# Tips, Tricks, and Newb Questions!

**URL:** <https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42>\
**Category:** The Bunker\
**Created:** [January 3, 2013, 3:04am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42 "2013-01-03T03:04:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 242

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**Author:** ![HunterAlpha1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@HunterAlpha1](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/HunterAlpha1)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 4:59pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4822 "2014-10-19T16:59:32Z")

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Yeah one year we went to a family reunion in West Virginia for the 4th of July and it snowed!

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**Author:** ![edm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f08c70/32.png) [@edm](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/edm)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 5:25pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4823 "2014-10-19T17:25:13Z")

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What’s the most efficient way to make long rope? Threads to short and long strings/rope seems an awful lot of trouble for not much return.

As in, getting enough thread seems difficult to make enough of them.

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**Author:** ![FunsizeNinja123](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/funsizeninja123/32/118_2.png) [@FunsizeNinja123](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/FunsizeNinja123)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 5:37pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4824 "2014-10-19T17:37:15Z")

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Rip out seat belts in cars.

Seat belts = short ropes.

Six short ropes = long rope.

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**Author:** ![edm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f08c70/32.png) [@edm](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/edm)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 6:06pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4825 "2014-10-19T18:06:39Z")

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[quote=“FunsizeNinja123, post:4824, topic:42”]Rip out seat belts in cars.

Seat belts = short ropes.

Six short ropes = long rope.[/quote]

Why in the world didn’t I think of that, thanks!

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**Author:** ![KA101](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/278dde/32.png) [@KA101](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/KA101)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 7:03pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4826 "2014-10-19T19:03:08Z")

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> [@Thwap](#):
>
> Ok cool, I just wondered if it was some sort of “actually starts you on last day of winter” thing.

Yes. Vernal equinox, northern hemisphere. Weather should improve as the spring goes on.

(As I mentioned off-hand and nobody seemed to notice: because DDA starts on a Thursday, this puts it in either 2042 or 2048.)

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**Author:** ![HunterAlpha1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@HunterAlpha1](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/HunterAlpha1)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 7:07pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4827 "2014-10-19T19:07:05Z")

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> [@KA101](#):
>
> [quote=“Thwap, post:4820, topic:42”]Ok cool, I just wondered if it was some sort of “actually starts you on last day of winter” thing.

Yes. Vernal equinox, northern hemisphere. Weather should improve as the spring goes on.

(As I mentioned off-hand and nobody seemed to notice: because DDA starts on a Thursday, this puts it in either 2042 or 2048.)[/quote]2048, as there are references to things having been produced in 2044(confirmation needed).

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**Author:** ![Raskulle](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/raskulle/32/368_2.png) [@Raskulle](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Raskulle)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 9:13pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4828 "2014-10-19T21:13:36Z")

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Where do welders spawn?  
I’m tired of using a makeshift one.

I know they spawn in garages, but I can’t seem to one.  
Where else?

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**Author:** ![Coolthulhu](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/coolthulhu/32/2446_2.png) [@Coolthulhu](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Coolthulhu)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 9:23pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4829 "2014-10-19T21:23:25Z")

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Garages, public works and malls.  
If you want a handheld welder, acetylene torch is generally better than regular welder.

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**Author:** ![edm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f08c70/32.png) [@edm](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/edm)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 9:27pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4830 "2014-10-19T21:27:32Z")

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Vehicle welding rigs are irreplaceable for any vehicle construction. Just get an extra light frame, stick a motorbike battery and a solar panel on it alongside the vehicle welding rig and maybe even some casters and you don’t ever need to worry about charging your welder again. A fully loaded motorbike battery will be enough to weld you a cruise ship.

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**Author:** ![Raskulle](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/raskulle/32/368_2.png) [@Raskulle](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Raskulle)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 11:10pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4831 "2014-10-19T23:10:27Z")

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Just found a welder at a hardware store 🙂

What is an acetylene torch and what skills do I need to craft it?

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**Author:** ![Zioko](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/zioko/32/307_2.png) [@Zioko](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Zioko)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 11:18pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4832 "2014-10-19T23:18:06Z")

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Hey, another couple of questions for all of you Cataclysm Elites.  
Q1) On my best world, I noticed I left my season length at twelve days, like a dummy. I know how to edit world options, in the files, but would it affect my current character? Would it damage anything? Also, could I turn on NPCs in this fashion? Probably wouldn’t do it, even if I could- they have sticky fingers and such.

