If you're into games like DayZ and Project Zomboid (in a 3D way), then I'd say that you'll be interested in knowing more about SCUM. It's an open world survival game where you'll need to survive in an unforgiving world filled with zombies known as Puppets, mechs, armed NPCs, and other players. However, will it be worth getting for solo players?
SCUM is known as a survival game that highlights a multiplayer experiece, hopping in a server filled with other players. Many of them may be playing with friends to make squads and survive in the ruthless game world. While this has numerous benefits, solo players can still have a fun time, too!
Is SCUM 1.0 Worth Playing Solo?
As a forced solo player (because none of my friends have the game), I find ways to enjoy SCUM on my own. If you're still deciding on getting SCUM after the 1.0 update, here are some things to think about if you're going solo.
Own Pacing and Freedom
If you're on your own, you can play in sandbox mode and do things at your own pace. You can also join Player vs. Environment (PvE) servers if you want other people around as well, so the place doesn't seem too dead with just the NPCs. There are a lot of friendly people in the game on these servers. You don't have to be on guard all the time (except for the NPCs in the game and your character's needs).
Playing with friends is always fun, but sometimes you can't always do what you want, as you'll usually have to go with what the group aims to do. You can shift your focus to looting, crafting, building, exploring the map, and a lot more. Or if you're like me, I love trying to find new vehicles I can ride, especially the motorcycles, bikes, and boats.
However, things will be different when you enter a Player vs. Player (PvP) server (if you dare). You'll have to play smart or you'll end up dead most of the time. This can be a lot of pressure, especially for new players (which is why it's not recommended to play in a PvP server from the get-go). Make sure to read up on our SCUM beginner guide for more tips and tricks to help if you're new.
More Time to Learn
If you're like me, who usually hops in these games from time to time when I feel like it, then it's good to start solo (mostly in sandbox mode). SCUM has numerous mechanics that can be confusing for new players, such as the Metabolism and Health interface. Even crafting can be overwhelming at times.
When I first dropped in on my single-player playthrough, I felt like a caveman who wasn't aware of what I needed to do or if I was doing things right. I'd probably already be dead if I started in a PvP server. Even when I first joined a PvE server, I died immediately because I wasn't being careful enough and attracted too much attention.
Take your time; don't just drop the game because you're having a hard time. I think it's part of the game's charm that you need to keep trying and going regardless of how many times you've died already.
Customized Difficulty
If you're playing in sandbox mode, you can adjust your server settings by pressing ESC. You can then tailor the settings to your liking, making it more difficult or easier, depending on your preference. You can increase the Puppets' spawn rate or make resources more complicated to find.
You can also look at different PvE servers and see if they have any specific rules that you are interested in, and start from there. Some servers don't include the mechs, if you're annoyed by them, while others have high loots and are beginner-friendly. You can browse through the Multiplayer server list, but make sure that it's a playable ping for you to avoid any constant disconnection, which can be annoying to deal with.
Solo Play Feels Rewarding
Let's be honest, being able to survive in these games on your own is rewarding. I'd say I can compare this to the time I survived in Project Zomboid for quite some time. Being able to clear out Puppets or mechs, overcoming any challenge that the game's environment throws at you, and getting rare loot on your own is extremely satisfying.
Real Survival Experience
Whether you play in sandbox mode, in a PvE, or PvP server, you'll have to fend for yourself. This may be against the Puppets, mechs, armed NPCs, or other players if you're in a PvP server. You'll have to face the harsh world of SCUM on your own without relying on others.
In conclusion, I'd say that it's still worth playing SCUM in version 1.0 and onwards. There are a lot of things to learn on your own, and you can always tailor it to your preference if you're finding it too easy or too hard.
Keep up to date with the latest on SCUM 1.0 here at Gfinityesports.com.