Hey guys! So, you're diving into the world of Days Gone, huh? Awesome choice! This game throws you into a gritty, post-apocalyptic Oregon overrun with Freakers, and let me tell you, making smart decisions early on can seriously make or break your experience. One of the most crucial things you'll be doing is investing in the various survivor camps scattered throughout the map. But which camp should you prioritize? That's the golden question, and I'm here to break it down for you so you can make the best decision for your gameplay style and survival needs.

    Why Camp Investment Matters

    Before we get into the nitty-gritty of which camp to focus on, let's quickly cover why camp investment is so important in Days Gone. Think of these camps as your lifeline in the harsh world. They offer a range of services and benefits that will significantly aid you in your journey. We're talking about things like:

    • Bike Upgrades: Your bike is your best friend in Days Gone. It's your primary mode of transportation, your escape route, and sometimes, even your weapon. Camps offer various upgrades to improve your bike's speed, durability, fuel efficiency, and even its offensive capabilities. Trust me, you'll want a reliable and powerful bike to survive the long and dangerous roads ahead.
    • Weapon Upgrades: Speaking of weapons, you'll need a decent arsenal to deal with the hordes of Freakers and marauders you'll encounter. Camps provide access to new weapons and upgrades to enhance your existing ones. Whether you prefer shotguns, rifles, or melee weapons, investing in the right camp can give you the edge you need in combat.
    • Trust Levels: As you complete missions and activities for a camp, you'll increase your trust level with them. Higher trust levels unlock access to better items, upgrades, and services. Building trust with a camp is essential for gaining access to the most valuable resources they have to offer.
    • Story Progression: Many of the game's main story missions and side quests are tied to the various camps. Investing in a camp and progressing its storyline will unlock new opportunities and advance the overall narrative of Days Gone.

    Basically, investing in camps is not just about getting better gear; it's about enhancing your entire gameplay experience and ensuring your survival in this brutal world. Alright, now that we've established the importance of camp investment, let's dive into which camp you should prioritize early on.

    Copeland's Camp: A Solid Early Game Choice

    Copeland's Camp, located in the Cascade region, is often considered a great starting point for new players. Here's why this camp is a solid choice for your initial investments: Copeland’s camp offers a welcoming atmosphere, especially as you navigate the initial challenges of the game. Copeland's camp is more than just a haven; it's a place where trust is gradually built, and the rewards are well worth the effort. You'll find Copeland himself, a radio host with strong opinions and a clear distrust of the government, which adds an interesting layer to the camp's atmosphere. The camp provides several key benefits that will significantly aid you in the early game. Firstly, Copeland's Camp offers some decent bike upgrades early on. Your bike is your lifeline in Days Gone, and upgrading its fuel tank capacity is crucial for long journeys across the vast map. Additionally, improving the bike's engine and handling will make it easier to navigate the treacherous terrains and escape from hordes of Freakers. These upgrades can be obtained relatively quickly as you complete missions for Copeland, ensuring that you have a reliable means of transportation. Copeland's Camp also provides access to a variety of weapons and gear that are suitable for early-game combat. While the selection may not be as extensive as some of the later camps, you can still find useful firearms and melee weapons to help you defend yourself against the Freakers and Marauders that roam the wilderness. Moreover, Copeland offers repair services for your weapons, which is essential for maintaining their effectiveness in combat. By investing in Copeland's Camp, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead. Building trust with Copeland's Camp also opens up opportunities for side missions and activities that can further enhance your skills and resources. These missions often involve clearing out Freaker nests, rescuing survivors, or investigating suspicious activity in the surrounding area. Completing these tasks not only rewards you with valuable experience points and resources but also strengthens your relationship with Copeland and his community. As you progress through the game, you'll find that having a reliable ally like Copeland can be invaluable in overcoming the challenges that you face. The storyline associated with Copeland's Camp introduces you to the game's world and the various factions that inhabit it. Through your interactions with Copeland and his followers, you'll gain insights into the political landscape of post-apocalyptic Oregon and the struggles that people face in their fight for survival. This narrative context adds depth and meaning to your actions, making your journey through Days Gone all the more engaging. By investing in Copeland's Camp, you're not just upgrading your gear and skills; you're also immersing yourself in the rich and complex world of Days Gone. Ultimately, Copeland's Camp offers a well-rounded experience that is perfect for new players. From bike upgrades to weapon enhancements and engaging storylines, there's something for everyone to enjoy. By prioritizing Copeland's Camp in the early game, you can set yourself up for success and embark on your journey through Days Gone with confidence. So, gather your gear, hop on your bike, and head on over to Copeland's Camp – adventure awaits!

