Pacific Drive is a 2024 survival game set in the eerie landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, where you traverse both on foot and in a station wagon, seeking a way to escape the perilous zone. For newcomers looking to get a solid start or those who want to maximize their early-game efficiency, this guide offers all the essential tips and strategies. With careful planning and a bit of luck, you’ll navigate this hazardous world more effectively.

Making the Most of the Auto Shop

After every run—whether you succeed or not—you’ll return to the auto shop. While failing or quitting a run causes you to lose all collected resources, the game offers a consolation prize: the friendly dumpster. Make it a habit to check this dumpster every time you loop back, as it regularly dispenses scrap metal, plastic, rubber, and occasionally rare items like plasma and chemicals.

Pro Tip:

If both your headlights are damaged, check the dumpster first—it often provides replacements. After a tough journey, you might even find doors to replace lost ones. The dumpster refills after every drive, making it an infinite source of crucial materials.

Salvaging for Success

Across from the dumpster is an old car. Use your Scrapper tool to break it down for scrap metal, glass, plastic, duct tape, and rubber. Nearby, a shelf with a computer and radio can also be scrapped for electronics, copper wire, and other vital materials. While these resources might seem modest at first, they add up quickly.

Essential Habit:

Between drives, always use your Scrapper on abandoned cars, computers, and radios outside the auto shop. The gathered components are essential for crafting and repairing your vehicle.

Car Maintenance: A Key to Survival

Not parking your car properly can cause unexpected problems. Slopes and uneven roads can cause your car to roll away and get damaged. Always use the parking brake and monitor your battery usage carefully. Items like lights and radios consume power at different rates. A small turbine can help recharge your battery, but manage your 50 points of energy wisely.

Strategic Parking:

When you spot an anchor on the map, park your car outside the yellow circle to avoid damage. A distance of at least 50 meters is ideal. Also, orient your car for a quick getaway if things go south.

Upgrading Your Station Wagon

While the car offers decent protection initially, upgrading is crucial. Focus on unlocking the Fabrication Station early by completing the “Build the Antenna” quest. This unlocks various upgrades to handle different terrains, improve defense, and expand storage.

Tire Choices Matter:

Instead of reinforcing your panels, prioritize getting better tires. Upgrading to summer tires early on improves road handling and longevity. For off-road durability, off-road tires are the best choice, providing resilience in water and rough terrain.

Efficient Repairs: The Matter Regenerator

Repair putty and sealing kits can quickly drain your resources. Unlocking the Matter Regenerator at the Fabrication Station is a game-changer. It restores damaged parts during runs without additional materials.

Crafting Requirements:

To build the Matter Regenerator, gather 30 pieces of plastic, 10 pieces of rubber, and six chemicals. Make sure to have the Craft Mat and Mattered Constructor ready.

Scanning for Success

Repairing the Scanning Antenna unlocks additional upgrades and insights, such as weather effects and anomalies. Always scan damaged parts before deciding on repairs. Some items in the Tech Tree require scanning specific anomalies to unlock powerful upgrades.

Must-Scan Anomalies:

• Wriggling Wreck: Unlocks the Lightning Rod for battery charging.
• Spike Puddle: Unlocks puncture-proof tires.

Final Tips for Survival

• Stockpile resources early and store them in the garage’s transfer trunk.
• Keep essential repair kits like the Mechanic Kit and Electrician’s Kit handy.
• Scan everything—knowledge is power.

This guide covers the essentials for surviving the perils of Pacific Drive. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the game’s challenges. For more guides, stay tuned and keep exploring!