Days Gone Highway 97 Survival Guide: How to Conquer Hordes and NERO Checkpoints

The world of Days Gone is as beautiful as it is brutal. As Deacon St. John, players must navigate a post-apocalyptic Oregon where the environment is just as likely to kill you as the 'Freakers' roaming the forests. In the Highway 97 region, the stakes are raised with denser hordes, more aggressive marauders, and unforgiving terrain.

Whether you are a seasoned Drifter or a newcomer to the Broken Road, this guide breaks down a high-octane excursion through Highway 97, offering tactical insights into motorcycle maintenance, horde management, and securing vital NERO technology.

Navigating the Midnight Trails of Highway 97

Survival in Days Gone starts and ends with your motorcycle. It is your only lifeline, your mobile save point, and your fastest way out of a bad situation. Moving through Highway 97 at night (0:00:00) requires a balance of speed and stealth.

The Threat of Marauder Ambushes

One of the most dangerous elements of night travel isn't the undead, but the living. Marauders often set up clothesline wires or sniper perches to knock you off your bike. At , Deacon faces a sudden ambush.

Pro Tip: When engaged in a high-speed chase, rely on your sidearm. The game features a lock-on mechanic while riding that allows you to thin the herd without losing control of your vehicle. Always keep your bike’s health above 50% to ensure you don't stall out mid-fight.

Scavenging and Bike Maintenance

Resources are finite. To survive long enough to reach Chemult, you must scavenge every abandoned campsite and vehicle you find. At , we see the importance of gathering scrap and crafting materials.

Scrap is King: You need scrap to repair your bike and your melee weapons.
Fuel Management: Never let your fuel tank drop below a quarter. Abandoned gas stations are hotspots for loot, but they are also frequently patrolled by Freakers.
Remote Recovery: If you lose your bike in deep water (a mishap seen at :00), you can recover it via the map menu, but it will cost you. Always scout river crossings before committing to a jump.

The High Stakes of Stunt Driving

Sometimes, the shortest path is the most dangerous. At , Deacon attempts a daring jump across a broken bridge. While stunts provide a thrill, the Highway 97 terrain is unforgiving. A failed jump results in a spectacular crash, leading to a steep fall into the waters below.

Takeaway: Before attempting large gaps, ensure your bike has the necessary Nitrous upgrades. Without a Level 3 Nitro boost, many of the world's 'shortcuts' are simply death traps.

Surviving the Snowy High Country

As you move into higher elevations (0:15:00), the weather shifts. Snow affects your bike’s handling, increasing drift and reducing braking efficiency. This region is also home to mutated wildlife.

Wolves: These pack hunters are fast. Use a shotgun or a high-rate-of-fire SMG to keep them at bay.
Caves: Exploration of dark caves (seen around :00) can lead to valuable loot, but they are often the nesting grounds for Freakers during the day. Proceed with a flashlight and a loaded magazine.

Objective: Chemult Community College NERO Checkpoint

The meat of the mission begins upon arrival at Chemult Community College (0:25:00). NERO (National Emergency Response Organization) checkpoints are essential for character progression, providing injectors that permanently boost Health, Stamina, or Focus.

Scouting and Sabotage (0:30:00)

Before you restore power to any NERO site, you must disable the PA system. If you flip the switch while the loudspeakers are intact, the noise will draw every Freaker for miles—including the massive horde residing on the college campus.

Tactical Stealth: Use a suppressed sniper rifle to take out speakers located on top of the mobile medical units and surrounding light poles.
Follow the Wires: If you can't find a speaker, follow the power lines from the generator; they always lead to a noise-maker.

Engaging the Massive Horde

At , the guide demonstrates the ultimate Days Gone challenge: the Horde. Managing hundreds of enemies at once requires preparation and environmental awareness.

Napalm Molotovs: Introduced later in the game, these are your best friend. They create a wide area of effect that can thin out dozens of Swarmers in seconds.
Choke Points: Lead the horde through narrow corridors or between buildings to maximize the efficiency of your explosives.
Stamina Management: Never let your stamina bar hit zero. Use Stamina Cocktails to keep your distance from the front line of the swarm.

Restoring Power and Mission Completion

After clearing the immediate threats and burning out the nearby infestation nests (0:46:05), you must locate the fuel and fuses needed to start the generator.

The Fuse Search: At , Deacon scours the area for a replacement fuse. These are usually found in nearby NERO crates or abandoned buildings within the mission area.
The Power Flip: Once the fuse is installed and the generator is fueled (1:05:00), the mobile medical unit becomes accessible.

By , the mission reaches its conclusion. With the NERO tech secured and the power restored, Deacon has a new safe zone and a significant stat boost, making him a more formidable hunter in the Oregon wilderness.

Conclusion: Tips for the Road Ahead

Highway 97 is a test of everything you've learned in Days Gone. Success requires a mix of high-speed mechanical skill, patient stealth, and explosive combat prowess.

Quick Checklist for your next run:

Always carry full supplies of kerosene and rags for Molotovs.
Upgrade your fuel tank and engine before venturing into Highway 97.
Shoot the speakers before touching the generator.

Ready to take on the Horde? Grab your bike, check your ammo, and remember: This world comes for you.

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