# 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:** 750

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Sundaysmile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7bcc69/32.png) [@Sundaysmile](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Sundaysmile)\
**Post date:** [July 12, 2016, 12:04pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14982 "2016-07-12T12:04:51Z")

</div>

Typically I end up running with something like this.

Rifles: Pneumatic Bolt Driver, Savage 111F  
Shotguns: Sawn-off Shotgun (My typical sidearm.)  
SMG: I dont typically use them, but sometimes I carry a Tec-9 due to the availability of ammo and its light weight. Only reserved for full auto fire when something gets close.  
Pistols: I sometimes keep a small caliber pistol in an ankle holster for dealing with manhacks or rats/krecks  
Launchers: 40mm grenade launcher or Flammenwerfer; only really used against Triffids and Fungal enemies. Mostly spends a lot of time collecting dust in the trunk.

Piercing: Steel Spear. Sometimes a Rapier.  
Cutting: Just a Butcher/Hunting knife for dealing with carcasses.  
Bashing: Expandable Baton as a backup last ditch weapon, or an Ice Axe (its a great prying tool, hammer and weapon.)

Recently, I’ve built up a “Neet” character who specialises in only Electronics and Computing.  
He has a few traits making him much weaker in melee combat and i’ve purposely chosen to neglect particular skills for that added challenge. (Which means no skill books can be read for the chosen skills)

He’s lasted one night so far, but has to play it VERY carefully, often trying his luck at night.

Oh yeah… And he doesn’t have the nightvision perk.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![pisskop](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/pisskop/32/1327_2.png) [@pisskop](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/pisskop)\
**Post date:** [July 12, 2016, 1:22pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14983 "2016-07-12T13:22:34Z")

</div>

nightvison is op.  
most op things get nerfed, nightvison has been buffed.

its preplexing. id be okay with a trait that grants nightvison at the expense of dayvison but nv is just plain op

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Slax](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/slax/32/5385_2.png) [@Slax](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Slax)\
**Post date:** [July 12, 2016, 4:43pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14984 "2016-07-12T16:43:43Z")

</div>

Been finding plenty of big MP5 mags in my recent world.  
Bottom line: Keep two of them. Start stacking one with powerful ammo (for dangerous situations) and use the other one for regular ol’ JHP.

50 rounds + modded MP5 = good for most situations. Aw yeah. Plus you find lots and lots of ammo.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Malaxxor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Malaxxor](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Malaxxor)\
**Post date:** [July 12, 2016, 6:38pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14985 "2016-07-12T18:38:10Z")

</div>

It’s interesting how many people pretty much ignore SMG’s. Now I’m not a gun enthusiast, but wouldn’t they be the weapons most suited for a Cata-like situation, with combat happening mostly in urban enviroments? Low recoil, compact design, plentiful ammo, burst capable,…

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![pisskop](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/pisskop/32/1327_2.png) [@pisskop](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/pisskop)\
**Post date:** [July 12, 2016, 7:06pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14986 "2016-07-12T19:06:03Z")

</div>

They are suited and designed for providing covering/supression fire in tight enviornments. Small tactical squads and police swat-level teams will use them, and they were commonly included in army units for their mobile firepower.

Of course, you could argue that the smg and its big brother the mg are the reason its quoted that a million bullets are fired to every kill, and in an apocolyptic situation where bullets can literally count as money it might not be the wisest thing to use the spray and prey method of living.

Id argue that hunting rifles and bolt action or lever action rifles would be the most economical and versatile for day-to-day subsistence. Easy to clean, maintain, no fancy parts, no ammo dumping, a firing mechanism that improves as the user does, and a reasonable accuracy. Shotguns were used so much in the american frontiers for a reason.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Slax](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/slax/32/5385_2.png) [@Slax](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Slax)\
**Post date:** [July 12, 2016, 7:58pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14987 "2016-07-12T19:58:37Z")

</div>

Big rifles tend to do much worse than SMGs for me, at least when it comes to zombies. Over-penetration? Big, slow, unreliable (when it comes to damage output.)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![deoxy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7feea3/32.png) [@deoxy](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/deoxy)\
**Post date:** [July 12, 2016, 8:02pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14988 "2016-07-12T20:02:32Z")

</div>

> [@Malaxxor](#):
>
> It’s interesting how many people pretty much ignore SMG’s. Now I’m not a gun enthusiast, but wouldn’t they be the weapons most suited for a Cata-like situation, with combat happening mostly in urban enviroments? Low recoil, compact design, plentiful ammo, burst capable,…

I think the problem is the bolded part, above. If I really felt that I had “plentiful ammo”, sure, I’d give it a go… but I DON’T feel that way, generally.

