Unlike games such as Left 4 Dead, State of Decay will focus more on survival. Stealth, evasion, distractions, securing the player's resources, and moving through the world will be more emphasized than zombie combat. The game will be open world, where the player's choices will be an important factor. Players will be able to build structures such as sniper towers and barricades to defend against the infected population. Food, water, shelter, ammo, and supplies such as copper wire will be necessary for survival. To obtain these supplies, the player will need to go on raids to abandoned supermarkets and many other shops, or the player can grow food themselves. The player will also be able to rescue other NPC survivors, such as electricians, to help with defense, repair damaged electronics in the player's base, or to help with the player's raiding parties. However, the player will also be able to be a lone wolf, moving from building to building trying to survive.