The long-awaited 1.0 release of 7 Days to Die is finally on the horizon, and while fans of the zombie survival game are thrilled to see the title leave Early Access after nearly a decade, some players are finding the new difficulty balance a bit hard to swallow.
While the game has always been known for its challenging gameplay, the 1.0 release seems to have taken things to a whole new level, particularly when it comes to the early game experience.
7 Days to Die 1.0: Infections Running Rampant
One of the most significant points of contention among players is the increased challenge of the Infection system, which has been described as “brutal” and “un-fun” in the game’s early stages.
A recent post on the 7 Days to Die subreddit highlights the issue:
Early-Game Infection is a Bit Brutal
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Despite having over 350 hours of experience in the game, redraven937 expresses frustration with the difficulty of finding antibiotics or honey to cure infections, leading to a miserable experience in the first few days.
They express a valid concern for newer players who may lack the know-how or skills to dodge zombie attacks and manage their health effectively.
Many other players agree with this sentiment in the comments, with some suggesting that the infection mechanic be delayed until later in the game.
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Others have pointed out the tedium of constantly searching for honey to cure infections, which can detract from the game’s overall enjoyment.
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The consensus seems to be that the 7 Days to Die infections system is not at all well-balanced—which inevitably leads to a frustrating experience:
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While some players have pointed out that honey can be obtained by chopping down tree stumps or completing a specific challenge, the process is still considered tedious and time-consuming, taking away from the more enjoyable aspects of the game.
Calibrating Fun and Frustration Levels
The Fun Pimps has always taken pride in creating a challenging and immersive survival experience, but it appears that the 1.0 release may have tipped the scales a bit too far in the direction of frustration.
As one player points out:
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The rarity of honey and the frequency of infections have left many players feeling like the game is more of a chore than a fun experience, particularly in the 7 Days to Die early game.
Some have even resorted to drastic measures to reset their infections:
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While it’s true that survival games are meant to be challenging, there’s a fine line between difficulty and frustration. The Fun Pimps will need to carefully consider player feedback and make necessary adjustments to ensure that the game remains enjoyable for both new and veteran survivors alike.
While the game has come a long way since its early access days, it’s clear that there’s still work to be done to strike the perfect balance between challenge and fun!
What are your thoughts on the difficulty of the early game in 7 Days to Die 1.0? Have you struggled with infections and finding a cure? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