    Pros and Cons of Focusing on Copeland's Camp

    To give you a clearer picture, let's break down the pros and cons of focusing on Copeland's Camp early on:

    Pros:

    • Early Bike Upgrades: As mentioned, the bike upgrades available at Copeland's Camp are a huge advantage in the early game. A bigger fuel tank and improved maneuverability will make your life significantly easier.
    • Decent Weapon Selection: While not the most extensive, Copeland's Camp offers a solid selection of weapons suitable for early-game combat.
    • Story Introduction: The storyline associated with Copeland's Camp provides a good introduction to the game's world and characters.
    • Relatively Easy Trust Building: Gaining trust with Copeland's Camp is generally easier compared to some of the other camps, allowing you to unlock rewards more quickly.

    Cons:

    • Limited Late-Game Benefits: As you progress further into the game, the benefits offered by Copeland's Camp may become less significant compared to other camps.
    • Copeland's Personality: Let's be honest, Copeland can be a bit of a jerk. Some players may find his personality off-putting.

    Other Camps to Consider

    While Copeland's Camp is a great starting point, it's not the only option. Here are a couple of other camps you might want to consider investing in, depending on your play style:

    Hot Springs Camp

    Hot Springs Camp, led by the pragmatic Rikki Patil, is another excellent choice for early investment, particularly if you value weapon upgrades. This camp, nestled in the Belknap region, offers a range of benefits that can significantly enhance your combat capabilities and overall survival in the harsh world of Days Gone. One of the primary advantages of investing in Hot Springs Camp is the access to superior weapon upgrades. Rikki, with her expertise in mechanics and engineering, provides modifications that can transform your ordinary firearms into devastating tools of destruction. Whether it's increasing the magazine capacity of your rifle, improving the accuracy of your pistol, or adding a silencer for stealthy takedowns, Rikki's upgrades can give you a considerable edge in combat encounters. These upgrades not only improve the performance of your weapons but also allow you to customize them to suit your preferred play style. For instance, if you prefer a more aggressive approach, you can focus on upgrades that enhance your weapon's firepower and rate of fire. On the other hand, if you prefer a stealthier approach, you can opt for modifications that reduce noise and increase accuracy. The flexibility offered by Rikki's weapon upgrades ensures that you can adapt to any situation and take on any threat with confidence. In addition to weapon upgrades, Hot Springs Camp also offers a variety of other useful services and resources. Rikki's shop sells a range of supplies, including ammunition, medical kits, and crafting materials, which can be essential for surviving in the wilderness. Furthermore, the camp provides repair services for your weapons and bike, ensuring that your equipment remains in top condition. Investing in Hot Springs Camp also grants you access to side missions and activities that can further enhance your skills and resources. These missions often involve clearing out Marauder camps, rescuing hostages, or gathering supplies for the camp. Completing these tasks not only rewards you with valuable experience points and resources but also strengthens your relationship with Rikki and her community. As you build trust with Hot Springs Camp, you'll unlock access to even more advanced upgrades and services, making it an invaluable ally in your fight for survival. The storyline associated with Hot Springs Camp delves into themes of survival, resilience, and community in the face of adversity. Through your interactions with Rikki and the other members of the camp, you'll gain insights into their struggles and their determination to rebuild society in a world ravaged by the Freaker virus. This narrative context adds depth and meaning to your actions, making your journey through Days Gone all the more compelling. Ultimately, Hot Springs Camp offers a comprehensive suite of benefits that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. From weapon upgrades to essential supplies and engaging storylines, there's something for every player to appreciate. By prioritizing Hot Springs Camp in your investment strategy, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to take on the challenges that lie ahead and emerge victorious in the fight for survival. So, gear up, head over to Hot Springs Camp, and prepare to unleash your inner warrior!