Q2) Is a monomolecular blade a viable long term weapon against end game creatures? It takes 40 units of time to attack, so I can attack extremely fast, doing large amounts of damage against most anything even at a low unarmed level. Also, what’s the best technique/style to use with said blade?

Thanks for the help!

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**Author:** ![Abbysynth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Abbysynth](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Abbysynth)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 11:26pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4833 "2014-10-19T23:26:18Z")

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[quote=“Raskulle, post:4831, topic:42”]Just found a welder at a hardware store 🙂

What is an acetylene torch and what skills do I need to craft it?[/quote]

Acetylene torches are welders, but have a very large amount of battery power and can’t be refilled. Effectively they’re one-time-use construction tools similar to vehicle welding kits, integrated toolsets, or welders; they let you construct vehicles. You can’t construct acetylene torches, only find them, usually in hardware stores.

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**Author:** ![TheFlame52](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/theflame52/32/247_2.png) [@TheFlame52](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/TheFlame52)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 11:28pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4834 "2014-10-19T23:28:33Z")

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[quote=“Zioko, post:4832, topic:42”]Hey, another couple of questions for all of you Cataclysm Elites.  
Q1) On my best world, I noticed I left my season length at twelve days, like a dummy. I know how to edit world options, in the files, but would it affect my current character? Would it damage anything? Also, could I turn on NPCs in this fashion? Probably wouldn’t do it, even if I could- they have sticky fingers and such.

Q2) Is a monomolecular blade a viable long term weapon against end game creatures? It takes 40 units of time to attack, so I can attack extremely fast, doing large amounts of damage against most anything even at a low unarmed level. Also, what’s the best technique/style to use with said blade?

Thanks for the help![/quote]

1. I have no idea.
2. I haven’t tried, so I don’t really know. Use the Close Quarters Battle CBM and use bionic style, which is made especially for the monomolecular blade.

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**Author:** ![FunsizeNinja123](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/funsizeninja123/32/118_2.png) [@FunsizeNinja123](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/FunsizeNinja123)\
**Post date:** [October 19, 2014, 11:41pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4835 "2014-10-19T23:41:38Z")

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> [@Raskulle](#):
>
> What is an acetylene torch and what skills do I need to craft it?

Pretty sure it’s only find-able.

> [@Zioko](#):
>
> Hey, another couple of questions for all of you Cataclysm Elites.

Muauhauha!

> [@Zioko](#):
>
> Q1) On my best world, I noticed I left my season length at twelve days, like a dummy. I know how to edit world options, in the files, but would it affect my current character? Would it damage anything? Also, could I turn on NPCs in this fashion? Probably wouldn’t do it, even if I could- they have sticky fingers and such.

I do not recommend this, but I think you can do this. I have no idea how to do it though.

> [@Zioko](#):
>
> Q2) Is a monomolecular blade a viable long term weapon against end game creatures? It takes 40 units of time to attack, so I can attack extremely fast, doing large amounts of damage against most anything even at a low unarmed level. Also, what’s the best technique/style to use with said blade?

The blade will keep you for years to come. I’ve used it more than my bow, and that’s saying something. IMO, the best technique is boxing. Cross counters are awesome.

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**Author:** ![John\_Candlebury](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/john_candlebury/32/6437_2.png) [@John\_Candlebury](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/John_Candlebury)\
**Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 12:50am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4836 "2014-10-20T00:50:30Z")

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> [@Zioko](#):
>
> Q1) On my best world, I noticed I left my season length at twelve days, like a dummy. I know how to edit world options, in the files, but would it affect my current character? Would it damage anything? Also, could I turn on NPCs in this fashion? Probably wouldn’t do it, even if I could- they have sticky fingers and such.

Afaik changing the length of seasons messes up the climate, you end up with -6c snowstorms mid summer and 30c temperatures in autumn.

Anyways 12 day seasons is the best setting.

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**Author:** ![Zioko](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/zioko/32/307_2.png) [@Zioko](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Zioko)\
**Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 12:56am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4837 "2014-10-20T00:56:29Z")

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> [@John Candlebury](#):
>
> [quote=“Zioko, post:4832, topic:42”]Q1) On my best world, I noticed I left my season length at twelve days, like a dummy. I know how to edit world options, in the files, but would it affect my current character? Would it damage anything? Also, could I turn on NPCs in this fashion? Probably wouldn’t do it, even if I could- they have sticky fingers and such.

