# 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:** 55

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**Author:** ![pingpong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4bbf92/32.png) [@pingpong](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/pingpong)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2013, 8:52pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1081 "2013-06-28T20:52:50Z")

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> [@Mcrone](#):
>
> Can a car do anything? or can I run outside before they kill me and get into the one kit KO car?

Cars are near impervious to running over things, I literally don’t think I’ve had any decrement in my wheels or frame from ramming guys, but I did break 4 solar panels running into a lab once, and 2 solar panels from hitting a car or motorocycle repeatedly.

I haven’t been dumb enough to run into trees, but I think cars and buildings are the only things to worry about. (Boomers explode! don’t get blinded while driving!)

If you’re really worried, throw an extra tire in a trunk, and solar panels if you’re into that kind of thing. Welder with batteries always helps, as it takes only batteries to repair something from almost dead to working perfectly. My car is currently like 6x6 with 8 trunks (6 full), if you plan to use the car as a ‘base’, while still sleeping outdoors. RV units are brittle, so put some armor on it or keep it in the center of the car and watch its health.

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**Author:** ![Alfred](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/13edae/32.png) [@Alfred](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Alfred)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2013, 9:03pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1082 "2013-06-28T21:03:00Z")

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> [@Mcrone](#):
>
> Can a car do anything? or can I run outside before they kill me and get into the one kit KO car?

I once broke into and out of a prison using a regular car, I broke through three layers of walls then back out.  
My advice, find a car.  
Modify the front by adding some steel or whatever.  
Drive through the prison looking for the cult, be careful, sometimes the car losses speed and stops but all you have to do is go reverse then build up some speed again to break the next wall 😉

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**Author:** ![pingpong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4bbf92/32.png) [@pingpong](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/pingpong)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2013, 9:14pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1083 "2013-06-28T21:14:03Z")

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Hmm, the game finally noticed I have two broken arms and won’t let me use my longbow. I guess that’s only reasonable?

I can still wield a flamethrower, so whatevs.

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**Author:** ![PiotraperPL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/6bbea6/32.png) [@PiotraperPL](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/PiotraperPL)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2013, 9:25pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1084 "2013-06-28T21:25:24Z")

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TIP: It is possible to survive a long time without ever going into a single house. Computer skill is recommended from the start, so you can raid precious sewage treatments and if you ever get an electrohack, you are golden. Also, public works.

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**Author:** ![Mcrone](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/mcrone/32/116_2.png) [@Mcrone](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Mcrone)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2013, 9:59pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1085 "2013-06-28T21:59:37Z")

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Well thanks for the tips everybody but the same NPC that gave me the quest went and robbed me and shot me in the head with a shotgun  
Generated FUN

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**Author:** ![Lomaster](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/lomaster/32/17_2.png) [@Lomaster](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Lomaster)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2013, 4:17am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1086 "2013-06-29T04:17:55Z")

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[quote=“youtoo, post:1076, topic:42”]this is too long for new people to get a hold of. some of the better players (non-coders cause they are busy). should write up separate guides and make a thread for their own. get them stickied and then copied to the wiki.

lets help new people get into the game.[/quote]

Actually what is weird about Cataclysm IMHO is the fact that despite its complexity it is quite easy to master. That is compared to other complex stuff like Dwarf Fortress or Space Station 13. And laso, on your request, i guess we already have plenty of guides on the wiki and they keep coming.

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**Author:** ![Lomaster](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/lomaster/32/17_2.png) [@Lomaster](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Lomaster)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2013, 5:27am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1087 "2013-06-29T05:27:01Z")

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Regarding “Drop empty containers” option. Is dropping performed as a free action in this case? Or i will spend MPs on eating/drinking PLUs on littering?

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**Author:** ![timtek](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/timtek/32/103_2.png) [@timtek](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/timtek)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2013, 6:00am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1088 "2013-06-29T06:00:28Z")

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Does rebar have a purpose? My construction is at like 3 or so and I don’t see anything that requires it. Is it worth gathering it up after burning down a building?

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**Author:** ![Flare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c0e974/32.png) [@Flare](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Flare)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2013, 7:02am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1089 "2013-06-29T07:02:00Z")

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The only instance of rebar that I’ve ever heard in this game other from burnt down building is someone suggesting a rebar xbow in the suggestion forum. No idea if they actually put it in though.

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**Author:** ![shpongle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bc79bd/32.png) [@shpongle](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/shpongle)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2013, 7:21am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1090 "2013-06-29T07:21:37Z")

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Guys, how to make arrow with metal arrowhead? I crafted arrowheads, but can’t apply it to arrows.

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**Author:** ![Flare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c0e974/32.png) [@Flare](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Flare)\
**Post date:** [June 29, 2013, 8:20am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1091 "2013-06-29T08:20:45Z")

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Arrowheads are for the crafting recipe “wooden arrows” and “metal arrows”. Both recipes also include shafts of the titular material as well as fletchings of any kind.

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**Author:** ![Flare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c0e974/32.png) [@Flare](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Flare)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 11:08am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1092 "2013-06-30T11:08:50Z")

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Lorewise, where do people get bionics outfitted to them? I don’t see them in the doctor’s office, nor in the pharmacy. Is there something like an apple store that has exclusive distribution rights on bionics or something? Or are these wholly mail-order, DIY invasive surgery sort of thing?

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**Author:** ![Zireael](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/zireael/32/956_2.png) [@Zireael](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Zireael)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 11:49am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1093 "2013-06-30T11:49:23Z")

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How does health work and where I can find good starting builds?

