Days Gone Bounty Hunt Guide: How to Capture Roach and Master Motorcycle Combat

Introduction: The Life of a Drifter Bounty Hunter

In the post-apocalyptic wilderness of Days Gone, survival isn't just about outrunning Freakers; it’s about navigating the complex social hierarchies of the remaining survivor camps. As Deacon St. John, players often find themselves performing the dirty work that others won't do. One of the most exhilarating aspects of this drifter lifestyle is the Bounty Missions.

Among these, the mission to capture Roach stands out as a high-octane masterclass in motorcycle pursuit and vehicular combat. Unlike some targets who hide behind walls and guards, Roach is a rider through and through. To bring him in, you’ll need more than just a steady aim—you’ll need a fast bike, sharp reflexes, and a deep understanding of the Oregon terrain. This guide will walk you through the entire mission, providing tactical insights to ensure you bring Roach back to Tucker’s camp in one piece.

Preparing for the Hunt

Before you even spot Roach on the horizon, your success is determined by your preparation at the camp. This isn't a mission you want to tackle with a stock bike.

• Bike Upgrades: Prioritize engine upgrades and nitrous. Roach is fast, and if you can't keep pace, the mission will fail when he gains too much distance.
• Ammunition: Ensure your sidearm (the weapon you use while riding) is fully loaded. The SMP9 or a high-capacity pistol is recommended for its rate of fire.
• Scrap and Fuel: Ensure your bike is at 100% durability and your tank is full. You will be taking damage from terrain and potential gunfire during the chase.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough: Capturing Roach

Phase 1: Tracking and Initial Contact

The mission begins with Deacon investigating the last known location of the target. Tracking in Days Gone requires a keen eye for environmental clues.

At ▶ 0:00, Deacon begins the initial tracking phase. Roach is spotted early, but he isn't going to come quietly. As soon as Deacon identifies him, the chase is on. The key here is not to lose sight of the dust cloud kicked up by his rear tire. If you lose visual contact for too long, the mission meter will deplete, resulting in a failure.

Phase 2: Engaging in Vehicular Combat

Once the pursuit enters the open road, the real challenge begins. This is where you must balance driving with offense.

At ▶ 0:13, the high-speed motorcycle chase intensifies. In Days Gone, vehicular combat relies on the L1 button to lock onto a target and the R1 button to fire.

Tactical Tip: Don't just spray and pray. Wait for the targeting reticle to turn green or shrink to its smallest point. This indicates maximum accuracy. Aiming for Roach’s tires will slow him down, but your primary goal is to damage his bike enough to force a stall without killing him.

Phase 3: Navigating Rugged Terrain

Roach isn't a fan of the paved highways. He will quickly take the fight into the dirt, hoping to lose you among the trees and rocks of the high desert.

At ▶ 1:28, the pursuit shifts into rugged off-road terrain. This is the most dangerous part of the mission. At high speeds, a single misplaced rock or a fallen log can send Deacon flying, giving Roach the lead he needs to escape.

• Maintain Balance: Use your drift mechanics to take sharp corners on dirt paths.
• Nitro Management: Save your nitrous for straightaways where Roach tries to pull away. Avoid using it while airborne, as it can lead to uncontrollable landings.

Phase 4: The Ambush Camp and Town Gauntlet

Just when you think you have him cornered, the chase takes a turn through hostile territory.

At ▶ 2:30, the chase leads Deacon through an active ambush camp and into a deserted town. This adds a layer of complexity: you aren't just chasing Roach anymore; you are dodging fire from other Marauders.

During this phase, ignore the secondary enemies. Focus entirely on Roach. If you stop to engage the snipers or guards in the ambush camp, Roach will disappear into the hills. Keep your head down, keep your speed up, and stay on his tail through the narrow corridors of the town buildings.

Phase 5: The Final Confrontation

Every chase has a breaking point. Eventually, the damage to Roach's bike becomes too much for the machine to handle.

At ▶ 3:52, the chase concludes. Deacon successfully rams or shoots Roach's bike enough to cause a crash. The game transitions from high-speed action to a narrative-driven confrontation. Deacon restrains Roach, and we see the legendary drifter's interrogation techniques in action.

Deacon questions Roach about the supplies stolen from Tucker’s camp. This cutscene highlights the moral ambiguity of the world; while Roach is a thief, Deacon’s methods are brutal and efficient, serving the harsh justice of the Hot Springs camp.

Expert Tips for Motorcycle Chases

To master missions like "Capturing Roach," keep these three pro-tips in mind:

1. The 'Focus' Advantage: If you have the 'Under the Hood' skill or similar ranged combat skills, you can occasionally use Focus while riding to slow down time and line up the perfect shot on the enemy’s tires.
2. Watch the Durability: Your bike takes damage every time you bump into Roach or hit a jump. If your bike's health bar (bottom left) gets too low, the engine will start to smoke and lose top speed. If this happens, you must find a split second to jump off and use scrap for a quick repair, though this is rarely possible during a bounty chase.
3. Use the Environment: Sometimes, the best way to catch a target isn't to follow their exact path. If you see a clearing or a shortcut that allows you to cut the corner of a trail, take it to T-bone the target and end the chase early.

Conclusion: Another Bounty Collected

Capturing Roach is a testament to Deacon St. John's skills as both a rider and a hunter. It requires a blend of mechanical skill and environmental awareness that defines the Days Gone experience. By upgrading your bike, staying focused on the target through hostile territory, and mastering the art of the mounted sidearm, you can turn a difficult pursuit into a routine collection.

Once the mission is complete, don't forget to return to Tucker at Hot Springs to collect your rewards. Credits and Trust are the lifeblood of your progression, and successful bounties are the fastest way to earn them.

Ready for more Drifter tips? Check out our other guides on surviving the Freaker Hordes and finding the best NERO injectors across Oregon. If you found this walkthrough helpful, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest Days Gone updates and strategy guides!

At ▶ 4:37, the video ends, marking another successful day in the life of Deacon St. John.