How to Play State of Decay 2 Multiplayer: A Guide to Surviving with Friends and Fighting Zombies with a Side of Pizza

State of Decay 2 is a game that thrives on chaos, survival, and the occasional awkward moment when your friend accidentally runs over your favorite survivor with a car. Multiplayer in this game is not just about surviving the zombie apocalypse; it’s about surviving your friends’ questionable decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or a newbie who just learned how to swing a bat, this guide will help you navigate the multiplayer world of State of Decay 2 while keeping your sanity (and your friendships) intact.

1. Understanding the Basics: What is State of Decay 2 Multiplayer?

State of Decay 2 multiplayer allows you to team up with up to three other players to tackle the zombie-infested world together. Unlike traditional co-op games, State of Decay 2’s multiplayer is a bit unique. Each player controls their own survivor from their own community, and you can join another player’s game to help them out. However, there are some quirks to this system that you should be aware of:

Your progress is tied to your own game. If you join someone else’s world, you’re essentially a guest. You won’t progress your own story or community, but you can earn rewards to bring back to your game.
Resources are shared (kind of). While you can loot items and resources in the host’s world, you can’t take everything back to your own game. Be strategic about what you pick up.
Zombies are tougher in multiplayer. The game scales difficulty based on the number of players, so expect more zombies and bigger hordes.

2. How to Invite Friends: Because Surviving Alone is Overrated

To play multiplayer, you’ll need to invite friends or join their games. Here’s how:

Open the Radio Menu: Press the “R” key (on PC) or the corresponding button on your console to open the radio menu.
Select “Multiplayer”: Choose the multiplayer option to see available games or invite friends.
Invite or Join: You can either invite friends to your game or join theirs. Make sure you’re all on the same platform, as State of Decay 2 supports cross-play between Xbox and PC.

Pro Tip: If your friends are offline, you can still play with random players by setting your game to “Public.” Just be prepared for the occasional stranger who thinks it’s funny to drive your car into a lake.

3. Roles and Responsibilities: Who Does What?

In multiplayer, teamwork is key. Here are some roles you and your friends can take on to maximize efficiency:

The Scout: This player is responsible for exploring the map, marking resources, and locating threats. They’re usually the one with the highest stamina and stealth skills.
The Fighter: This is the player who loves to get up close and personal with zombies. They’re the ones swinging bats, shooting guns, and generally causing chaos.
The Medic: Every group needs someone to patch up wounds and cure infections. The medic is essential for keeping everyone alive during intense battles.
The Builder: This player focuses on gathering resources and building up the base. They’re the ones who make sure you have enough food, ammo, and beds for everyone.

4. Communication is Key: Don’t Be That Silent Survivor

State of Decay 2 doesn’t have built-in voice chat, so you’ll need to rely on external tools like Discord or Xbox Party Chat to communicate with your team. Here’s why communication is crucial:

Coordinating Attacks: Zombie hordes are no joke. You’ll need to coordinate your attacks to take them down efficiently.
Sharing Resources: If someone finds a rare weapon or a stash of medicine, they should let the team know so it can be used effectively.
Avoiding Friendly Fire: Nothing ruins a friendship faster than accidentally shooting your friend in the back. Communicate your movements to avoid mishaps.

Resources are scarce in State of Decay 2, and managing them in multiplayer can be tricky. Here are some tips:

Loot Strategically: Focus on looting items that are useful for the entire team, like ammo, medicine, and building materials.
Don’t Hoard: If you find something that another player needs more than you, share it. Remember, a strong team is a surviving team.
Watch Your Weight: Each player has a limited inventory, so prioritize what you carry. Don’t waste space on items you don’t need.

6. Dealing with Hostile Humans: It’s Not Just Zombies You Need to Worry About

In State of Decay 2, you’ll encounter hostile human factions that can be just as dangerous as zombies. Here’s how to handle them in multiplayer:

Stay Stealthy: Use stealth to scout out enemy positions before engaging. A surprise attack can give you the upper hand.
Focus Fire: Coordinate with your team to take down enemies quickly. The longer the fight drags on, the more dangerous it becomes.
Watch for Ambushes: Hostile humans often set traps or ambushes. Keep your eyes peeled for anything suspicious.

7. Base Building: Make Your Home a Fortress

Your base is your sanctuary in the zombie apocalypse, and building it up is a team effort. Here’s how to make the most of it in multiplayer:

Assign Roles: Each player should take responsibility for a specific aspect of the base, like food production, defense, or medical care.
Upgrade Facilities: Work together to gather the resources needed to upgrade your facilities. A well-upgraded base can make all the difference in survival.
Defend Against Sieges: Zombie sieges are a constant threat. Make sure everyone is prepared to defend the base when the time comes.

8. Handling Emergencies: When Things Go Wrong

No matter how well you plan, things will go wrong in State of Decay 2. Here’s how to handle common emergencies in multiplayer:

Survivor Down: If a player’s survivor goes down, prioritize reviving them. A downed survivor can quickly become zombie food.
Car Trouble: Cars are essential for getting around, but they can break down or get stuck. Always have a backup plan for transportation.
Resource Shortages: If you’re running low on food, medicine, or ammo, send out a scavenging team immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

9. Fun and Chaos: Embrace the Madness

At the end of the day, State of Decay 2 multiplayer is about having fun. Don’t take things too seriously, and embrace the chaos. Here are some ways to keep things light:

Play Pranks: As long as it’s all in good fun, a little mischief can make the game more enjoyable. Just don’t go overboard.
Experiment: Try out different strategies, weapons, and playstyles. You might discover something new and exciting.
Celebrate Victories: When you successfully complete a mission or survive a tough battle, take a moment to celebrate with your team.

10. Final Tips: Surviving the Apocalypse Like a Pro

Always Have an Escape Plan: Whether you’re looting a building or fighting a horde, always know where your exit is.
Keep Your Friends Close: Stick together as much as possible. Splitting up can lead to disaster.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun: The zombie apocalypse is grim, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself.

FAQs

Q: Can I play State of Decay 2 multiplayer with random players? A: Yes, you can set your game to “Public” to allow random players to join. However, playing with friends is generally more enjoyable and less risky.

Q: Do I keep the items I find in multiplayer? A: You can keep some items, but not everything. Resources like food and materials are shared with the host, while weapons and gear can be taken back to your own game.

Q: How many players can join a multiplayer game? A: Up to four players can join a single game, including the host.

Q: Can I play State of Decay 2 multiplayer cross-platform? A: Yes, State of Decay 2 supports cross-play between Xbox and PC players.

Q: What happens if my survivor dies in multiplayer? A: If your survivor dies, they’re gone for good. Make sure to play carefully and have a backup plan in case things go south.

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, grab your friends, stock up on supplies, and get ready to take on the zombie apocalypse together. Just remember: when the world ends, it’s not about how you survive—it’s about who you survive with. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll have some pizza along the way.