Oh sure, sometimes I find a lot of ammo, but that’s usually on late-game characters, where I’m already killing everything with some other technique (high melee skills with good melee weapon, or A7).

Without a supply chain where you can just go and BUY MORE, there’s no such thing as “plentiful ammo”.

As an added bonus, burst means more noise.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/cataclysmdda/original/1X/21b5d044e8473b25d0bf905d60477e25f6fbe0cf.png) [@system](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2016, 6:06pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14989 "2016-07-13T18:06:28Z")

</div>

I am quite familiar with repairing fabric and metal objects using sewing kits and soldering irons. Never have I repaired a wooden object.

It is my understanding that you can use duct tape to do so. Is this correct? Can you also use blob globs, resinous cord, and superglue? What about chitin and bone weapons and armor, can they be repaired using duct tape and similar items?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![pisskop](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/pisskop/32/1327_2.png) [@pisskop](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/pisskop)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2016, 6:17pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14990 "2016-07-13T18:17:20Z")

</div>

you use ‘basic repair kits’

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Sundaysmile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7bcc69/32.png) [@Sundaysmile](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Sundaysmile)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2016, 6:32pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14991 "2016-07-13T18:32:07Z")

</div>

> [@pisskop](#):
>
> you use ‘basic repair kits’

Which, to clarify use Duct Tape, Medical Tape or anything which would substitute.

But you will need both to repair anything of Wood and Bone I think.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/uploads/cataclysmdda/original/1X/21b5d044e8473b25d0bf905d60477e25f6fbe0cf.png) [@system](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2016, 8:13pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14992 "2016-07-13T20:13:32Z")

</div>

> [@pisskop](#):
>
> you use ‘basic repair kits’

[quote=“Sundaysmile, post:14991, topic:42”]Which, to clarify use Duct Tape, Medical Tape or anything which would substitute.

But you will need both to repair anything of Wood and Bone I think.[/quote]

Cool, thanks. It seems that resinous cord works too, if you have the survival mod. I hardly ever use wooden weapons or skeletal armor as metal is far easier to repair and more plentiful too. But I have recently realized the glory that is the baseball bat. I’m eying that nail bat too, and want to make sure that I can keep it in good condition.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Rot](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/rot/32/454_2.png) [@Rot](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Rot)\
**Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 1:31am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14993 "2016-07-15T01:31:34Z")

</div>

Does anyone have tips on surviving with hordes? I might try to play with hordes set to an extreme amount but I know the associated dangers (and bugs) that come with even default hordes.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![pisskop](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/pisskop/32/1327_2.png) [@pisskop](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/pisskop)\
**Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 2:12am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14994 "2016-07-15T02:12:51Z")

</div>

Sure.

-Fire is still useful, but requires preperation now.  
-Window sills and young trees are important because they slow down zombies and prevent items from landing on that tile, so fire can be used safely.  
-Its important to manage your pain because you wont know when or if a horde will appear.  
-Keep day raids short and actually raid instead of clearing out structures. I carry a duffle bag in my hands when I go into combat and wear it after.  
-A turret can watch your back pretty well  
-Carry a hulkbuster gun and carry a spare grenade of some kind. I prefer smoke, tear gas, or flash to hep break LoS and kill living organics.  
-Know your limit. Dont push it without serious reward. Items are going to stick around forever, so you can come back.  
-Sit in your car for a minute or so at night during city raids. Flick on the flashlight and be sure nothing is homing in on your car noise.  
-When you get strong enough you can do blatent smash and grabs in the day. But make sure you can be strong enough.  
-Avoid making noise if possible, but dont be afraid of noise. Zs take time to horde in, and noise like alarms or firecrackers are good distractions.  
-If you see a structure that spawns monsters and dont want to deal with the hordes, stay away from said structure. Turn right around. i.e. a hospital  
-Use your car as a pre-battering ram. Smash a gun store with your car while scouting, and return to it later, once the hordes die away.

