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This is probably one of the wisest investments you can make, as bandit attacks lead to loss of items and potentially severe group injuries, so get that place locked up tight as a drum as soon as possible.
Board Up – Helps prevent bandits invading at night.
Bear in mind the water collected will need to be run through a Filter before it’s usable. Water is, needless to say, essential, especially for cooking and alcohol making.
Rainwater Collector – Aim to build this by the end of Day 2. We recommend one of these after the other workshops are out of the way, as you can trade booze for more essential items. Moonshine Still – Used to create alcohol.
It’ll save you losing precious inventory space to wood on your initial scavenges. Make sure you craft a hatchet so you can chop up cabinets and convert them into Fuel.
Metal Workshop – Another Day 1 essential. Crude Stove – This is a Day 1 essential, as it allows you to cook hot nutritious meals. You’ll need fuel to keep the home fires burning, but provided you’ve got a hatchet that shouldn’t be problematic. If it starts to drop (or you have the misfortune to start the game in winter), make sure you have at least two heaters on the go, ideally three. Simple Heater – Keep an eye on the temperature. When you’re done, switch it to the music channel – it’ll help boost morale. Radio – Be sure to build this quickly (although not necessarily on your first or second day), then check it once daily for news about bandit activity and the weather. Chair – Slightly more rest for the wicked. Aim to get three beds as soon as possible, so everyone can get a good night’s rest if needs be. Bed – Although your group can sleep on the ground, they’ll be happier and more rested in a bed. Here are our recommendations for the critical first two Tiers: But you still need to decide exactly what to make. You start with a work bench that can be upgraded twice, enabling you to build better and more useful items. For example, we kept barter master Katia resting up in a bed by the door, so she could respond quicker to trader visits. When placing furniture and workshops, think carefully and try to avoid group members having to walk too far. Avoid anything that might tip people over the edge, like killing an innocent. Depression is a real problem when it’s cold or you’ve suffered a string of bandit attacks. Guitar music is another excellent mood booster, especially when Zlata’s plucking the strings. All you need is one lying around near a chair. A book is an excellent way of cheering people up. Otherwise they have the potential to go suicidal. Make a mental note of each individual’s vices, and if they’re hungry and/or ill, make sure you cater to them.