling upon an enemy stronghold can quickly turn a routine scouting mission into a deadly firefight. In total, there are fourteen distinct human strongholds scattered across the multiple regions of the map. Eliminating the threats within these specific boundaries will significantly reduce the frequency of sniper ambushes and clothesline traps that disrupt motorcycle travel.
Furthermore, taking control of these outposts rewards players with immediate practical benefits that aid long-term progression. Every cleared location exposes hidden points of interest on the map, removing the fog of war and revealing nearby collectibles. Additionally, players unlock the area as a permanent fast travel destination equipped with a safe bunker for sleeping and weapon storage.
Regional Breakdown of Tactical Base Locations
The journey begins in the northern territories, where the Cascade and Belknap regions hold early challenges for players trying to establish their footing. Strongholds such as the Radio Tower camp and the Jefferson Tunnel camp introduce basic layout designs that test early stealth mechanics. Moving south toward the Lost Lake area reveals more complex fortifications like the Black Crater camp which feature denser enemy placements.
As players progress into late-game sectors like Crater Lake and Highway 97, the defensive structures become significantly more sophisticated. Locations such as the Spruce Lake camp and the Aspen Butte camp require advanced tactical positioning and heavy artillery to successfully infiltrate. Successfully clearing these zones opens up vital refueling spots in the most hazardous parts of the wilderness.
Unlocking Powerful Crafting Recipes and Upgrades
Beyond tactical advantages and fast travel convenience, conquering these areas provides valuable blueprint designs for superior equipment. Every successful takeover allows players to descend into an underground bunker to interact with a map marker left on a table. This interaction unlocks specific crafting recipes that dramatically improve offensive and defensive capabilities during combat encounters.
Early victories award designs for melee options such as the Spiked Bat and the devastating Baseball Bat Axe. Mid-game conquests introduce helpful tactical utilities including the Stamina Cocktail and the Focus Cocktail to manage resources during prolonged skirmishes. Finally, the remaining strongholds provide blueprints for specialized ammunition, including explosive bolts and proximity bombs designed to handle massive enemy groups.
Essential Combat Strategies for Infiltration
Approaching a heavily guarded perimeter requires patience and a solid understanding of the surrounding terrain. Utilizing binoculars from a distant vantage point allows players to tag snipers and patrolling guards before initiating an assault. Utilizing suppressed weapons or executing stealth takedowns helps minimize the risk of being overwhelmed by reinforcements.
If a quiet approach fails, drawing nearby Freakers into the compound can create chaotic distractions that clear out defenders. Managing ammunition and utilizing nearby environmental hazards like explosive barrels can rapidly turn the tide of battle. Once the final enemy falls, searching the ground thoroughly will reveal the hatch needed to claim the zone and secure your rewards.