Afaik changing the length of seasons messes up the climate, you end up with -6c snowstorms mid summer and 30c temperatures in autumn.

Anyways 12 day seasons is the best setting.[/quote]

Why is that? I typically find it annoying to go with less than two weeks of a season- though typically for RPish reasons.

Anyways, another question. What would be the best way to go about a lab? I need a higher computer skill to hack the terminals- I know- but what about turrets? If I can hit them with anything, it’s a one hit kill, but the pain from a burst or two of rounds to my kevlar-protected chest still hurts like hell. Any suggestions on the proper way to traverse these rooms? Would my chain lightning be more of a guaranteed protection system? Can they see in the dark well?

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**Author:** ![bahihs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3d9bf3/32.png) [@bahihs](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/bahihs)\
**Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 1:06am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4838 "2014-10-20T01:06:08Z")

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@Zioko, emp grenades?

What do the stats for the projectile weapons mean and how do they work (formulas are nice, but not necessary if its too much trouble)?

Particularly things like “dispersion”, and “recoil”, and “armor pierce” what do they do?

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**Author:** ![John\_Candlebury](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/john_candlebury/32/6437_2.png) [@John\_Candlebury](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/John_Candlebury)\
**Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 1:17am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4839 "2014-10-20T01:17:43Z")

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> [@Zioko](#):
>
> Why is that? I typically find it annoying to go with less than two weeks of a season- though typically for RPish reasons.

Because I usually get bored of characters before I get past the 60 day mark, so I rather have all the seasons together. But its a matter of personal preference.

> [@Zioko](#):
>
> Anyways, another question. What would be the best way to go about a lab? I need a higher computer skill to hack the terminals- I know- but what about turrets? If I can hit them with anything, it’s a one hit kill, but the pain from a burst or two of rounds to my kevlar-protected chest still hurts like hell. Any suggestions on the proper way to traverse these rooms? Would my chain lightning be more of a guaranteed protection system? Can they see in the dark well?

Turrets cant see in the dark, and they must see you before shooting (no blindfiring). Emp nades, control laptops and low power explosives are good for killing them. By the way the rooms with the turrets are almost worthless; the only useful thing in there is the 9mm ammo the turret may drop if killed, and some lore if you are new.

[quote=“bahihs, post:4838, topic:42”]@Zioko, emp grenades?

What do the stats for the projectile weapons mean and how do they work (formulas are nice, but not necessary if its too much trouble)?

Particularly things like “dispersion”, and “recoil”, and “armor pierce” what do they do?[/quote]

A higher dispersion makes you miss more, a higher recoil makes it more likely to miss if you take successive shots (you can wait recoil out), armor pierce makes the ammo more effective against enemies with thicker skin or armor.

All the three stats are almost meaningless if you shoot from closer than 3 tiles, but dispersion especially is very important if you want to shoot at things from afar.

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**Author:** ![Coolthulhu](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/coolthulhu/32/2446_2.png) [@Coolthulhu](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Coolthulhu)\
**Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 2:24am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4840 "2014-10-20T02:24:08Z")

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> [@John Candlebury](#):
>
> Turrets cant see in the dark, and they must see you before shooting (no blindfiring). Emp nades, control laptops and low power explosives are good for killing them. By the way the rooms with the turrets are almost worthless; the only useful thing in there is the 9mm ammo the turret may drop if killed, and some lore if you are new.

Bows, crossbows and similar weapons work really well too and are almost free to use.

Also, computers aren’t all that worthless - if you have anti-shock CBM, you can grind Computers on them. This helps with more important consoles later on.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![HunterAlpha1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@HunterAlpha1](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/HunterAlpha1)\
**Post date:** [October 20, 2014, 2:34am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/4841 "2014-10-20T02:34:11Z")

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> [@Coolthulhu](#):
>
> [quote=“John Candlebury, post:4839, topic:42”]Turrets cant see in the dark, and they must see you before shooting (no blindfiring). Emp nades, control laptops and low power explosives are good for killing them. By the way the rooms with the turrets are almost worthless; the only useful thing in there is the 9mm ammo the turret may drop if killed, and some lore if you are new.

Bows, crossbows and similar weapons work really well too and are almost free to use.

Also, computers aren’t all that worthless - if you have anti-shock CBM, you can grind Computers on them. This helps with more important consoles later on.[/quote]Also, the computers in the turret rooms aren’t useless; once hacked you can reveal a sizeable portion of the world map.

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