Choosing the right base location in Project Zomboid is absolutely crucial for your survival. Riverside, with its blend of urban and rural environments, offers a variety of options, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the perfect spot can be the difference between thriving and becoming zombie chow. So, let's dive into some of the best base locations Riverside has to offer, analyzing why they work and what you need to consider before setting up shop. Knowing how to play the game and use its mechanics will make your base-building experience even better, so be sure to read up on skills, traits, and zombie behavior too!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Base

Before we get into specific locations, it’s important to understand the factors that make a base location good. These include:

• Water Access: Water is life, especially when the water supply shuts off. Being near the river gives you a sustainable water source, vital for long-term survival. Proximity to water sources like the Ohio River ensures you have a renewable way to hydrate by boiling water.
• Food Availability: Being close to farms, forests, or even the town center can ensure a steady supply of food. Riverside has a mix of these, so choose wisely. Having access to fishing spots along the river is also a huge plus. Access to farms can be very vital, as it can give you a sustainable food source.
• Security: How easily can you defend the location? Are there multiple access points for zombies? Fences, walls, and limited entryways are your friends. A defensible location minimizes the risk of zombie breaches.
• Looting Potential: Being near valuable loot areas like hardware stores, pharmacies, and gun stores can significantly boost your resources. However, this often comes with increased zombie presence. Choosing a location that is close enough to lootable locations is a big boost to getting better items.
• Space: Do you have enough room to expand? You'll need space for farming, building workshops, and storing loot. Consider both indoor and outdoor space. The more space you have, the more storage you can have.
• Zombie Density: Some areas are simply overrun with zombies. A balance between resource access and zombie threat is key. High zombie density can make even the best locations untenable.

Keeping these factors in mind will help you evaluate each location more effectively. Always think long-term!

Top Riverside Base Locations

Alright, let's get into the juicy part – the actual locations. Here are some of the best spots in Riverside to set up your base, along with their pros, cons, and what makes them special.

1. The Isolated House West of Town

• Description: Located far west of the main town, this house is secluded and offers a significant degree of isolation. It's a bit of a trek to get there, but that's part of its charm. This house is a great choice for a long term base, as it will take zombies a while to get to it.
• Pros:
  • High Security: The remote location means fewer zombies wandering around. The house itself is easily defensible with only a few entry points.
  • Water Access: Reasonably close to the river, ensuring a sustainable water supply.
  • Good Starting Point: Has enough space to easily grow your base, and has good access to nearby locations.
• Cons:
  • Remote: Far from major looting locations, requiring longer and riskier expeditions.
  • Limited Initial Resources: The house itself doesn't have a lot of starting loot.
• Why it's Great: This location is perfect for players who prioritize safety and long-term sustainability. The isolation drastically reduces zombie encounters, giving you time to focus on building and farming. It's a slower start, but the peace of mind is worth it.

2. The Riverside Gas Station

• Description: The gas station on the northern side of Riverside provides a commercial location with a lot of utility, and some unique advantages. The gas station is on the northern side of town, and has many unique benefits.
• Pros:
  • Fuel Supply: Obvious advantage – a ready supply of gasoline for vehicles and generators. Having a personal stash of gas will make all your travels significantly easier.
  • Central Location: Close to both the town center and the river, offering a balance of looting potential and water access.
  • Easy to Defend: The building is sturdy and has limited entry points, making it relatively easy to secure.
• Cons:
  • High Zombie Density: Being close to town means more zombies. Prepare for frequent hordes.
  • Limited Space: Not a lot of room for large-scale farming or expansion.
  • Attracts Attention: The gas station is a landmark, so expect more zombie traffic.
• Why it's Great: This location is ideal for players who want to be in the thick of things. The fuel supply is a major advantage, and the central location makes looting more efficient. Just be prepared for constant zombie threats.

3. The Farmhouse South of Town

• Description: Located south of Riverside, this farmhouse offers a rural setting with plenty of space for farming and building. It's a classic choice for survivors looking to become self-sufficient.
• Pros:
  • Space for Farming: Ample land for growing crops, ensuring a sustainable food supply.
  • Relatively Isolated: Fewer zombies compared to the town center, providing a safer environment.
  • Good Starting Resources: Farmhouses often have tools and supplies that are useful early on.
• Cons:
  • Distance to Loot: Far from the main looting areas, requiring longer trips to town.
  • Vulnerable to Roaming Hordes: Open fields make it easier for hordes to spot you.
  • Limited Natural Defenses: The open layout requires you to build your own defenses.
• Why it's Great: This location is perfect for players who want to focus on self-sufficiency. The farming potential is huge, and the relatively isolated location provides a buffer from constant zombie attacks. It’s a great long-term base option for those who prefer a more rural lifestyle.

4. The Houses with Fences

• Description: These houses already have fences, which can save you tons of time on building your own walls. The houses are also very close together, making it easier to get to multiple locations.
• Pros:
  • Pre-Built Defenses: The fences provide an initial layer of protection against zombies.
  • Residential Area: A balance between looting potential and zombie density.
• Cons:
  • Can be Loud: You may attract nearby zombies from shooting or chopping trees.
  • Still Vulnerable: Fences aren't impenetrable, so you'll need to reinforce them.
• Why it's Great: If you want a location that is easier to defend, the fences will make your experience significantly easier. The fences will also give you more time to prepare your base.

5. The Warehouse District

• Description: On the eastern side of Riverside, the warehouse district offers vast storage space and industrial resources. If you're a hoarder, this is your paradise. The warehouse offers tons of loot that can greatly benefit you and your friends.
• Pros:
  • Tons of Storage: Plenty of room for storing loot and supplies.
  • Industrial Resources: Access to tools, metal, and other useful materials.
• Cons:
  • High Zombie Population: Warehouses attract a lot of zombies due to their size and activity.
  • Requires Fortification: The large, open spaces need significant defensive improvements.
• Why it's Great: If you are in a large group, the warehouse provides an unmatched looting experience. However, this location should not be attempted for newer players.

Tips for Setting Up Your Base

No matter which location you choose, here are some essential tips for setting up your base:

• Clear the Area: Before you start building, clear out all the zombies in the immediate vicinity. A surprise attack can ruin your day.
• Secure the Perimeter: Reinforce doors and windows, build fences, and create choke points to funnel zombies into kill zones.
• Establish Water and Food Supplies: Set up rain collectors and start farming as soon as possible. Don't rely solely on looting.
• Create an Escape Route: Always have a backup plan in case your base is overrun. A rope ladder out of a second-story window can be a lifesaver.
• Organize Your Storage: Keep your loot organized to make it easier to find what you need when you need it.
• Generator Placement: Be sure to place your generator in a well-ventilated area, to avoid any mishaps.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right base location in Project Zomboid is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your survival. Riverside offers a variety of options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Consider your play style, priorities, and long-term goals when making your choice. Whether you prefer the isolation of the farmhouse, the convenience of the gas station, or the defensibility of the gated community, Riverside has a spot for every type of survivor. Remember to fortify your base, manage your resources, and always be prepared for the inevitable zombie horde. Good luck, and stay safe out there, survivors!