# 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:** 80

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**Author:** ![GrizzlyAdamz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/grizzlyadamz/32/8056_2.png) [@GrizzlyAdamz](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/GrizzlyAdamz)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 3:02pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1581 "2013-09-27T15:02:56Z")

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Ha, here’s what I did:

Step 1: find a shopping cart  
Step 2: select a base of operations for interim storage/sleeping  
Step 2.5: Upgrade shopping cart for double capacity  
Step 3: Loot EVERYTHING

If you go door to door and load up your shopping cart, you should be able to live off a town while you assemble everything.  
As one loots, one can check on every car one passes, looking for one’s favorite wheel sizes, functional engines, pristine parts, storage bats etc. All one needs is a hacksaw, a wrench & time. Further, by disassembling all your parts you’re leveling mechanics to the point of being able to install parts. Not to mention acquiring the massive amount of batteries one needs to do so- (EMPTY THE FLASHLIGHTS/RADIOS/GAMING DEVICES YOU COME ACROSS).

If you find an RV, you might be better suited disassembling it and hauling the choice pieces away.

[My show-and-tell post](http://smf.cataclysmdda.com/index.php?topic=212.msg49581#msg49581)

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**Author:** ![An0n3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/an0n3/32/2257_2.png) [@An0n3](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/An0n3)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 3:10pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1582 "2013-09-27T15:10:44Z")

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I’m still on 7.1 for the moment so I can’t into shopping cart goodness.

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**Author:** ![GrizzlyAdamz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/grizzlyadamz/32/8056_2.png) [@GrizzlyAdamz](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/GrizzlyAdamz)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 3:26pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1583 "2013-09-27T15:26:51Z")

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Hrm, dunno then. Kinda skipped from .5 to .8. But judging by the wiki it looks like you’re missing a buncha content- sooner you switch the sooner you’ll enjoy it. (the new content)

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**Author:** ![An0n3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/an0n3/32/2257_2.png) [@An0n3](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/An0n3)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 3:28pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1584 "2013-09-27T15:28:07Z")

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I know but I made the mistake of starting a new video series right before/during the switch. I reset and trail off so often I feel dumb doing it again.

I’ll stick with it until this ends, and then I’m definitely making the jump.

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**Author:** ![GrizzlyAdamz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/grizzlyadamz/32/8056_2.png) [@GrizzlyAdamz](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/GrizzlyAdamz)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 3:48pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1585 "2013-09-27T15:48:45Z")

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Hmm, well

[spoiler=By clicking this spoiler, you confirm that you understand it is unfounded advice, you agree to waive your right to solicited advice only, and further you acknowledge that you are not bound by any suggestions presented within.]

> **[Sunk cost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunk_costs)**
>
> In economics and business decision-making, a sunk cost (also known as retrospective cost) is a cost that has already been incurred and cannot be recovered. Sunk costs are contrasted with prospective costs, which are future costs that may be avoided if action is taken. In other words, a sunk cost is a sum paid in the past that is no longer relevant to decisions about the future. Even though economists argue that sunk costs are no longer relevant to future rational decision-making, i According to c...

No idea what your vids are like, but I’d imagine updating to the new content could only help- why watch videos of an old version when there’s this new, shiny version one can play for oneself! Look at all this new stuff I’d never see if I watched those videos! Mmm fun.[/spoiler]

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**Author:** ![An0n3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/an0n3/32/2257_2.png) [@An0n3](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/An0n3)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2013, 3:50pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1586 "2013-09-27T15:50:49Z")

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You know it’s funny you mention that because I work in a sales office calling up small businesses all day long and bring up situations like that.

Previously I worked in a bank and it would also come up sometimes talking about loans and financial counseling for members.

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**Author:** ![SBombay](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/sbombay/32/7221_2.png) [@SBombay](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/SBombay)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 12:45am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1587 "2013-09-28T00:45:57Z")

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Still a noob. 11 Days and counting playing very conservatively. Does Zombie difficulty scale up with player skills? Or are there just harder mobs I haven’t seen?

