Days Gone Stealth Guide: How to Complete the 'I Need Your Help' NERO Mission
Learn how to master the 'I Need Your Help' mission in Days Gone with our detailed stealth walkthrough. Discover the secrets of NERO researchers and how to avoid detection in this high-stakes guide.
Mastering the Shadows in Days Gone
In the brutal, post-apocalyptic world of Days Gone, combat isn't always the answer. Sometimes, survival requires the finesse of a ghost rather than the roar of a shotgun. One of the most tense sequences in the game involves the NERO (National Emergency Response Organization) research missions. Unlike the chaotic hordes of Freakers, NERO soldiers are heavily armored, expertly trained, and—most importantly—invincible. If they spot you, it’s mission over.
In the mission "I Need Your Help," Deacon St. John must infiltrate a NERO landing zone to plant a tracker and eavesdrop on vital research. This walkthrough will guide you through the high-stakes stealth maneuvers required to uncover the truth about the evolving Freaker threat.
Phase 1: Approaching the Landing Zone
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The mission begins as Deacon approaches the designated NERO landing zone. Your first priority is scouting the area. You’ll notice the signature black NERO helicopter hovering above, a beacon of advanced technology in a world of scrap. Before you make your move, use your binoculars to tag the guards. Tagging allows you to track their movement patterns through walls, which is essential for the path ahead.
Phase 2: Infiltrating the Perimeter
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Once you’ve identified the guards' positions, it’s time to move in. The environment is your best friend here. The long, yellow grass provides excellent concealment, but remember: you aren't invisible. If a guard looks directly at you while you're moving, even in the grass, your detection meter will spike.
Tactical Tip: Always stay crouched. Not only does this keep you low, but it also minimizes the noise Deacon makes. Watch the mini-map for the guards' vision cones. If a guard is blocking your path, use a rock to create a distraction. A well-placed toss will lure them away, opening a window for you to slip past.
Phase 3: Planting the GPS Tracker
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Your primary objective is to attach a GPS tracker to the NERO helicopter. The helo is usually guarded by at least one soldier who stays stationary. To reach it, you’ll need to time your movement with the patrols of the mobile guards.
Wait for the nearest guard to turn their back or move toward the perimeter. Dash to the side of the helicopter, interact with it to plant the device, and immediately retreat back into the tall grass. Speed is key here, but don't sprint, as the sound will alert nearby soldiers.
Phase 4: Navigating to the Surveillance Position
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With the tracker in place, your next task is to listen in on the NERO researchers. They are located inside a nearby structure, making the infiltration even more claustrophobic. You’ll need to navigate through a series of bushes and behind crates to reach the eavesdropping zone.
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This section requires patience. You will encounter guards stationed at doorways and windows. Take note of the researcher’s location marked on your HUD. You need to stay within a certain radius to maintain the signal for your listening device. If you move too far away, the progress bar will deplete, and you’ll fail the objective.
Phase 5: The Bleacher Revelation
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As you settle into your hiding spot, the dialogue between the NERO researcher and the soldier begins. This is a crucial piece of lore for Days Gone fans. The researcher discusses a new mutation known as a 'Bleacher.'
Unlike the standard Swarmers, Bleachers are faster, stronger, and more resilient. Their skin has turned a pale, sickly white—hence the name. This dialogue serves as a chilling reminder that the Freaker virus isn't static; it’s evolving, and the world is getting more dangerous by the day. Paying attention to these dialogues isn't just for mission completion; it provides context for the gameplay challenges you will face in later acts.
Phase 6: Exfiltration and Return to the Motorcycle
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Once you have gathered enough intel, the mission objective updates to "Return to your bike." This is often the part where players get careless. The guards' patrol patterns may shift once the research discussion ends.
Retrace your steps carefully. Use the same grass cover you used to enter. If a guard is lingering near your exit point, don't rush. Wait for them to resume their cycle. In the video, we see Deacon utilize the side of the cliff and dense foliage to bypass the final perimeter guards effectively.
Mission Completion and Story Progression
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Once you reach your motorcycle and move out of the mission area, the screen will fade to black, signaling a successful operation. You’ll receive a mission summary detailing your XP gains and trust rewards for the nearby encampments. More importantly, this mission moves Deacon one step closer to finding the truth about Sarah and his past with O'Brian.
Key Takeaways for NERO Stealth Missions
- Patience is a Virtue: Most NERO missions are won by waiting, not by moving. If you aren't sure of a guard's path, wait for one full cycle before moving.
- Use the Rock: The rock is your most powerful tool. It has infinite uses and is the only way to reliably manipulate AI movement without being detected.
- Watch the Meter: The circular detection meter above a guard's head is your warning. If it starts to fill, freeze or move in the opposite direction immediately.
- Stay Within Range: When eavesdropping, always keep an eye on the signal bar at the top of the screen. Balance your need for cover with the requirement to stay close to the target.
Conclusion
"I Need Your Help" is a perfect example of the tension Days Gone builds through its NERO encounters. It forces you out of your comfort zone and requires a tactical mindset. By following this guide and utilizing the timestamps provided, you’ll be able to ghost through the landing zone and uncover the secrets of the Bleacher mutations with ease.
Want more Days Gone tips? Check out our other guides on horde management and weapon upgrades to become the ultimate survivor in the Oregon wilderness!
