What are decay zones?

Decay zones are marked areas of the map where player-built structures take gradual damage over time. They exist to keep unused and abandoned constructions from permanently blocking spawn areas, roads and points of interest.

If you build inside a decay zone and never maintain it, your base will eventually fall apart.

How do I check?

Stand where you plan to build and type:

/inzone

The response tells you whether your current position is inside a decay zone or not. This is the only way to know for certain. Decay zones are not visible on the map.

Where are decay zones located?

Decay zones cover high-traffic areas:

• Cities and towns
• Roads and highways
• Military base entrances
• Popular loot locations
• Areas around the map spawn

Anywhere that new players pass through or that sees constant foot traffic is likely a decay zone. Wilderness, mountains and far corners of the map are generally safe.

How does the damage work?

Structures inside a decay zone lose health at a fixed rate. This includes:

• Foundations, walls, pillars and roofs
• Doorways, windows and hatches
• Barricades and trap placements
• Storage containers (crates, lockers, wardrobes)

The damage is slow but constant. A freshly built wall will not collapse overnight, but left alone for days, it will degrade and eventually break.

How do I repair decay damage?

Use a Blowtorch on the damaged structure. Hold left click while aiming at the damaged piece.

If you actively live in your base and keep a blowtorch handy, decay zones are an inconvenience, not a threat.

Should I build inside a decay zone?

Short answer: only if you accept the maintenance cost.

Reasons you might build inside:

• Quick forward operating base near a military location
• Temporary shelter while looting a city
• Strategic position you only need for a few days

Reasons you should not build inside:

• You want a permanent home
• You play infrequently and cannot maintain it
• You store valuable items that could be lost if walls break

For a main base, always build outside decay zones. Check with /inzone before placing your first foundation.

Tips

1. Always check before you build. Thirty seconds with /inzone saves you hours of rebuilding later.
2. Keep a spare blowtorch in your base. You do not want to loot for one when your walls are at half health.
3. Build slightly outside the zone border. If you are right on the edge, a single misplaced wall could end up inside.
4. Abandoned bases are free loot. If you find a decayed structure, the walls may be weak enough to break through without explosives.