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State of Decay 2 – A Gun Guy Goes Gaming

Friday, April 29th, 2022

If it weren’t for Xbox Gamepass, I’d never have heard of a little game called State of Decay 2. I never heard of the first, and the second looked to be an enjoyable open-world game. Plus, it’s free on Gamepass, so I hopped on it. Never did I expect a game to offer such a unique experience. Not just the game itself, but the guns. As a gun nerd, I geeked out on State of Decay 2. 

weapons of State of Decay 2

The game features tons of guns and some very interesting gunplay. State of Decay 2 takes the player and tasks them with building a community of survivors. Throughout the game, the player has to kill zombies, make allies, and find and scavenge supplies, vehicles, and guns. It’s deep, can be extremely difficult, and is the Walking Dead game we’ve always wanted. It’s a free-roaming game with a vast open-world and several selectable maps. 

Pick a map, roll the nice to get characters, and jump on into a very addictive game. 

State of Decay 2 – The Gameplay 

State of Decay 2 is an open world, community building, third-person game. You can swap between a multitude of characters as you play. Each character comes with a variety of skills that affect combat, navigation, crafting, and more. It’s a very deep game with a lot of minutiae and a cult of players who are far more educated than I about the game. I’ve spent tens of hours playing it, and I still can’t explain the whole thing. 

You start with a small community and steadily build it. You move from sanctuary to sanctuary and build your community with a variety of different upgrades. We can have infirmaries, mechanic shops, armories, and more. Each member of your community is a playable character, and each member can bring different skills to your community. You’ll need to constantly scavenge supplies like fuel, food, ammo, and more. 

weapons of State of Decay 2

All of your survivors are playable characters with different skills

You’ll have to balance the strengths of your characters as well as their fatigue and health. When a character is wounded, tired, or bit, you’ll need to take them back to the community to rest and switch out. You can move between different paths through the game that offers you different missions, challenges, and outcomes. 

Throughout the entire game, you’ll need to balance your scavenging with combat. Combat involves either guns or melee weapons. You have broad availability of both. Today we are going to talk all about the guns of State of Decay 2. 

The Gunplay 

How many guns are there? I don’t know…all of them might be the best answer. There are dozens of guns, and I mean dozens of them. You can use the ultra-modern Maxim 9mm integrally suppressed handgun to the old-school cool Remington 1875. Maybe you are a scattergun guy like me, and you want an AA-12 or a Winchester 1897 Trench gun. Well, you can use either. 

weapons of State of Decay 2

Mare’s Leg? Sure, we got em!

Guns have been added throughout the lifespan of the game. We even get guns that aren’t ‘mainstream’ outside of the world of guns, like the CMMG Banshee, the KelTec Sub 2000, and the Colt Monitor. 

weapons of State of Decay 2

Weapon drops bring us everything, including WW2 guns.

There are tons of guns that fall into various classes. You seemingly get everything outside of crew-served guns. I can’t help but think someone at the State of Decay 2 studio is a gun nerd. Not just because of the gun selection but due to the depth. 

Select fire weapons can swap between full auto, burst, or semi, depending on the gun. Guns will eventually wear out, and when they wear out, they begin malfunctioning and eventually just break completely. 

weapons of State of Decay 2

Don’t forget the shotguns (Courtesy of IMFDB)

Characters build skills with their firearms by using them. The more shoot, the better you’ll be at it. Some characters have unique traits that they come packaged with to make them better shots, and as your skill grows with guns, you can pick between different advantages. Some skills paths and advantages affect reloading, recoil control, and accuracy. 

Noise and Size Matter

Throughout the game, noise is always a concern. If you’re loud, you’ll attract the attention of zombies, which will converge on your location. Breaking windows, kicking open doors, vehicles, and obviously, guns will affect your noise level. Different guns have different levels of quietness. 

They get this mostly on point. A .22LR rifle is a fair bit quieter than a full-powered anti-material rifle. When noise becomes a big issue, you can toss on a suppressor. Suppressors come in different tiers, with the lowest being a fuel filter and the best being an Osprey 9. Suppressors can be attached and removed, but not all guns can use suppressors. 

weapons of State of Decay 2

The Honey Badger Helps keep things quiet (Courtesy IMFDB)

Realistically most revolvers can’t be suppressed, but realistically you can get a silenced Nagant revolver. Little touches like that make a difference that makes State of Decay 2 stand out. 