    Lost Lake Camp

    Later in the game, once you've progressed further south, Lost Lake Camp becomes a crucial investment. Led by the hardened but fair Iron Mike, this camp offers some of the best late-game weapons and bike upgrades. However, it requires a significant time investment to build trust with them. Lost Lake Camp, nestled in the heart of the Cascades, is a pivotal location in Days Gone, offering a sanctuary for survivors amidst the chaos of the Freaker-infested world. Led by the pragmatic and resourceful Iron Mike, this camp becomes increasingly important as you progress through the game, providing access to advanced weaponry, valuable resources, and a sense of community in the face of overwhelming odds. Investing in Lost Lake Camp is not merely about acquiring better gear; it's about forging alliances, strengthening bonds, and contributing to the survival of a thriving community. As you delve deeper into the storyline and complete missions for Iron Mike and his people, you'll uncover the camp's rich history, its internal struggles, and its unwavering determination to carve out a future in a world ravaged by the Freaker virus. One of the primary reasons to invest in Lost Lake Camp is the opportunity to acquire advanced weaponry and upgrades. As you progress through the game, the challenges become increasingly formidable, requiring more powerful tools to overcome them. Lost Lake Camp offers a diverse range of firearms, melee weapons, and explosives, allowing you to customize your arsenal to suit your preferred play style. Whether you prefer long-range sniping, close-quarters combat, or explosive demolition, you'll find the equipment you need to take on any threat with confidence. In addition to weaponry, Lost Lake Camp also provides access to valuable resources that are essential for survival. The camp's store sells a variety of supplies, including ammunition, medical kits, crafting materials, and bike repair parts, ensuring that you always have the tools you need to stay alive in the wilderness. Furthermore, Lost Lake Camp offers a range of services, such as bike repair, weapon customization, and bounty hunting, allowing you to earn rewards and improve your skills. Investing in Lost Lake Camp also opens up opportunities for engaging in side missions and activities that can further enhance your skills and resources. These missions often involve clearing out Freaker hordes, rescuing survivors, or gathering supplies for the camp. Completing these tasks not only rewards you with valuable experience points and resources but also strengthens your relationship with Iron Mike and his community. As you build trust with Lost Lake Camp, you'll unlock access to even more advanced upgrades and services, making it an invaluable ally in your fight for survival. The storyline associated with Lost Lake Camp delves into themes of leadership, loyalty, and the struggle for survival in a world where hope is scarce. Through your interactions with Iron Mike and the other members of the camp, you'll witness their unwavering commitment to protecting their community and building a better future for themselves and their children. This narrative context adds depth and meaning to your actions, making your journey through Days Gone all the more compelling. Ultimately, Lost Lake Camp offers a comprehensive suite of benefits that can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. From advanced weaponry to valuable resources and engaging storylines, there's something for every player to appreciate. By prioritizing Lost Lake Camp in your investment strategy, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to take on the challenges that lie ahead and emerge victorious in the fight for survival. So, gather your gear, head over to Lost Lake Camp, and prepare to join the ranks of the survivors!

    Final Thoughts

    Ultimately, the best camp to invest in first in Days Gone depends on your individual play style and priorities. However, Copeland's Camp is generally a great choice for new players due to its early bike upgrades and relatively easy trust building. Hot Springs Camp is a strong contender if you want to focus on weapon upgrades early. As you progress through the game, be sure to invest in other camps like Lost Lake to unlock their unique benefits and advance the story. Remember, camp investment is a crucial aspect of Days Gone, so choose wisely and happy Freaker hunting!