Days
Gone

Days Gone (2019) is a survival adventure game set in a post-pandemic Oregon. You roam an open world pulsing with life (and zombies). It's unusual for its scale and sheer number of enemies. Add to that the changing light and weather and Days Gone creates a world that draws you in.

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It takes the premise and art style from games like The Last of Us but puts that to work in an open world setting. You aren't stuck progressing a linear story but can go where you want and progress the narrative in your own direction.

You play former outlaw-turned-drifter Deacon St. John search for his wife. This takes you on a quest through the large world, encountering a range of different communities and (inevitably) lots of zombies. You use firearms, melee weapons and improvised weapons to survive. Some encounters reward players for use of stealth, although combat is impossible to avoid. When triggered, these fights are unusual for the large number of enemies that swarm to attack. If overwhelmed you can use your motorcycle to escape.

Along with the main quest you can complete objectives in multiple ways. A dynamic weather system and day-night cycle affect how the environment and zombie Freakers behave. You also have to watch out for wildlife predators such as bears and wolves. To help you survive this living breathing world, as you progress you can craft new weapons, upgrade your motorcycle and learn new skills.

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Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Days Gone 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 8 months ago.