Days Gone

*Days Gone* is an open-world action-adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world, where players control Deacon St. John, a drifter battling Freakers, human enemies, and survival challenges in a harsh environment.

1/6/20254 min read

Days Gone: A Comprehensive Exploration

Days Gone is an open-world action-adventure survival game developed by Bend Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. This PlayStation-exclusive title was released in April 2019 and then made its way to PC in May 2021, opening the game up to a wider audience. The post-apocalyptic game offers an exciting mix of exploration, survival, and emotional storytelling. Let's dive deep into every aspect of the game: its appeal, gameplay, updates, strategies, and much more.

The Fun Factor in Days Gone

Discover the most exciting elements of Days Gone, from its dynamic open world to thrilling Freaker encounters and an emotionally rich narrative.

1. Dynamic Open World

  • The game takes place in Oregon's Pacific Northwest, featuring dense forests, snowy mountains, and dilapidated cities.

  • Dynamic weather and a day/night cycle significantly impact Freakers’ behavior. For instance, Freakers are more active at night, adding an additional challenge to the gameplay.

2. Motorcycle Expeditions

  • Protagonist Deacon St. John's motorcycle is not just a vehicle but a lifeline.

  • Players can customize and upgrade the motorcycle for fuel efficiency, speed, and durability.

  • The motorcycle adds an extra layer of strategy as players must carefully manage fuel and repairs.

3. Hordes of Freakers

  • Days Gone features massive hordes of Freakers, making survival thrilling and intense.

  • Players can choose between stealth tactics or brute force to deal with these hordes, providing a dynamic combat experience.

4. Emotional Storyline

  • Deacon’s journey is one of love, loss, and survival.

  • His relationships with Sarah, his wife, and Boozer, his best friend, create a deeply emotional and personal narrative that resonates with players.

Gameplay Mechanics

Dive into the third-person gameplay blending combat, exploration, and resource management.

Combat and Weapons

  • Melee and Firearms: Players can wield a variety of weapons, such as machetes, shotguns, and rifles, catering to different combat styles.

  • Stealth Mechanics: Stealth is crucial in situations with limited resources or when faced with overwhelming enemies.

  • Crafting System: Players can craft tools like Molotovs, traps, and medical supplies using materials found in the environment.

Exploration

  • The open world of Days Gone is vast and filled with opportunities for exploration.

  • Players can discover abandoned camps, clear Freaker nests, and gather valuable resources to enhance their chances of survival.

Motorcycle Gameplay

  • Deacon’s motorcycle is central to the gameplay. It’s used for traversing the map, escaping enemies, and storing supplies.

  • Maintaining the motorcycle by repairing damage and refueling is essential for survival.

  • Upgrades such as better handling, speed, and fuel capacity are critical for extended journeys.

Enemy Types

  • Freakers: These include Swarmers, Newts (infected children), and Breakers (giant Freakers), each requiring different strategies to defeat.

  • Human Enemies: Marauders, bandits, and cultists add variety to combat scenarios.

  • Wildlife: Dangerous animals like wolves and infected bears pose a constant threat in the wilderness.

Updates and Post-Launch Improvements

Days Gone evolved significantly after its release, addressing bugs and enhancing gameplay.

1. Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements

  • Post-launch patches improved frame rates and addressed technical glitches, especially on the PC version.

2. New Game+ Mode

  • Introduced in September 2019, this mode allows players to replay the game with all previously unlocked skills and upgrades.

3. Challenge Mode

  • Added replayability by introducing challenges that test players’ ability to fight hordes under specific conditions.

4. PC Enhancements

  • The PC version includes graphical upgrades, unlocked frame rates, and support for ultrawide monitors, making the game visually stunning.

Strategies for Success

Master survival through resource management, tactical combat, and motorcycle care.

Surviving the Hordes

  • Plan Your Attack: Study the movement patterns of Freaker hordes and use the environment to your advantage.

  • Use the Environment: Lure Freakers into choke points or near explosive barrels for maximum effect.

  • Skill Upgrades: Focus on stamina and melee combat skills to increase effectiveness against hordes.

Resource Management

  • Loot Everything: Thoroughly search vehicles, buildings, and nests for resources.

  • Conserve Ammo: Opt for stealth and melee weapons to save bullets for larger threats.

Motorcycle Care

  • Fuel Stops: Keep track of fuel stations and carry extra fuel cans for emergencies.

  • Upgrades: Prioritize durability and fuel tank upgrades early to minimize breakdowns.

Human Enemies

  • Stealth First: Use silent takedowns to avoid alerting groups of enemies.

  • Focus Fire: Target ranged enemies first to prevent getting pinned down.

Development Backstage

Learn about the creative process behind Days Gone.

Challenges During Development

  • Ambitious Scope: The developers pushed the limits of hardware with their dynamic open world and massive Freaker hordes.

  • Middling Reviews: Initial reviews criticized bugs and repetitive missions, though these issues were addressed post-launch.

Reception and Legacy

Explore the game’s impact and fan following.

1. Sales and Popularity

  • As of 2022, Days Gone sold over 9 million copies, becoming one of Sony’s best-selling exclusives.

2. Cult Classic

  • Despite initial criticisms, the game developed a devoted fanbase thanks to updates and strong narrative elements.

Why Play Days Gone?

For fans of open-world adventure with a gripping narrative, Days Gone offers survival mechanics, emotional depth, and thrilling horde battles, making it a standout post-apocalyptic experience.

Characters of Days Gone

Explore the richly diverse characters that bring the story to life.

1. Deacon St. John

  • Role: Protagonist

  • Background: A former outlaw biker tormented by the presumed death of his wife, Sarah.

  • Traits: Loyal, resilient, and emotionally complex.

2. Sarah Whitaker

  • Role: Deacon's Wife

  • Background: A scientist presumed dead after the outbreak.

  • Traits: Intelligent, compassionate, and resourceful.

3. William "Boozer" Gray

  • Role: Deacon’s Best Friend

  • Background: Loyal to Deacon, despite personal struggles in the apocalypse.

  • Traits: Daring, funny, and fiercely loyal.

4. Iron Mike (Mike Wilcox)

  • Role: Lost Lake Camp Leader

  • Background: Advocates peace and rebuilding society.

  • Traits: Wise, mature, and fatherly.

5. Rikki Patil

  • Role: Mechanic at Lost Lake Camp

  • Background: Ensures camp machinery runs smoothly.

  • Traits: Independent, resourceful, and compassionate.

6. Skizzo (Raymond Sarkis)

  • Role: Antagonist

  • Background: A selfish and manipulative camp member.

  • Traits: Deceptive, manipulative, and self-centered.

7. O'Brian

  • Role: NERO Researcher

  • Background: Provides crucial information about the Freaker outbreak.

  • Traits: Nervous, intelligent, and morally ambiguous.

8. Addy Walker

  • Role: Medic at Lost Lake Camp

  • Background: Offers medical and emotional care.

  • Traits: Caring, sympathetic, and competent.

9. Colonel Matthew Garret

  • Role: Deschutes County Militia Leader

  • Background: Zealous and authoritarian officer.

  • Traits: Charismatic, authoritarian, and obsessive.

10. Taylor

  • Role: Drifter Turned Militia Recruit

  • Background: A tragic figure showing the morality of survival.

  • Traits: Naive, disturbed, and impulsive.