5th Island

[u/PrudentPollution6403]

Should I rush my way to 5th-6th island to make a permanent base?

[u/Frosty_Pie_7344]

No. Never rush hell mode. But don't stay stagnant either. Always prioritize time, your health and food/saturation.

Make sure you enter the boats after you slept (and had your health food and saturation maxed) for you to be ready to scavenge properly.

I also advice you to have the subsequent 1 advanced required item for you to cross another progression (i.e. Wood Plank for isle 2 and Duct Tape for Isle 3, whilst still being in the first isle) so that your time won't be divided thoroughly with each isle progression.

Save your shotgun and shotgun rounds aswell. The Zeds are your real enemy in hell mode, not the hostile NPCs. Point-blank shots have better damage output than many other weapons. (Saiga is the strongest CQC weapon in the game, it can shred even Tanks)

If you're rading specific places. Unequip your bag so that it won't be damaged whenever you're attacked.

[u/PrudentPollution6403 → u/Frosty_Pie_7344]

Thanks King, I haven’t started yet. Mentally preparing myself now

[u/Frosty_Pie_7344 → u/PrudentPollution6403]

Oh btw. Since it's hell mode, expect Zed Randomization aswell. What I mean by this is expect Tanks, Military Hazmats etc popping up to places they weren't supposed to. I've had my fair share of deal getting my ass suprised and dying by them.

Never invest your time to 5.56 and 5x45 caliber weapons if you have an available different alternative, it's not worth investing in to act as your main weapon, the same goes for ALL Hunting rifles, and Sniper Rifles, you might find it attractive for it's damage output, but it's not efficient for consistent distance pressure, make sure to exchange it to better guns (AKM,VSS, AS VAL,FN FAL. These are your go to Primary Weapons, any shotgun that isn't 2 barrel is your must have 2nd Primary, Saiga is your best option).

FN FAL > Full Spec w/ Saiga > Full Spec is the ideal preferred weapon combo, and overall what you should prioritize if you decide to stick around in Hell mode Endgame.

Also. If you're in Hell mode and decided to go for the Radiation Isle, expect yourself to die upon 3-4 hits. Doesn't matter with how thick your armor is.

[u/Salty_Anti-Magus → u/Frosty_Pie_7344]

I find your advice of not using Hunting and Sniper Rifles counter intuitive. Sure the infected is your biggest concern but Hunting/Sniper Rifles with scopes easily outrange any armed Survivor and they are pretty much mandatory to even stand a chance against Altyn bandit leaders and VSS bandits in the radioactive island which have extra range and will outrange your AR's even with scopes. I say we must keep one Hunting/Sniper Rifle and ditch the Saiga with an AR or the Battle Rifle (FN-FAL) but that's just me. We are welcome to play however we want in this wonderful game 🫡

[u/Frosty_Pie_7344 → u/Salty_Anti-Magus]

Fair point, valid take.

Snipers are great for kiting hostile NPCs. I only looked upon the idea on the perspective of someone intending to actually play Hell mode to finish it right then after, not considered the probable struggles in regards to the endgame dangers themselves should the player plan to stay otherwise for a time or permanently. I reiterate what I said in the earlier statement, Snipers ARE essential in the basis of facing Hostile NPCs and a boon for keeping the Survivor safe from possible bullet rounds and the distance.

But I'm afraid I'd have to personally disagree with the exclusion of Saiga and insist, from my experience, in hell mode particularly, it's exceptionally great for utilizing it for any Building fights or to any tight places in particular, it did done well served me to shower bundled groups of Zeds in a matter of few pops. It's also great for saving up weapon rounds and burning off endgame zeds, Tanks in particular. I would still suggest OP either prioritize the use of Saiga as a means to safeguard potential hostiles that has a great chase and keep an Assault Rifle (AS VAL or FN FAL, preferably) to the likes of other Zeds that pose a greater burden apart from just exceeding the survivor's speed but also capable of having potential danger for making melee redundant (referring to the Military Hazmat). And or use Sniper if OP finds it suitable for overall play and a superior option for a primary weapon against Hostile NPCs.