Throughout the game, you’ll need to manage your inventory. You only have so much room and weight to balance. In some situations taking a suppressed 22LR rifle makes more sense than taking a AR 15. The 22LR rifle is lighter and quieter, and so is the ammo you have to carry for it. Rifle ammo weighs more, so keep that in mind. 

The Little Details 

A few of the little things worth noting is that when you reload a partially empty magazine, the gun keeps a +1 in the tube. That’s a neat little feature I didn’t notice for the longest time. Also, most of the time, full auto is useless. Headshots matter and zombies can’t be suppressed. Firing full auto can be tough to control and inaccurate. 

The only time full auto is handy in State of Decay 2 is when facing off against human threats and juggernauts. Juggernauts don’t go down with a single headshot, so spraying them can be a viable strategy. Guns can be upgraded with mods. 

weapons of State of Decay 2

Full auto is for Juggernauts only

Mods, of course, are suppressors, as well as chokes for shotguns, flash suppressors, and compensators. They alter how the gun handles, and other guns can be found with upgrades, like optics that can’t be removed but increase your zoom range. 

A weapon can be fixed at workshops via spare parts, and ammo can be reloaded and crafted as well. Speaking of ammo, the ammo comes in different calibers and types. However, it’s not super accurate. Some ammo types are grouped together, like different types of rifle ammo are all grouped together. 5.45 guns just shoot 5.56, and the M1918 BAR uses the same 7.62 ammo the AK uses. 

Goofs 

Like any video game, you can expect to see plenty of goofs in State of Decay 2 or just silly things regarding guns in the game. Like damage differences between identical 12 gauge shotguns. The two that stand out most in my mind deal with reload animations and suppressors. 

First, the reload animations for all of the rifles and SMGs are the same regardless of their design. They all insert the mag the same way, and all use a right-side charging handle. M4sMP5s, SCARs, and G36s are reloaded the same way. 

Second, whenever video games have suppressors, they gotta do some weird stuff with them. In State of Decay 2, the suppressor wears the gun down a little faster. The lowest tier suppressors reduce wear the fastest, and the highest tear reduces wear the least.

 

Brains…..Brains….

State of Decay 2 is an awesome romp. It can effectively be played forever, and it only ends when you really want it to. State of Decay 2 does guns fairly well, and the massive variety makes it fun to hunt the guns down as you play. Sure, it’s not perfectly realistic, but guns are a considerable part of the experience and more than just an ornament in the game. 

Bacon Weapons Skin For Call Of Duty

Friday, March 15th, 2013

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For 160 Microsoft points, or 2 dollars, Activision is offering a line of in-game weaponry personalization packs for Black Ops II. These packs include a new weapon skin, three optics reticules for the ACOG, EOtech, and Reflex sights, and a themed ‘calling card’. Skins include Dia de los Muertos, Graffiti, Jungle Warfare, and Bacon (seen above); if you’re wondering, yes, there is a zombie skin.

Call of Duty – Personalization Packs

‘Aliens: Colonial Marines’ – Story Trailer

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013

A new trailer from the most impressive looking game featuring the ‘Aliens’ property since ‘Alien vs Predator’ on the Atari Jaguar. Gearbox Software looks to be doing the series proud, and if anything else it looks a lot better than ‘Alien 3’.

‘Aliens: Colonial Marines’ drops February 12th, 2012.

A-TACS In Black Ops II

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

Digital Concealment Systems, creator of the A-TACS family of camouflage patterns have signed a deal with Activision that includes the use of said camo patterns, currently A-TACS AU and A-TACS FG, in the just-released-today Call of Duty: Black Ops II. A-TACS is present in Black Ops II in the form of “…a playable option and integrated throughout different levels of the epic game.” This is most apparent in its use as an in-game gun camouflage.

http://www.a-tacs.com/

Halo 4 – Spartan Ops

Sunday, November 4th, 2012

Spartan Ops is essentially a second campaign for ‘Halo 4’ that delivers new missions and cinematic episodes on a weekly basis.

Halo 4 drops November 6th.

Medal of Honor Warfighter – The Most Accurate Video Game Ever

Saturday, October 27th, 2012

Mmm…maybe not

Thanks CK

This article was originally published on Soldier Systems Daily.

