7 Days to Die: 7 Dos and 7 Don’ts

After 11 years shuffling through early access, 7 Days to Die has finally reached version 1.0. Throughout its long journey, many survival games have come and gone, but this zombie-infested world has remained a staple. I first wandered through its burnt-out ruins a decade ago, and returning to it today, I find that despite some early access scars, the game still holds much of what made it great. Instead of a review, here’s a mini starter guide for new and returning players: 7 dos and 7 don’ts in 7 Days to Die.

Don’t Expect a Revolution in Survival Game Tropes

If you’ve played any survival game in the past decade, you know the drill: hunger meters, angry mobs, and crafting logic that doesn’t always make sense. 7 Days to Die was one of the pioneers in this genre, and while it’s added features like graphical overhauls, skill trees, and trading outposts, the core experience remains unchanged. The scavenging feels familiar, and the heart of the game beats the same. But that’s not a bad thing—it’s a solid, dependable heart.

Do Embrace the Nomadic Lifestyle

The core fantasy of 7 Days to Die is still intact: find a home, fortify it against the undead, survive for as long as you can, and then, inevitably, lose it all to a nightmarish horde. The game makes zombies feel like a force of nature, much like the constant movement in The Walking Dead. This itinerant lifestyle, moving from camp to camp, was appealing in 2013 and feels even better today. Get ready to hit the road in search of your next temporary safe haven.

Don’t Worry About Death

Death in 7 Days to Die isn’t the end of the world. When you die, you can respawn at your last camp or near your place of death. Sure, you’ll lose some XP, but the penalty bottoms out eventually, and sometimes, dying can even clear up status ailments. It’s basically Minecraft rules: immortality with a minor slap on the wrist. Unless you’re playing in permadeath mode, don’t fear death—embrace the danger.

Do Prioritize Water and Food

Staying hydrated and fed is crucial, not just because it prevents death, but because hunger and thirst slow down your stamina regeneration. Low stamina makes you tire quicker in fights, which can be deadly when you’re surrounded by a horde. Most of my deaths could have been avoided if I’d been properly hydrated. So, keep those water bottles and canned goods handy—your survival depends on it.

Don’t Rush to Lower the Difficulty

Survival games are all about tension. The game wants to challenge you with obstacles, like constant zombie spawns. It’s tempting to lower the difficulty, but doing so can drain the game of its tension. Sure, it might feel like the game is “respecting” your time, but remember that the challenge is part of the experience. Resist the urge to make things too easy—at least for a while.

Do Experiment with Difficulty Settings

7 Days to Die offers a surprising amount of customization when it comes to difficulty. You can tweak everything from XP gain rates to zombie speed. You can even set up daily supply drops or increase the damage zombies do to your fort’s walls. These options can be overwhelming, but experimenting with them can help you find the perfect balance between challenge and fun. Every player has a different idea of what “difficulty” means in a survival game, so take the time to find what works for you.

Don’t Hang Out with Traders Too Much

Traders were a later addition to the game, and while they offer quests and supplies, they can break the immersion of being alone in a post-apocalyptic world. These invulnerable NPCs, holed up in well-stocked fortresses, feel out of place in the desolate wasteland. After the tutorial, consider avoiding them as much as possible—or better yet, mod them out of the game entirely.

Do Scout for the Perfect Location

In 7 Days to Die, finding a good base is like a post-apocalyptic version of a property development show. Look for a fixer-upper with potential—maybe a farmhouse or a camp of caravans—and fortify it. Just be prepared for the inevitable horde that will come knocking. The game has added many new building types over the years, so explore early and often to find the perfect spot to call home, at least temporarily.

Don’t Forget About the Blood Moon

The game’s called 7 Days to Die for a reason. Every week, a blood moon rises, bringing a relentless horde of zombies to your doorstep. You can adjust this to every 14 days in the settings, but either way, you’ll need to be prepared. Stockpile ammo, build barricades, and get ready for a fight. It’s a challenge, but one that defines the game’s core experience.

Do Follow the Tutorial Challenges

Nobody likes tutorials, especially in a survival game, but 7 Days to Die has spent 11 years in early access, and its tutorial system shows it. The challenges tab offers bite-sized crafting quests that help you understand the game’s complex web of items. It’s worth the effort—learning the game’s logic (bones make glue, glue makes duct tape) will improve your chances of survival.

Don’t Fear Dysentery

Drinking “murky water” carries a risk of dysentery, but in most cases, the consequences are manageable. Thirst is a bigger enemy, so don’t hesitate to drink from any water source you find, even if it’s less than sanitary. Your character might gag, but they’ll be fine. Staying hydrated is more important than avoiding a little tummy trouble.

Do Watch Out for Traps

Despite being procedurally generated, 7 Days to Die is full of surprises. Pre-built locations like farms, hardware stores, and hospitals are filled with traps, jump scares, and hidden secrets. Zombies might burst out of closets or floors might collapse under your feet. These moments add to the game’s atmosphere and keep you on your toes, so stay alert.

Don’t Show Mercy to Coyotes

Coyotes might seem like harmless, misunderstood puppies, but they’re actually vicious little terrorists. They’ll chew on your ankles in the middle of a zombie fight, potentially getting you killed. Don’t let their cute appearance fool you—they deserve no mercy.

Do Search for Antibiotics if You’re Infected

Infections can be a nuisance, but they add to the survival fantasy. Going on a quest for antibiotics is a classic zombie story trope, and 7 Days to Die is at its best when you embrace the role of a wasteland survivor. The game is about making your own goals, so whether it’s finding medicine, building a fort, or exploring a new biome, carve your own path and enjoy the freedom the game offers.

In the end, 7 Days to Die remains a game about survival and exploration. With its vast customization options, atmospheric world, and the ever-present threat of zombies, it’s a game that rewards those who take the time to understand its intricacies. So, turn up the heat, dive into the challenge, and see how long you can survive in this pressure cooker of a game.