-Try to sleep outside of cities, and sleep either in your car or far away from it. Getting cute and parking it in the parking lot and sleeping inside will get it trashed. Garages are ok, and anything that protects the car.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Arek\_PL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b77776/32.png) [@Arek\_PL](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Arek_PL)\
**Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 6:55am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14995 "2016-07-15T06:55:55Z")

</div>

it may be nice idea to make base outside of the city, even maybe a small cabin made by player? for raiding small truck with 100% laser gun coverage should be nice at making you safe when you are clearing out buildings when horde apear

raiding hospitals is far easier than before, just make noise and draw zombies outside and them just smash wall, quickly pickup what you want and get outside before zombies turn this place into pile of rubble, no need to deal with large amouts of corosive zombies anymore

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![BeerBeer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@BeerBeer](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/BeerBeer)\
**Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 6:56am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14996 "2016-07-15T06:56:40Z")

</div>

I’ve never played with dynamic spawns, let alone high numbers. Hordes don’t spawn underground, do they? Sewers might be of great assistance.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**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:** [July 15, 2016, 8:04am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14997 "2016-07-15T08:04:13Z")

</div>

My favorite things to kill things with are:

Rifles: Savage 111F, Remington 700 or any long rifle is fun. I really wish the M1A was more moddable. Come on, there’s AR-15 chassis’ for that thing. I also enjoy the SCAR-L. SCAR-L properly modded will fit into a survivor vest, making pulling it out faster than using a rifle sling and saving a lot more space + enc on your back.

Shotguns: Never really used shotguns. Too loud. I do like using the underbarrel or masterkey shotgun.

SMG: I don’t really use SMGs, but the STEN gets a huge thumbs up from me because you can make makeshift mags for it. I like the mental image of SMGs, but they don’t find much use with me.

Pistols: Something low recoil so I can pop shots repeated off easily. A Glock or a 92fs, or one of the burst fire machine pistols that KA added. Love those…

Launchers: Don’t really use launchers that much, but sometimes I do use the underbarrel launcher and I did install the 40mm launcher in my car.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Rot](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/rot/32/454_2.png) [@Rot](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Rot)\
**Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 11:03am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14998 "2016-07-15T11:03:39Z")

</div>

Basically play more cautious and smart and obviously have some common sense. I rarely ever die from fault, I usually survive any endeavor I’m put in.

I guess my choice weapons would be something like a Remington 700 with a MP5 EOD as a backup. Maybe even a STEN gun for the makeshift mags. Will pack maybe a powerful revolver and/or a M1911 for a sidearm. My melee weapon would most likely still be a katana as it usually is.

Any suggestions for turrets? I’m thinking the rail rifle turrets then switching over to laser ones once I’m done. All stuck onto a electric SUV or Humvee

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![pisskop](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/pisskop/32/1327_2.png) [@pisskop](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/pisskop)\
**Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 12:10pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/14999 "2016-07-15T12:10:17Z")

</div>

twin flamethrower and grenade launcher do it for me.

But really, any non .223 mounted gun

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Wojtek94](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/wojtek94/32/6857_2.png) [@Wojtek94](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Wojtek94)\
**Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 10:31pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/15000 "2016-07-15T22:31:07Z")

</div>

Is it possible to create the world with NPC and mutated wildlife only? Without any zombies and strange monsters etc

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Tawarochir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@Tawarochir](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Tawarochir)\
**Post date:** [July 15, 2016, 11:22pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/15001 "2016-07-15T23:22:09Z")

</div>

There’s a mod that excludes everything but regular wildlife. Not sure if that’s what you’re looking for, though :v

[Previous page](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42.md?page=749)

[Next page](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42.md?page=751)