Summary
InDays Gone Remastered, survival hinges on more than firepower; choosing the right skills early can dramatically shape a player’s experience. With three distinct skill trees for Melee, Ranged, and Survival, and dozens of unlockable abilities, the decision of where to invest skill points can feel overwhelming. To help new players make the most of their early hours in Oregon’s dangerous open world, this guide breaks down six of the most valuable skills to prioritize at the start ofDays Gone Remastered.
6Field Repairs (Melee Tree)
Effect: Allows Deacon to repair melee weapons using scrap.
Melee combat is a crucial part ofDays Gone Remastered’searly gameplay loop, especially when ammunition is scarce. Unfortunately, melee weapons tend to break after limited use, unless players unlock Field Repairs.Field Repairs gives them the ability torepair melee weapons before they shatter.
This skill turns otherwise fragile weapons into reliable tools of survival. Since scrap is readily available inside abandoned cars and warehouses, being able to repair a favorite bat or machete mid-encounter can make all the difference. For players who rely on stealth or like to conserve ammo, Field Repairs is a top-tier early pick.
5Focused Shot (Ranged Tree)
Effect: Pressing R3 while aiming slows time, improving shot accuracy.
Focused Shot is one of the game’s most impactful combat skills.It enables players to briefly slow time while aiming, perfect for lining up headshots, hitting weak points, or dealing with ranged threats like snipers.
When combined withFocus Cocktailsand additional upgrades in the Ranged Tree, this ability becomes a cornerstone of any effective loadout. Focused Shot is a must-unlock within the first few hours for those who prefer precision over a spray-and-pray approach.
4Juice Up (Survival Tree)
Effect: Increases stamina regeneration rate.
Stamina fuels nearly every essential action inDays Gone,from sprinting across open terrain to dodging attacks, rolling through enemy lines, or swinging a melee weapon in rapid succession. When the stamina bar runs dry, Deacon is left slow, exposed, and dangerously vulnerable,especially during Horde chases, ambushes, or boss-like brawls.
The Juice Up skill addresses this critical weakness by increasing stamina regeneration speed, helping players recover faster and maintain combat flow.It’s especially valuable during prolonged fights where mobility can mean the difference between life and death. For players who favor agile, melee-heavy builds or rely on hit-and-run tactics, Juice Up provides the endurance needed to stay on the offensive without burning out mid-battle.
3Ear to the Ground (Survival Tree)
Effect: Expands the range of Deacon’s Survival Vision.
Often overlooked by new players,Ear to the Ground significantly enhances Deacon’s Survival Vision, expanding the radius in which he can detect nearby resources and threats.This skill makes it much easier to spot vital supplies like ammo,kerosene, med kits, grenades, and crafting components, especially in cluttered or hostile environments. It’s a huge asset during stealth missions, scavenging runs, and exploration, saving valuable time and reducing the risk of missing key items.
While Deacon can occasionally find useful tools like grenades or healing items outright, crafting them is often a more consistent and reliable method of staying prepared. With this skill active, players are encouraged to regularly restock after each encounter—crafting replacements as soon as resources are used. By making the most of what the environment offers, Ear to the Ground helps ensure players are never caught empty-handed in Oregon’s unforgiving wilderness.
2Escape Artist (Melee Tree)
Effect: Grants the ability to instantly kill enemies after escaping a grapple.
Getting grabbed by Freakers or ambushed by human enemies is a constant threat inDays Gone Remastered, especially when navigating dense woods, tight corridors, or enemy camps. These sudden grapples can quickly spiral into lethal situations if players aren’t prepared.
Escape Artist provides a crucial lifeline, allowing Deacon to break free from an enemy’s grasp more quickly and immediately counter with a powerful kill move.This not only prevents damage but also turns a defensive moment into an opportunity for offense. It’s especially effective during chaotic brawls, stealth missions gone wrong, or Horde encounters where every second counts. For players who favor up-close combat or use amix of stealth and melee, Escape Artist offers both survivability and an edge in close-quarters combat.
1Green Thumb (Survival Tree)
Effect: Doubles the number of herbs gathered when foraging.
Crafting plays a central role inDays Gone Remastered, and herbs are vital ingredients for stamina, health, and focus-boosting cocktails.Green Thumb passively increases the yield of each herb collected, giving players asteady supply of crafting materialswithout excessive backtracking.While it doesn’t offer an immediate combat advantage, its long-term value can’t be overstated, especially for players who frequently rely on crafted items in tough fights.
Investing in the right skills early can dramatically alter the flow of Days Gone Remastered. Abilities like Focused Shot and Field Repairs provide immediate combat advantages, while Juice Up and Green Thumb support long-term survivability. Whether clearing Infestation Zones, fleeing from Hordes, or scavenging the wilderness, these six skills form a solid foundation for any playstyle and may be the key to surviving Oregon’s unforgiving landscape.
