Use nearby resources like stones, wood, and plant fibers to craft tools, basic armor, and weapons, then locate a defensible shelter near a Trader for safety and resource access, securing it with doors and land claim blocks.

Gather Initial Resources

Begin your survival journey by collecting essential resources for crafting and building.

steps

  1. Locate small stones on the ground or harvest larger rocks for stone materials. You'll need them for tools and weapons.
  2. Cut grass to gather plant fibers. These are necessary for crafting basic items like clothing and tools.
  3. Chop trees with your bare hands (or an axe once crafted) to collect wood for crafting and reinforcing your shelter.

Craft Basic Tools and Gear

Equip yourself with tools and armor for survival against zombies and environmental threats.

steps

  1. Use the collected stones, wood, and plant fibers to craft a Stone Axe through the crafting menu. This tool is crucial for resource gathering and building.
  2. Create basic armor pieces – gloves, hood, and shoes – using plant fibers to protect yourself during encounters.
  3. Craft a Bow and arrows to defend yourself from zombies at a safe distance. Gather bird feathers from nests along the way to make arrows.

An in-game crafting menu with inventory displayed, including the Stone Axe recipe highlighted.

Crafting menu showing the Stone Axe recipe, with inventory visible. — Paige

Locate a Suitable Shelter

Finding a secure base is key to surviving your first night.

steps

  1. Search for nearby houses, prioritizing proximity to a Trader NPC for easy access to resources and quests.
  2. Inspect potential shelters for structural integrity and ensure they are free of zombie infestation.
  3. Evaluate the shelter's location and choose one that is close to useful resources like water, wood, and lootable areas.

A road leading to a settlement with various structures visible in a survival video game.

The character looks toward a settlement with potential shelters visible. — Paige

Secure Your Shelter

Improve the defensibility of your chosen shelter before nightfall.

steps

  1. Clear the shelter of all zombies. This might require using your crafted weapons and strategic combat.
  2. Craft and place doors at entry points to keep zombies out. Wood doors are a suitable choice for early survival needs.
  3. Create and place a land claim block to officially claim the structure as your territory.

Organize and Optimize Your Base

Prepare your shelter to function efficiently as your survival headquarters.

steps

  1. Set up designated areas for crafting stations, storage, and living spaces within your shelter.
  2. Organize resources and crafted items. Use labeled storage crates to keep track of materials and tools.
  3. Plan for future improvements, such as filling in damaged walls and installing cellar doors for additional entryways.

Learn and Perform Quests

Take advantage of the Trader NPC's quest system to gain essential resources and rewards.

steps

  1. Interact with the nearby Trader NPC to accept available quests. These quests offer rewards like food and equipment.
  2. Focus on completing quests that are close to your shelter to minimize travel risks.
  3. Accumulate rewards and complete a number of quests to unlock useful items and perks, such as faster movement or equipment upgrades.

A trader in a wooden store with visible shelves and a menu displaying several quests.

The trader menu shows available quests, including objectives and locations. — Paige

FAQ

How to craft and build your first day protections in 7 Days V3.0

Collect stones, wood, and plant fibers to craft essential items like a Stone Axe, basic armor, and a Bow with arrows. Choose a shelter near a Trader NPC, clear out zombies inside, secure entry points with doors, and place a land claim block.

Best materials for starting base and defense

Wood and stone are the most useful starting materials for crafting tools, weapons, and securing your shelter. Use wood for doors and basic reinforcements; stone for tools and ammunition; and plant fibers for clothing and additional crafting needs.

Sources

Screenshots on this page are frames from the videos below, used to illustrate the steps they describe. All rights remain with their creators.

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