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**Author:** ![DerpMcgee](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/derpmcgee/32/864_2.png) [@DerpMcgee](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/DerpMcgee)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 1:23am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1588 "2013-09-28T01:23:40Z")

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> [@SBombay](#):
>
> Still a noob. 11 Days and counting playing very conservatively. Does Zombie difficulty scale up with player skills? Or are there just harder mobs I haven’t seen?

There is always harder mobs. Always.

Science labs still terrify me.

As do subways.

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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:** [September 28, 2013, 1:32am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1589 "2013-09-28T01:32:17Z")

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> [@DerpMcgee](#):
>
> [quote=“SBombay, post:1587, topic:42”]Still a noob. 11 Days and counting playing very conservatively. Does Zombie difficulty scale up with player skills? Or are there just harder mobs I haven’t seen?

There is always harder mobs. Always.

Science labs still terrify me.

As do subways.[/quote]  
Little babies, all of you.

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**Author:** ![jimboblordofeskimos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/jimboblordofeskimos/32/2_2.png) [@jimboblordofeskimos](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/jimboblordofeskimos)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 2:33am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1590 "2013-09-28T02:33:38Z")

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Zombie spawns get harder if you are not playing on static spawn, if you are, what spawns, spawns. Any place that is a bit ‘special’ prisons, goo pits, schools, etc. will often have nasty stuff in them. More Zs will spawn in shopping type areas than places with just houses in as well it seems.

If you have having trouble surviving remember to use 1 tile wide windows to be able to melee big hordes. Making a melee tank (14 str, at least one point in dodge) then slowly clearing out suburbs and making the odd store raid when you have high health is not to hard as long as you stay in safe places to sleep/read when your hp is low is fairly easy I find.

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**Author:** ![DerpMcgee](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/derpmcgee/32/864_2.png) [@DerpMcgee](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/DerpMcgee)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 2:53am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1591 "2013-09-28T02:53:16Z")

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> [@FunsizeNinja123](#):
>
> [quote=“DerpMcgee, post:1588, topic:42”][quote=“SBombay, post:1587, topic:42”]Still a noob. 11 Days and counting playing very conservatively. Does Zombie difficulty scale up with player skills? Or are there just harder mobs I haven’t seen?

There is always harder mobs. Always.

Science labs still terrify me.

As do subways.[/quote]  
Little babies, all of you.[/quote]

Hold me mommy, it’s scurry ):

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<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:** [September 28, 2013, 3:00am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1592 "2013-09-28T03:00:06Z")

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> [@DerpMcgee](#):
>
> Hold me mommy, it’s scurry ):

It’s ok.  
\*Pulls out his Remington 700

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**Author:** ![Weyrling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7bcc69/32.png) [@Weyrling](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Weyrling)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 3:06am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1593 "2013-09-28T03:06:18Z")

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[quote=“GrizzlyAdamz, post:1579, topic:42”]Here’s a nub question:  
How do you set the orientation of headlights? It doesn’t exactly acknowledge any commands or display any feedback, but the lights do install. Just…in random directions…[/quote]  
You choose to install a headlight, and a message will come up saying “Choose a facing direction for the new headlight”.  
Press enter and it will highlight the square you selected in the game’s display screen, now use the movement keys to select another square, the angle between the original square and the newly highlighted square is the direction it will shine the headlight, press enter again and you are done.

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**Author:** ![DerpMcgee](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/derpmcgee/32/864_2.png) [@DerpMcgee](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/DerpMcgee)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 4:51am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1594 "2013-09-28T04:51:26Z")

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> [@FunsizeNinja123](#):
>
> [quote=“DerpMcgee, post:1591, topic:42”]Hold me mommy, it’s scurry ):

It’s ok.  
\*Pulls out his Remington 700[/quote]

_gives you an active mininuke_

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GrizzlyAdamz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/grizzlyadamz/32/8056_2.png) [@GrizzlyAdamz](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/GrizzlyAdamz)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 10:35am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1595 "2013-09-28T10:35:59Z")

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[quote=“Weyrling, post:1593, topic:42”][quote=“GrizzlyAdamz, post:1579, topic:42”]Here’s a nub question:  
How do you set the orientation of headlights? It doesn’t exactly acknowledge any commands or display any feedback, but the lights do install. Just…in random directions…[/quote]  
You choose to install a headlight, and a message will come up saying “Choose a facing direction for the new headlight”.  
Press enter and it will highlight the square you selected in the game’s display screen, now use the movement keys to select another square, the angle between the original square and the newly highlighted square is the direction it will shine the headlight, press enter again and you are done.[/quote]  
Thank you sir!

