Surviving the brutal wasteland of Mad Max is no easy task. With limited resources and ruthless enemies, maximizing your efficiency early in the game is crucial. In this guide, we’ll cover the top five tips to give you a head start, focusing on gathering parts, optimizing Griffa tokens, and making the most out of the game’s exploration mechanics.

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1. Prioritize Finding Parts

Parts are the lifeblood of progress in Mad Max. They’re essential for upgrading both Max’s equipment and the Magnum Opus. Early on, make it a habit to press L3 to see how many undiscovered parts remain in an area. The HUD will display this information at the bottom-right corner, allowing you to efficiently sweep through locations.

Parts are marked by a glowing yellow gear icon but only become visible when you’re close enough. So, while exploring, keep an eye out and systematically clear areas. Investing in parts early on allows you to enhance your vehicle’s durability, speed, and combat capabilities.

Pro Tip: Focus on acquiring parts for armor and ramming upgrades first, as these significantly improve your survivability.

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2. Efficient Use of Griffa Tokens

Griffa tokens are a unique currency in Mad Max used to unlock powerful upgrades. However, there’s a catch: once you enter Griffa’s upgrade menu, you must spend all available tokens. To maximize their effectiveness:

• Volition: This upgrade increases the amount of scrap you gather. Prioritize it first.
• Munition: Enhances the amount of ammo collected, ensuring you’re well-armed.
• Longevity: Boosts health, which is invaluable for tougher encounters.

Warning: Since you can’t back out of the upgrade menu, save your tokens until you have enough to make meaningful upgrades. This strategy ensures you don’t waste them on less impactful skills.

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3. Leveraging Balloons for Map Exploration

Balloons function like the synchronization towers in Assassin’s Creed. Ascending in a balloon reveals the map and marks points of interest, including enemy camps, scavenging locations, and strongholds.

To use them effectively:

• Find a gas can if the balloon is empty; one is usually nearby.
• Use binoculars to mark enemies and resources.
• Clear out any threats before ascending.

Unlocking balloons early lets you plan efficient routes for gathering parts and scrap, saving valuable time.

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4. Gathering Health Resources Efficiently

Health management is vital, especially in extended fights. While water and food are abundant, knowing where to find them quickly is essential:

• Scavenge small creatures: Lizards and rats can be stomped for health. Avoid wasting shotgun ammo; instead, use melee attacks.
• Campfires and outposts: Often contain canned food or water sources.

By maintaining a steady supply of health items, you’ll minimize downtime between battles.

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5. Choosing the Right Upgrades Early

Upgrades can quickly become expensive, so prioritization is key:

• Ramming Grill: Increases damage dealt to enemy vehicles.
• Tires and Suspension: Enhance handling, crucial for both combat and escape.
• Boosts: Short bursts of speed can make or break a chase.

Additionally, focus on upgrades that complement your playstyle, whether that’s vehicular combat or ground-based melee fighting.

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Conclusion

Focusing on these five tips early in Mad Max sets a solid foundation for the rest of your journey. Efficient resource management, smart use of Griffa tokens, and strategic upgrades ensure that you won’t just survive the wasteland—you’ll thrive.

Prepare well, drive hard, and may your enemies be buried in the sand behind you!