Hope County is a dangerous place, and you want every advantage you can get against the cultists. The following tips give you a quick head start in your battle against the cult.
Sweet Rides
To make your journey through Hope County easier, you need to find a good vehicle, preferably one that is well armed. There are two good choices you can get in the early game: the Death Wish and the Widowmaker. Unlock both by completing missions in Holland Valley.
The Death Wish has been heavily modified with a mounted, fully automatic machine gun. Anyone who mans this gun can swiftly mow down even the strongest cultists in your path.
To claim this vehicle, head to the Silver Lake Trailer Park. Rescue Merle from the cultists there and then speak to him. This starts you on a mission chain that eventually leads you to the Death Wish mission, culminating at U.S. Auto, just north of Fall’s End.
The Widowmaker is a hulking big rig, complete with a flaming paint job and twin mounted machine guns, which the driver can control. This diesel can destroy most vehicles and cultists with ease. Whether you’re using the guns, or the full force of its ramming power, nothing can stand in its way.
To add this vehicle to your stable, travel to Fall’s End in Holland Valley and speak to Mary May, the daughter of the man who used to own the Widowmaker. You must liberate the Widowmaker from the hands of the cultists, smashing your way through all their roadblocks to return it to its rightful owner.
Friends in Need
Picking a specialist is an important part of your journey through Hope County. The first specialist you should get on your team is Boomer, located at Rae Rae’s Pumpkin Farm in Holland Valley. Boomer’s ability to tag hidden enemies makes combat with the cultists much more manageable.
Prepping for the “Endtimes”
Though you don’t have a lot of Perk Points early in the game, it is wise to spend them on Parachute, Wingsuit, Grapple, Locksmith, and Additional Holster early in the game. These perks allow you to access most locations and Prepper Stashes. Additionally, you can open safes, greatly increasing your income. Being able to carry an additional primary weapon slot makes encounters much easier to overcome, since you have more options available to you. All of these perks are cheap, with the exception of Additional Holster, which should be prioritized.
You Can’t Make a Scene without the Green
Money makes the world go ’round and Hope County is no exception. Cash allows you to purchase weapons, weapon attachments, specialized ammo, vehicles, and even outfits. The best way to earn cash is by completing Prepper Stash missions, selling animal skins you’ve hunted or fish you’ve caught, and liberating outposts without being detected or raising alarms.