What does H1Z1 have that DayZ doesn’t? For starters, zombies that are actually a threat, which makes it necessary to build bases or barricade yourself into pre-existing structures. You might ask why you’d want to do that, but if that’s the case you’ve probably never owned a backpack on a server with 200 people roaming around. While we’ve yet to be killed for ours, the only reason we have it because we killed someone for it. Seriously, that’s the only reason we attacked them.
While we’re not going to get into the type of depth required to build a Woodbury type of settlement, we will show you how to build basic structures to get you started, or how to board one up that you stumble upon while out in the woods.
How to Build a Barricade
We’ve already shown you how to discover recipes and craft items, so consider this more of an advanced tutorial when it comes to crafting and building. If you don’t feel you’re ready to build your own base, feel free to start with our guide to 10 essential items and how to craft them.
To build a simple barricade you’ll need two Wood Planks and four Nails. Once you’ve crafted the item it should show up in your inventory (or possibly in the vicinity), and then you can right click on it and choose the option to Place it. Approach a window or door and do just that.
Of course you might need more than one barricade depending on the structure you’re currently occupying, and nails aren’t exactly the easiest items to get your hands on. All this points to quite a few ways that things could go wrong, and is also the reason why we think you might like our second option even better.
Tip: Nails can be crafted by locating Scrap Metal, then turning it into Metal Shards. One piece of Metal Shard will give you four nails.
How to Build a Basic Shack
This isn’t a structure that will meet all your needs for the long term, but it is the simplest way to get your feet wet in the base building business. After all, you have to learn to walk before you can run.
The good thing about this option is that you can build it (and a door for it) without having to find any tools whatsoever. No Hatchets, Hammers or Crowbars required.
Start out by gathering 10 Wood Sticks (5 more if you want a Basic Shack Door), something that you can do in about 30 seconds of wandering around the forest. These are the same items that you use to craft the Wooden Arrows for your Wooden Bow or Makeshift Bow. Next up, grab 20 Wood Planks (3 more if you want the Basic Shack Door). Toss the materials into your Discovery tab to learn the recipes, then get busy crafting your shack. Just make sure to place it on level ground.
Tip: You can find lots of Wood Planks by punching the wooden crates you see laying around the world. They are quite bulky, however, so you’re going to need to a backpack, or perhaps a friend to give you a hand.
We haven’t exactly built a hugely fortified structure today, but it’s a good start to help get you on the right path. Be sure to check back soon so we can go over some of the more advanced options when it comes to base building in H1Z1.
