In This War of Mine, resource gathering is essential for crafting, survival, and ultimately, the success of your group in a war-torn environment. The main methods for acquiring resources involve scavenging various locations at night and engaging in bartering with other survivors. The following is a detailed breakdown of effective strategies for gathering essential resources available in the game.

1. Scavenging Locations

Choosing the right location to scavenge is crucial, as each offers different types of loot:

– Warehouse: Often considered the best spot for gathering components, wood, and furniture (which can be broken down for materials). To navigate hostile encounters safely, it’s recommended to bring a hatchet to neutralize threats discreetly.

– Supermarket: A rich source of food, weapons, and ammunition, but it may have armed resistance. Caution and tactical awareness are necessary when exploring this area.

– Abandoned Cottage: This location generally provides an easier looting experience, abundant in food and parts, without the threat of hostile survivors. It’s ideal for supporting your group’s initial stabilization.

– Shelled School: Features numerous containers with supplies but can be occupied by armed groups or the homeless. This location demands a stealthy approach or readiness for combat. Bringing tools like lockpicks, shovels, and saw blades can significantly enhance the amount of loot you acquire.

2. Resource Priorities

Understanding which resources to prioritize can significantly impact your survival:

– Tier One Resources (Top Priority): Wood and components are foundational for constructing and repairing shelter structures.

– Higher-Tier Items: Parts and electrical components become vital for advanced crafting and upgrades. These items, particularly electronic parts, are generally scavenged rather than bartered.

– Food and Water: Initially, both must be scavenged. You can create water from snow if you possess the appropriate equipment.

– Tradeable Items: Items such as sugar, tobacco, herbs, and broken weapons should largely be traded to obtain priority resources needed for crafting and survival.

3. Essential Tools to Bring

Equipping the right tools can optimize your scavenging efficiency and combat effectiveness:

– Hatchet: Effective for engaging hostile threats, particularly in high-risk areas like the warehouse.

– Shovel: Facilitates rapid searching through rubble piles, particularly useful in larger facilities like the supermarket and school.

– Lockpicks and Saw Blades: Allow access to locked containers and areas, increasing available loot during scavenging missions.

4. Bartering Strategy

Bartering can supplement your resource supply, although it tends to yield less predictable outcomes compared to scavenging. Trading excess resources like sugar, cigarettes, or moonshine can help acquire more critical supplies, but it should be approached cautiously as the availability of traders may vary.

5. Inventory Management

Inventory limitations mean careful selection of items to carry during scavenging runs. Prioritize essentials—wood and components for crafting, food for sustenance, and medical supplies if available. Effective inventory management ensures that your team can make the most of each scavenging trip.

Conclusion

In summary, resource gathering in This War of Mine requires strategic planning of scavenging trips, appropriate tool selection, prioritization of critical resources, and thoughtful utilization of bartering. As you upgrade your shelter and craft more tools, your ability to survive and thrive in the harsh environment will grow, leading to a more self-sufficient group over time.