> [@DerpMcgee](#):
>
> As do subways.

…what’s in subways?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Mrnocamera](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/mrnocamera/32/61_2.png) [@Mrnocamera](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/Mrnocamera)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 10:44am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1596 "2013-09-28T10:44:21Z")

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C.H.U.Ds, sewer rats, sewer snakes, sewer fish…

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GrizzlyAdamz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/grizzlyadamz/32/8056_2.png) [@GrizzlyAdamz](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/GrizzlyAdamz)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 10:56am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1597 "2013-09-28T10:56:41Z")

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So, should I or should I not enter one to get around brutes as I figured I could?

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**Author:** ![SBombay](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/sbombay/32/7221_2.png) [@SBombay](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/SBombay)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 11:55am UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1598 "2013-09-28T11:55:34Z")

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[quote=“jimboblordofeskimos, post:1590, topic:42”]Zombie spawns get harder if you are not playing on static spawn, if you are, what spawns, spawns. Any place that is a bit ‘special’ prisons, goo pits, schools, etc. will often have nasty stuff in them. More Zs will spawn in shopping type areas than places with just houses in as well it seems.

If you have having trouble surviving remember to use 1 tile wide windows to be able to melee big hordes. Making a melee tank (14 str, at least one point in dodge) then slowly clearing out suburbs and making the odd store raid when you have high health is not to hard as long as you stay in safe places to sleep/read when your hp is low is fairly easy I find.[/quote]

Thanks. That was what I was wondering. I am playing static though. When I travel to the edge of the map and spawn a new section I assume all those will be scaled to my skill level. So to keep it fun I probably shouldn’t travel all over at a low level. Just want to keep it interesting.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![GrizzlyAdamz](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/grizzlyadamz/32/8056_2.png) [@GrizzlyAdamz](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/GrizzlyAdamz)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2013, 12:51pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1599 "2013-09-28T12:51:42Z")

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Nono, I think static spawns means it spawns all the zombies that will ever appear there, (at least outside special locations or something?). I think you can travel as much as you want, if you can- since monsters start off tough, usually low skills keep you from traveling far.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![An0n3](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discourse.cataclysmdda.org/an0n3/32/2257_2.png) [@An0n3](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/u/An0n3)\
**Post date:** [September 30, 2013, 1:47pm UTC](https://discourse.cataclysmdda.org/t/tips-tricks-and-newb-questions/42/1600 "2013-09-30T13:47:04Z")

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Static spawns are exactly that, static. Same stuff everywhere no matter what. There’s supposedly SOME dynamic behavior (making a ton of noise can add more zombies, I’m told, but I’ve never experienced it).

If you walked through a city, even stealthily, you will see a population of zombies. When you kill them all, that’s it. The city is yours now.

Dynamic spawns react to player behavior and time to throw enemies at you. If you sneakily wander into a city you wont see hardly anything around. The instant you smash a window though, enjoy your new fanclub. Supposedly you wont see the really hardcore stuff until some time has passed in the game (don’t want to mention anything specific for spoilers) but I can’t confirm this either. I know that if you fire off a shotgun in the middle of the city you’re going to see some pretty angry special zombies.

The key difference is that Dynamic spawns give you a never ending stream of undead. You can’t ever really clear out an area, because the game will keep sprinkling enemies around and any noise you make inside a city will cause a wave to spawn.

Strategy wise, Static tends more towards “take and hold” combat heavy gameplay and becoming more invested in an area…building up a safehouse in the city.

Dynamic is more stealthy, and has you doing quick raids on areas to get supplies and then get out. You can still build a stronghold but you’re probably looking to build a nice cabin up in the woods somewhere vs. finding an apartment to rent from a Zombie Hulk.

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