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**Author:** ![Iosyn](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/iosyn/32/35_2.png) [@Iosyn](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Iosyn)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 1:55pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1094 "2013-06-30T13:55:48Z")

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Health is tied directly to strength. Each body part, e.g left arm, right arm, head etc has a HP value. with 8str it’ll be about 80ish. If a limb gets dropped to 0hp it’s effectively broken, aka you won’t be able to use that limb until you get to a hospital. then again, I think someone put in craftable splints and crutches awhile back. Sleeping is generally one of the easiest ways to heal up, although for severe damage you’ll need bandages or first aid kits as well.

Normal zombie attacks don’t actually do enough damage to be a threat except in numbers, but pain and infection are the problem, as a lot of pain slows you down and bite infection can be fatal if you don’t clean it up fast. Of course, there are other things that can be much more of a threat.

As for a starting build, go into options and give yourself some more starting points and optionally increase the amount of trait points you are allowed.

Suggestions: Start with a melee/throwing build. Unless you get lucky and find a gun store or armory in a basement (or even if you do find a gun store) You’ll probably have mismatched guns and ammunition. Everything treats a nailball bat to the head the same way and pointy sticks can be upgraded into javelins pretty easily and those can slaughter anything that lives. with 10~11 str even a crowbar gets a serious damage boost.

Most important stats: Strength, perception, intelligence. You’ll want perception at 9/10 so you can see buried traps before you step on them, and on sunny days the glare can reduce your perception by one. Also adds a ranged bonus for throwing and firearms.

Strength is simple, melee damage, HP, carry weight and also a modifier for cutting weapons like swords-- if they get stuck in you can pull them out easier. Intelligence helps with raising all skills and reading some books-- nothing quite like getting to mid-game and having an army of turrets attached to your quadtricycle of doom.

Traits: Quick, fleet footed, night-vision. Personally I take light eater as well, but there are plenty of reasons to take others. The only one I wouldn’t recommend is fast healer, since even severe damage can be mostly negated to moderate by a night’s sleep.

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**Author:** ![Zireael](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/zireael/32/956_2.png) [@Zireael](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Zireael)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 2:05pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1095 "2013-06-30T14:05:21Z")

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I mean health as in illness and that d\*mned common cough… how does it work? I read the wiki, but it describes only “wet” and “temperature” and “diseases”, and nothing on how they are tied to each other…

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**Author:** ![Stevensonz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Stevensonz](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Stevensonz)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 2:22pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1096 "2013-06-30T14:22:35Z")

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> [@Zireael](#):
>
> How does health work and where I can find good starting builds?

12-14 STR (anything less than 12 sucks even bows need str to pull unless your gonna be using guns/throwing javelins and combat knives)  
10-14 DEX (2 Dex= 1 Dodge Skill, Also affects hit rates mainly throwing, For Climbing Fences,Dodging Traps,Lock Picking, and diving out of moving vehicles)  
10-12 INT (For Bionics Installation chance,read times, if gonna be a hacker type 14 int no less as it will help in hacking)  
14 PER (10 only works if not wearing eye wear/gas mask so get 14-15 to wear that gas mask 24/7, also helps throwing skill in accuracy terms not hit rate, and firearms hit rate)

Traits: Parkour Expert (Effective movespeed on higher than 100 movement tiles)  
,Quick (Cause Fleet-flooted is a waste of 3 points cause it needs flat 100 movement tiles to get the benefit)  
,Night Vision (Stealthy night raiding) ,  
Pain Resistant (Nothing slows and reduces stats than high pain levels very effective early game),  
Poison Resistant (If you don’t have this well avoid poison with range as getting poisoned is bad and slows you down),  
Gourmand (Ability to eat and drink more=less time spent eating/drinking and lesser morale penalty for not so good foods and effective doubles/triples morale bonus of food/drinks/drugs),  
Pack Mule (More volume using fewer bags= EPIC WIN and also allows you to carry a huge sum of items with more bags)

Skill to invest in 1 Computer so you can start hacking right away other skills are just easy to raise.

Health that is not seen but only through enabling debug message (Should be called Health State/Healthy as it affects your immune is increased by vitamins (Vitamins gives 10 max boost at a time),flu medicines,fruits and a rare vaccine shot (100 Max boost at a time) but eating junk foods/soda and unhealthy food/drinks lowers your healthy state causing  
you to get sick fast. (But if you really hate getting a disease wear that gas mask 24/7 and keep healthy)

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**Author:** ![Zireael](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/zireael/32/956_2.png) [@Zireael](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Zireael)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 3:21pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1097 "2013-06-30T15:21:15Z")

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One more: how do I mutate? (the feature I love the most, second only to crafting)

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**Author:** ![ClaytonRISING](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/claytonrising/32/75_2.png) [@ClaytonRISING](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/ClaytonRISING)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 3:49pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1098 "2013-06-30T15:49:10Z")

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> [@Zireael](#):
>
> One more: how do I mutate? (the feature I love the most, second only to crafting)

Find some Mutgen and E drink it, or take walk through a crater or any radioactive material.

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**Author:** ![Stevensonz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@Stevensonz](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Stevensonz)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 5:45pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1099 "2013-06-30T17:45:02Z")

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> [@Clayton](#):
>
> [quote=“Zireael, post:1097, topic:42”]One more: how do I mutate? (the feature I love the most, second only to crafting)

Find some Mutgen and E drink it, or take walk through a crater or any radioactive material.[/quote]

walking through radio active zones are not worth it as radiation are deadlier now than before (Also remember to turn on the option to mutate by radiation if it’s false)

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**Author:** ![Rosso\_Fuoco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ed655f/32.png) [@Rosso\_Fuoco](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Rosso_Fuoco)\
**Post date:** [June 30, 2013, 5:56pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1100 "2013-06-30T17:56:38Z")

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TIP: For first-day raids, craft a crowbar. Good damage, pretty fast and pry. What you want more?

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