Crafting Materials
In the zombie-infested streets of Kamurocho, survival isn't just about shooting straight; it's about smart resource management and weapon customization. The game's crafting system, primarily handled by the enigmatic Kamiyama Works, allows you to upgrade your firearms and create powerful new attachments. Understanding where to find crucial crafting materials is paramount to turning your basic pistol into a zombie-shredding machine. This section details the most common and essential materials, their primary sources, and strategies for efficient farming.
Common Materials
These materials are the bread and butter of early to mid-game upgrades. You'll find them frequently, but you'll also need them in large quantities.
- Scrap Iron: The most ubiquitous material.
- Source: Dropped by virtually all common zombie types (e.g., Shamblers, Runners). Also found in destructible environmental objects like vending machines, trash cans, and abandoned cars within the Quarantine Zone.
- Strategy: Simply engaging in combat and exploring thoroughly will net you plenty of Scrap Iron. Don't ignore the smaller, weaker zombies; they're easy kills and often carry this essential component.
- Small Screw: Essential for many early weapon modifications.
- Source: Often dropped by more agile zombie types like Runners and sometimes by Armored Zombies. Can also be scavenged from toolboxes and electrical boxes scattered throughout the Quarantine Zone.
- Strategy: Prioritize taking down Runners quickly, as they tend to drop Small Screws more reliably. Check every corner of buildings and alleyways for interactive containers.
- Duct Tape: Used for basic repairs and combining components.
- Source: Found in various containers, especially cardboard boxes and abandoned luggage. Less commonly dropped by zombies.
- Strategy: Focus on looting non-combat areas or after clearing a street. Many shops and offices within the Quarantine Zone will have multiple containers that can yield Duct Tape.
Uncommon Materials
These materials become more important as you progress and seek to upgrade to higher-tier weapons. They require a bit more effort to acquire.
- Reinforced Metal: Crucial for improving weapon durability and damage.
- Source: Primarily dropped by stronger, more resilient zombie types such as Armored Zombies and sometimes by the larger, slower Juggernauts. Occasionally found in larger, more secure containers or safes.
- Strategy: Engage Armored Zombies with precision shots to their weak points (usually the head or exposed back) to dispatch them efficiently. Juggernauts, while tough, are guaranteed to drop good loot. Consider using explosives or powerful special attacks against them.
- Precision Spring: Necessary for improving weapon accuracy and rate of fire.
- Source: More commonly dropped by special zombie variants like the "Monkey" zombies or "Fat" zombies. Also found in electronic equipment or specific toolboxes.
- Strategy: These special zombies are often found in specific areas or as mini-boss encounters. Learn their spawn locations and farm them. For electronic equipment, look in abandoned stores or offices that might have had computers or machinery.
- High-Grade Plastic: Used in advanced weapon parts and scopes.
- Source: Dropped by mutated, more grotesque zombie types, particularly the "Mutant" or "Crawler" zombies. Can also be found in medical supply crates or laboratory-like environments.
- Strategy: These zombies are often found in the deeper, more dangerous parts of the Quarantine Zone or during specific story missions. Be prepared for a tougher fight.
Rare Materials (End-Game & Special Upgrades)
These are the most sought-after materials, essential for crafting the best weapons and ultimate upgrades. They are typically tied to challenging encounters or specific conditions.
- Military-Grade Circuitry: Required for advanced electronic weapon components and unique attachments.
- Source: Exclusively dropped by highly dangerous special zombies like the "Puker" or "Crybaby" variants, and occasionally by the larger "Ogre" zombies. Very rarely found in military supply caches or secure containers.
- Strategy: These enemies are mini-bosses in their own right. Master their attack patterns and exploit their weaknesses. Farming them will be your primary source. Check military checkpoints or abandoned police stations within the Quarantine Zone for potential caches.
- Titanium Alloy: The ultimate material for maximum weapon durability and damage output.
- Source: Almost exclusively dropped by the toughest "boss" zombies, such as the Juggernaut variants, or during specific "Horde" events. Extremely rare drops from the strongest Armored Zombies.
- Strategy: Prepare for a serious fight. These materials are often rewards for completing challenging side missions or surviving particularly intense zombie waves. Replaying certain story missions with high-level enemies can also be a viable, albeit difficult, farming method.
- Zombie Brain Tissue: A unique material used for highly experimental and powerful modifications, often related to special abilities or elemental effects.
- Source: A guaranteed drop from specific "named" or unique zombie bosses encountered during story missions or certain substories. Very rarely dropped by "Puker" or "Crybaby" zombies.
- Strategy: You'll primarily acquire these as rewards for defeating major threats. Keep an eye out for substories that involve particularly grotesque or powerful zombies, as they are likely to yield this rare component.
General Farming Tips:
- Explore Thoroughly: Don't just rush through the Quarantine Zone. Check every alley, open every door, and smash every destructible object. Many materials are hidden in plain sight.
- Re-enter Areas: The Quarantine Zone resets its loot and zombie spawns after you leave and re-enter. This is crucial for farming specific materials.
- Substories: Many substories will lead you to areas with higher concentrations of specific zombie types or unique containers, making them excellent for material acquisition.
- Kamiyama Works: While Kamiyama can craft, he also sells some basic materials. Use this as a last resort if you're short on common items, but prioritize farming for efficiency.
- Character Abilities: Some character abilities can increase item drop rates or highlight hidden items, making your farming efforts more productive. Invest in these early if you plan on heavy crafting.