Multiplayer survival games offer exciting experiences where players must gather resources, overcome challenges, and collaborate or compete to survive. For beginners, understanding the basics can make these games more enjoyable and rewarding. This guide will help you get started with practical tips and examples to ease your journey.
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of Survival Games
Survival games typically require players to manage resources, health, and stamina while facing environmental or player-created challenges. Understanding core mechanics is crucial.
Key Features of Survival Games
- Resource Gathering: Collect items like food, water, and materials.
- Crafting: Use collected items to create tools, weapons, and shelter.
- Exploration: Navigate the game world to find resources and locations.
- Combat: Defend yourself against enemies or other players.
Example
In Minecraft, gathering wood to craft tools is one of the first steps to survival. Similarly, in ARK: Survival Evolved, players collect berries and stones to begin crafting.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Game
Not all survival games are the same. Some emphasize teamwork, while others focus on competition.
Popular Multiplayer Survival Games
- For Cooperative Play: Don’t Starve Together, Raft.
- For Competitive Play: Rust, DayZ.
Tips for Choosing a Game
- Check the Community: A helpful community can make learning easier.
- Assess Game Difficulty: Start with beginner-friendly games before tackling hardcore survival.
- Platform Compatibility: Ensure the game works on your preferred device.
Example
If you’re new, start with Valheim, which has a welcoming community and straightforward mechanics.
Step 3: Setting Up Your Game
Before jumping in, ensure you’re ready to survive.
Adjust Game Settings
- Difficulty Level: Choose beginner settings to avoid overwhelming challenges.
- Graphics Settings: Optimize for smooth gameplay.
Tips for Server Selection
- Public Servers: Good for meeting players but can be chaotic.
- Private Servers: Ideal for playing with friends.
Example
In Rust, beginner servers often have less aggressive players, making them ideal for learning.
Step 4: Learning Core Survival Skills
Survival skills are essential for progressing in the game.
Resource Gathering
- Tip: Prioritize food and shelter materials in the early stages.
- Example: In The Forest, gather sticks and leaves to build a basic shelter.
Crafting Basics
- Tip: Focus on tools and weapons that make gathering resources easier.
- Example: In Subnautica, crafting a knife allows you to collect vital materials.
Combat and Defense
- Tip: Learn basic combat mechanics and avoid unnecessary fights.
- Example: In 7 Days to Die, crafting a bow early helps defend against zombies.
Step 5: Collaborating with Other Players
Multiplayer games thrive on interaction with other players. Collaboration can make survival easier and more enjoyable.
Tips for Teamwork
- Communicate: Use in-game chat or voice communication.
- Divide Tasks: Assign roles like builder, scout, and defender.
- Share Resources: Pool items for mutual benefit.
Example
In Don’t Starve Together, one player can gather food while another focuses on crafting.
Step 6: Managing Challenges and Threats
Survival games often present environmental or player-related threats.
Environmental Challenges
- Weather: Protect yourself from cold or heat.
- Hunger and Thirst: Regularly eat and drink.
Player Threats
- PVP Servers: Be cautious of other players.
- Tip: Build hidden bases or use stealth to avoid detection.
Example
In Rust, building your base in a secluded area can prevent raids.
Step 7: Advanced Strategies for Longevity
Once you’re familiar with the basics, focus on advanced survival techniques.
Base Building
- Tip: Reinforce your base with stronger materials as you progress.
- Example: In ARK: Survival Evolved, upgrading from wood to stone increases durability.
Farming and Hunting
- Tip: Establish farms for a steady food supply.
- Example: In Minecraft, creating a wheat farm ensures you never run out of bread.
Step 8: Learning from the Community
The gaming community is a valuable resource for tips and strategies.
Ways to Engage
- Watch Tutorials: YouTube and Twitch are great for learning.
- Join Forums: Sites like Reddit often have active discussions.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to seek advice.
Example
Subreddits like r/valheim or r/survivetheark are filled with tips and tricks.
Final Checklist for Beginners
- Choose a beginner-friendly game.
- Familiarize yourself with core mechanics.
- Gather essential resources early.
- Communicate and collaborate with teammates.
- Adapt to challenges and learn from failures.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to mastering multiplayer survival games and enjoying the thrill of staying alive in challenging virtual worlds.