Getting Started

7 Days to Die drops you into a hostile open world where your only goal is to survive as long as possible against the elements, hunger, and the undead. Your first few in-game days set the foundation for everything that follows, so a calm, methodical start matters far more than rushing.

Your First Hour

When you spawn, resist the urge to wander aimlessly. Punch nearby trees and grass to gather your first wood and plant fibers, then craft the essential early tools.

• Craft a stone axe for chopping wood and harvesting.
• Make plant fibers into clothing so you are not naked and freezing.
• Gather stone, wood, and a few feathers or bird nests for early arrows.
• Build a simple bow and stone spear or club for defense.

Finding Shelter

Before your first nightfall, secure a place to sleep and store loot. You do not need a fortress yet. Boarding up an existing house, or digging into a hillside, is enough to survive the early game. Zombies are slow and mostly passive during the day but become far more aggressive at night, so being indoors after dark is wise.

Food, Water, and Health

Keep an eye on your fullness and hydration meters. Early on:

• Boil murky water before drinking to avoid dysentery.
• Cook meat and eggs rather than eating them raw.
• Forage berries, corn, and other plants when you find them.

Preparing for the Blood Moon

Every seventh night triggers a Blood Moon horde, when large numbers of zombies actively hunt you. Use your first week to gather resources, level up, and build a defensible position. Complete quests at traders for solid rewards, and prioritize a workbench and forge so you can craft better weapons, armor, and ammunition before that first horde arrives.

Updates Needed

This page is community-maintained and may be incomplete or out of date. Spotted something wrong, or know a detail we missed? Sign in and hit Edit to propose changes — approved edits go live and help every survivor who reads this after you. Fresh tips, updated numbers for the latest patch, and clearer step-by-step guides are always welcome.