CODENAME: DELTA SiX FPS Controlller on Kickstarter

Friday, October 26th, 2012

The DELTA SiX is an attempt to make the perfect FPS game controller. Designed to closely mimic an actual firearm, it features an accelerometer and kickback to simulate aiming movement and firing while a removable magazine simulates actual reloading. An ergonomic design places the face buttons along the grip for easy access, and a chin activation placed on top of the controller, behind the optional scope attachment, activates the in-game ADS (aim down sight). Other optional attachments include a grenade launcher and suppressor. The controller will be compatible with Xbox 360, PS3, PC, and Wii U, with plans to produce models for any next gen game consoles.

Kickstarter- CODNAME: DELTA SiX

Portal 2 – Portal Gun Mini Replica

Sunday, October 21st, 2012

This officially licensed miniature Portal gun replica is for everybody who didn’t get a chance at the full-sized (and expensive) version. It features orange and blue LEDs with corresponding sound effects, a functioning trigger, extendable and posable claws, and a display stand. The whole package come in a Portal-themed, full color gift box. Powered by 3 AAA batteries.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/ef3c/

Black Ops 2 Launch Trailer

Friday, October 19th, 2012

In the year 2025, there’s huge assault walker drones, wrist-mounted grappling hooks, flight packs with wings take the place of parachutes, and special forces still use MultiCam.

Black Ops 2 drops November 13th.

Medal of Honor Warfighter PWNED Special

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

Check out this in-depth video on the upcoming ‘Medal of Honor: Warfighter’, which includes information on both multiplayer and single player.

‘Medal of Honor: Warfighter’ drops October 23rd.

Enter The Freeman

Wednesday, October 10th, 2012

Two things:

1) This is an amazing fan film based on an amazing property!

2) Why is Gordon Freeman talking?

Anyway, it’s no ‘Half-Life 2: Episode 3’, but it’s definitely worth watching.

Project Honor Camo Spray Kit Now Available At Tactical Distributors

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

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Just a quick announcement that the Project Honor Camo Spray Kit is now available at Tacticaldistributors.com. Please note that this item only ships via ground.


http://www.tacticaldistributors.com/lbx/lbx-project-honor-camo-spray-paint-kit

Black Ops 2 – Zombies Reveal Trailer

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

The reveal trailer for zombies mode in the upcoming CoD: Black Ops 2 just came out today. Personally, I would have waited to release this until Halloween rolled around, but then again I’m also not a member of the marketing team for a billion dollar game franchise.

WETA Workshop Portal Turret Replica

Monday, September 24th, 2012

I didn’t think WETA could top their previous gift to the fine folks at Valve, a replica of the engineer’s turret from Team Fortress 2. Then, they sent a replica of the turret from Portal, and I was proven wrong. Features motion tracking, deployable guns, and in-game sound effects and voice clips.

Intensafire Camouflage Controllers

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

Intensafire is a company that specializes in modified Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers. Among their product line, they have an impressive looking line of camouflage 360 pads, seen above is A-TACS and MultiCam. They also have Realtree, digital woodland, digital desert, digital winter, and red tiger stripe.

Available for purchase from Intensafire.

UNCHARTED 3: Nathan Drake Inspired Gun Holster

Monday, August 20th, 2012

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Master leathersmith David Vigil has crafted this impressive gun holster for Vigilante Leather, inspired by the one used by Nathan Drake in the PS3-exclusive ‘Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception’. The design closely matches the in-game model in both metalwork and the dye job used to treat the leather; a model dyed in black with gunmetal-colored metalwork is also available upon request. 8 buckles, 2 to each strap, allow for easy fitting, with an option for custom fitting if required. Additionally, every holster is waterproofed and stress tested, insuring full functionality in any situation. Simply put, it’s a piece that’s usable for way more than just cosplay.

Available in limited quantities from David Vigil on Etsy.

SOG Knives Voodoo Hawk – Medal of Honor Limited Edition

Thursday, August 9th, 2012

The Voodoo Hawk from SOG Specialty Knives & Tools is a combination of their tactical Tomahawk and FastHawk, featuring an extended cutting head, smaller compact glass-reinforced nylon handle, and metal butt cap. The new design also features a special edition London Bridge Trading Company sheath in Honor Camo.

In October, SOG Specialty Knives & Tools will be releasing a limited edition 500 piece run of the Voodoo Hawk. They will be numbered and engraved with the Mako unit crest and include a SOG patch.

