Hey Wastelanders,
We know Plains of Pain is a complex game.
Even though we’ve built in an onboarding system with tutorial quests, some things are still easier when told straight.
That’s why we’ve gathered these developer tips & tricks to help you survive longer in the wasteland.
Follow the Tutorial Quests
If you’re new, don’t skip them. They guide you through early crafting and survival steps — the best way to start.
Choose the Right Difficulty
- Tourist – Best for first-timers.
- Rookie – Faster progression, still fair.
- True Wastelander, Veteran, Overlord – Only for hardcore survivors who want real punishment.
Set a Safe Camp
Make a tiny camp where you operate. A Stone Stash and Mattress are a good start.
Use the mattress to set your spawn point — so death won’t send you too far away.
Salvage the Wrecks
Use a Stone Hammer on vehicle wrecks scattered across the wasteland.
They provide metal resources and, rarely, vehicle parts.
Base Building Basics
Always start with a Foundation.
Only then build platforms and walls — snapping works exclusively when a foundation is placed first.
(We know this trips up some players, so we’re planning to improve it.)
World Size Matters
- S or M worlds – Faster progression, closer locations.
- L to XXL worlds – Endless desolation, tougher survival. Combine with Overlord difficulty for a real nightmare.
Repair and Maintain Your Gear
Repair options (Repair Intel) appear below item description when condition drops under 50%. It shows what items to use for repairing. Use them in a same way as i.e. Whetstone (drag and drop with RMB)
High condition = maximum damage output.
- Oil or Crude Oil → repair firearms.
- Whetstone → repair melee weapons multiple times
- Makeshift Repair Kit → repair both multiple times.
Skills and Strategy
Focus your skill set on short-term goals.
You can re-roll skills a few times to change your entire build — very strategic if used wisely.
Before You Build Big
Avoid heavy base building until you craft any bigger Backpack.
It will let you gather resources much faster.
Vehicles
Build vehicles near Junkyards or Bandit Stacks — both are great spots to loot vehicle parts.
Guns from Bandits
If you want firearms fast, head for the Bandit Stacks.
Difficulty decides whether it’s a treasure hunt… or a suicide mission.
We’ll keep sharing more insider tips as Plains of Pain grows.
Until then — stay alive, stay sharp, and don’t trust the wasteland.