7 Days to Die’s Destructible Environments Should Be a Guiding Light for More Zombie Games

7 Days to Die's Destructible Environments Should Be a Guiding Light for More Zombie Games

Highlights

  • Destructible environments in 7 Days to Die lead to endless hours of sandbox fun in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
  • Player-built bases can be destroyed in PvP using rocket launchers, providing memorable heist-like experiences.
  • Breaking environment structures in PvE not only adds to stealth gameplay but also allows players to avoid overwhelming zombie hordes.

As a seasoned survivor of the zombie apocalypse, I can confidently say that 7 Days to Die has become my go-to game for all things undead and destructible. With its sandbox setting, it offers endless hours of fun in both PvE and PvP scenarios, thanks to its unique feature of destructible environments.


The game titled “7 Days to Die” is a blend of zombie survival and crafting, featuring base-construction elements, created by the independent studio known as The Fun Pimps. Following more than a decade in early access, this game officially launched its full version in late June 2024.

7 Days to Die, a standout among indie zombie games, showcases an aspect that even AAA counterparts could benefit from: its dynamic, destructible environments. This feature, combined with the game’s base-building mechanics, makes 7 Days to Die a rich source of PvE and PvP sandbox entertainment. Therefore, it would be wise for other zombie games to explore similar ideas in their own ways, whether or not they incorporate comparable base-building elements.

7 Days to Die’s Destructible Environments are Right at Home in a Zombie Apocalypse

Destructible settings are typically essential components in survival games, along with well-designed base construction systems. In fact, during games portraying a zombie apocalypse, there’s nothing more fitting than the frantic attempts to gain access to restricted areas or dismantle anything within reach for crafting resources. Apart from combat against zombies, destructible environments are a distinctive feature often found in zombie-themed games, which is somewhat unexpected given that this aspect isn’t universally incorporated into games sharing a similar post-apocalyptic setting.

Destroying Player Bases is a Highlight for PvP in 7 Days to Die

When gamers advance to the plunder phase in the game 7 Days to Die, they can easily obtain rocket launchers and explosive projectiles, significantly expanding options for combat in both player-versus-environment (PvE) and player-versus-player (PvP) scenarios. The thrill of breaching another player’s heavily fortified hideout using a rocket launcher and pillaging their resources is an experience that most players should endeavor to have, if given the chance. Regardless of whether it happens in creative mode, successfully executing a heist like this makes for a truly unforgettable moment.

In the multiplayer servers of the game 7 Days to Die, there’s usually an unspoken understanding among players to leave each other’s built structures intact. But when everyone agrees on this guideline, it can result in some truly unforgettable experiences.

Destroying Environments is Extremely Useful for PvE in 7 Days to Die

Beyond the enjoyment derived from observing the destructibility of environments in PvP gameplay, this aspect also proves beneficial in PvE. In Points of Interest (POIs), tearing down the surroundings and creating a new route can be an enjoyable means to tackle the swarms of zombies lurking with hidden traps ready to ambush players. This is due to the stealth combat mechanics in the game 7 Days to Die, where even if a player is attempting to sneak, there are specific areas within POIs where zombies are programmed to detect the player. However, by venturing off the established path, players can sometimes circumvent these combat triggers and take out enemies individually using stealth tactics.

In the game 7 Days to Die, not only do players have the power to raze every structure and terrain except for bedrock, but undead creatures can do the same. This means that constructing a robust fortification will offer some protection, but players must also remember to frequently maintain their defenses. This is particularly important during the Blood Moon horde in 7 Days to Die, as zombies won’t think twice about razing an entire base just to reach a player.

In essence, destructible surroundings greatly enhance the realism and excitement of video games set amidst a zombie apocalypse. Consequently, it can be said that 7 Days to Die, with its emphasis on destruction, provides a strong case for future zombie games to adopt this engaging feature as a must-have element.

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2024-08-18 19:53