Choose Your Characters

State of Decay 2: Learn about the four starting survivor pairs, their fixed backstories, and how character and skill randomization works before you begin your community.

Alright, welcome to State of Decay 2! Before you can even think about building up your survivor community, you've gotta pick your starting crew. This is your very first decision, and it sets the stage for everything that comes next.

You'll get to choose from four different pairs of survivors. Each pair comes with a set backstory that's fixed, so you know who they are and where they're coming from. But here's the kicker: the actual names of the character you'll play as, and their partner, are totally random every time you start a new game. Plus, their personal traits and starting skills get randomized too. It keeps things fresh!

Generally, the character you control will start with four core skills: Cardio, Wits, Fighting, and Shooting. Sometimes, you might luck out and get a random fifth skill, but honestly, that doesn't happen too often. The skill levels themselves are also random each time you begin.

Your partner survivor is a bit different. They'll also start with those same four core skills, plus one extra skill that's specific to their pair. Here’s the breakdown:

• Surly Siblings: Your partner will have the Mechanics skill.
• Old Buddies: Your partner will have the Craftsmanship skill.
• Perpetual Breakup: Your partner will have the Chemistry skill.
• Odd Couple: Your partner will have the Gardening skill.

Just like your main character, the skill levels for your partner are also randomized at the start of each new game. So, choose wisely, and good luck with your random rolls!