GET THIS – 100% of the proceeds from all 500 pieces will be donated to Project Honor!

To be notified when the Voodoo Hawk will be available visit sogknives.com/store/F18LTD.

Looks like Fanboy’s got something else to add to his Birthday list this year ;).

This article was blatantly stolen from originally posted on Soldier Systems Daily.

Black Ops II Multiplayer Reveal Trailer

Tuesday, August 7th, 2012

Man, this trailer is showing the best multiplayer for CoD yet!

That’s also the same thing I said when I saw the previous multiplayer trailers for every Call of Duty since Modern Warfare 2. Granted, it does look amazing (that’s what trailers are for, after all), and the graphics are looking pretty spiffy, but I already know I’ll like the game for roughly a month, then only jump on it occasionally until the next CoD is announced and released. It’s a vicious cycle, I know. Then again, future weapons and killstreaks and a reworked create-a-class system could prove me wrong.

Black Ops II drops November 13, 2012.

Nintendo Zapper Kydex Holster

Friday, August 3rd, 2012

This project by ‘A.F. 275 – Gun & Gear Blog’ is clearly the coolest non-licensed Nintendo accessory ever, a Kydex holster for the old-school Nintendo Zapper accessory. Stylish and quick on the draw to boot! Too bad it doesn’t give you the ability to shoot that damn taunting dog (in the Nintendo version, at least; at the arcade, however…).

Check ’em out on Facebook.

Thanks to Dnine for the tip.

Sneak Peek – Honor Camo

Friday, July 13th, 2012

This is the Honor Camo from the upcoming Electronic Arts first person shooter title Medal of Honor Warfighter.

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As you can see the MAKO and LBX Tactical (Task Force Lion) insignia are embedded in this transitional pattern.

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Look for a full line of Medal of Honor Warfighter tie in products featuring the Honor Camo pattern from www.LBXtactical.com

This article was originally posted on Solder Systems Daily.

Expendables 2 Video Game

Thursday, July 12th, 2012

As far as a mindless action video game based on a mindless action movie this one actually looks pretty decent, and it’s a downloadable title which means it’ll be pretty cheap to boot.

The Expendables 2 Video Game drops July 31st (PSN), August 17 (Xbox Live and PC).

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 – Villain Trailer

Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

So, David S. Goyer wrote the story and Trent Reznor did the music for Black Ops 2, huh? That’s pretty exciting news! Oh, there’s also some cinematic shots and explosions and future technology and whatnot.

Call of Duty 2 drops November 13th, 2012.

Assassin’s Creed Replica Hidden Blade Vambrace

Friday, July 6th, 2012

NECA is releasing a replica of the hidden blade as used by Ezio Auditore da Firenze in the Assassin’s Creed series of video games. Made of PVC and ABS plastics, it’s highly detailed with a surprisingly quick spring loaded action that launches the roughly 15″ plastic blade with the push of a button; a safety lock mechanism helps to prevent any unwarranted deployments of said blade. An adjustable buckle and Velcro straps keep the replica secure on the user’s wrist. It’s available exclusively through GameStop and will be released October 30th of this year. There’s also a video the pre-order site, so you can see it in action.

LEGO Portal Set

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012

Tactical Fanboy loves the video games of Valve. So, when the chance to have a LEGO set, or three, made that’s based on the brilliant and justifiably popular ‘Portal’ series of games, we’re totally behind the effort. Using LEGO CUUSOO, where an idea and 10,000 supporters can turn almost any project into an official LEGO set (with 1% of net profits going to the creators), Brickthing has introduced 3 unique designs for LEGO sets based on ‘Portal’: GLaDOS’ Chamber, Modular Testing Chamber, and Portal Puzzle Board Game. The project’s only about 3,000 votes away from becoming reality, so chances are good it’ll be made. This is great news, considering that we already bought the Minecraft set created as a result of CUUSOO.

LEGO CUUSOO – Portal Sets

Black Powder \\ Red Earth T-Shirt

Tuesday, June 26th, 2012

Available from Haley Strategic Partners, LLC., this black t-shirt features imagery based on the ‘Black Powder \\ Red Earth property’ on the front of the shirt, back of the shirt, and left sleeve. Made from 100% cotton.

haleystrategic.com – Black Powder \\ Red Earth Tee