Days Gone Survival Guide: How to Conquer the Horse Lake Horde and Secure NERO Checkpoints

In the unforgiving wilderness of post-apocalyptic Oregon, survival isn’t just a goal—it’s a constant struggle. For Deacon St. John, a drifter and bounty hunter, every day is a dance with death, especially when faced with the overwhelming numbers of the Freaker hordes.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re breaking down the essential strategies and gameplay mechanics featured in the latest exploration of the Horse Lake NERO Checkpoint. Whether you’re a newcomer to Days Gone or a veteran looking to refine your survival tactics, these insights will help you navigate the high-stakes world of the High Desert.

The Scavenger’s Mindset: Gathering Essential Resources

Before you can tackle a horde, you need the right tools. The gameplay begins at the Horse Lake NERO Checkpoint [0:00:00], where scavenging is the top priority. In Days Gone, your inventory is your lifeline.

Key Materials to Collect:

Kerosene and Rags: These are the bread and butter of your offensive capabilities. Combined, they create Molotov cocktails, which are essential for crowd control.
Scrap: Used for repairing your motorcycle and melee weapons. Never leave a car hood unopened.
Audio Logs: Beyond gameplay benefits, finding NERO recorders provides vital lore, filling in the gaps of the world’s collapse.

Facing the Storm: Managing the Horse Lake Horde

One of the most heart-pounding moments in the video occurs during the initial combat with the Train Bridge Horde [0:02:45]. Dealing with a horde in Days Gone requires a blend of environmental awareness and tactical aggression.

Tactical Combat Engagements

When Deacon encounters the horde on the train bridge, the focus shifts to mobility. You cannot stand your ground against a hundred Freakers.

The Second Engagement [0:07:30]: Here, we see the effective use of Molotov cocktails. By bottlenecking the Freakers into narrow passages or catching them while they are clustered, you can maximize the damage of a single incendiary.
Melee as a Last Resort: While Deacon is proficient with a blade, melee combat against a horde is a death sentence. Use your primary weapons and explosives to thin the herd before ever letting them get within arm's reach.

Mastering Stealth and Environment

Oregon’s weather is as dangerous as its inhabitants. During the Stealth and Resource Collection phase [0:04:54], adverse weather conditions play a significant role. Rain and storms can mask the sound of Deacon’s footsteps, allowing for closer movement to Freaker clusters.

However, stealth isn’t just about crouching in bushes. It’s about navigating the checkpoint grounds efficiently. The video demonstrates the importance of looting NERO units [0:10:15] while remaining undetected. Pushing vehicles to reach higher ledges or clear paths is a recurring mechanic that requires patience and timing.

Powering Up: The NERO Checkpoint Loop

Restoring power to a NERO Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) is one of the most rewarding yet risky activities in the game. The process involves a specific sequence of actions showcased at the mark.

Step-by-Step Power Restoration:

Find Fuel: Search the surrounding area for red fuel canisters.
Locate the Generator: Usually found near the main medical units.
Silence the Speakers: CRITICAL TIP: Before starting the generator, climb the roofs of the units and cut the wires to the megaphones. If you don’t, the moment the power kicks on, the speakers will blast a recorded message, attracting every Freaker for miles.
Start the Generator: Once the speakers are dead, fuel up and start the engine.

The Reward [0:21:40]: Successfully restoring power allows access to the NERO Injectors. These provide permanent character upgrades, allowing you to increase your Health, Stamina, or Focus (bullet time). These upgrades are essential for mid-to-late-game survival.

Traversal and Story Progression: Pioneer Cemetery

The motorcycle is Deacon’s only true friend in the apocalypse. The video highlights motorcycle traversal [0:13:40] as Deacon travels toward the Pioneer Cemetery. The bike isn't just a vehicle; it’s a customizable tool that requires constant maintenance and fuel management.

The 'Chasing Leon' Storyline

Arriving at the Pioneer Cemetery [0:16:20], the gameplay shifts to an investigative tone. Tracking clues during the nighttime adds a layer of survival horror. Tracking Leon’s trail involves:

Using Deacon’s survival vision to highlight tracks.
Managing light sources (Flashlight) to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Navigating the verticality of the cemetery to find hidden caches.

Safehouse Management: O’Leary Mountain

Even a drifter needs a place to rest. The O’Leary Mountain safehouse [0:24:30] serves as a hub for managing equipment and progressing the story.

Equipment Management: This is where you restock ammunition, swap out weapons, and save your progress.
Story Updates: Engaging with NPCs like Boozer provides context to the world and unlocks new mission strands.

Pro-Tips for Surviving the High Desert

To wrap up, here are the top actionable takeaways from this gameplay session:

Always Check for Speakers: We can't stress this enough. One missed speaker at a NERO site can turn a routine mission into a fight for your life.
Prioritize Stamina: While Health is tempting, Stamina allows you to run longer during horde chases. In Days Gone, if you can’t run, you die.
Use the Environment: Look for explosive barrels and narrow gaps (squeeze-throughs) to slow down pursuing Freakers.
Keep Your Bike Fueled: Never start a mission with less than half a tank. If you have to make a quick getaway from a horde, you don't want your engine sputtering out.

Conclusion

Watching Deacon St. John survive the Horse Lake Horde is a masterclass in tension and tactical planning. From the careful scavenging of NERO units to the high-speed chases on the open road, Days Gone rewards players who think ahead and stay prepared.

Ready to jump back into the Freaker-infested wilds of Oregon? Make sure you’ve got your Molotovs ready and your bike gassed up. The horde is always closer than you think.

What’s your go-to strategy for taking down a horde? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more Days Gone survival guides!