Days Gone Survival Guide: How to Complete the 'Playing All Night' Mission and Save Boozer

Survival in the High Desert: The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

In the world of Days Gone, loyalty is more than just a sentiment; it’s a survival strategy. As Deacon St. John navigates the unforgiving landscape of post-apocalyptic Oregon, nothing is more important than his bond with his brother-in-arms, Boozer. However, the Freaker-infested wilderness has a way of wearing even the toughest survivors down.

In this comprehensive walkthrough based on the mission "Playing All Night," we dive into one of the game's most pivotal early-to-mid-game narrative arcs. Boozer’s health is failing due to a worsening infection, and Deacon must risk everything to secure life-saving medical supplies from a crashed Red Cross plane. This guide breaks down the narrative beats, tactical combat strategies, and scavenging tips you need to survive the night.

The Mission Context: A Race Against Time

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The video opens with a heavy narrative cutscene that sets the tone for the entire mission. Deacon meets with Addy, the camp medic at Lost Lake, who delivers grim news: Boozer’s arm is septic. Without specific antibiotics, he won't survive. This scene highlights the emotional core of Days Gone—it's not just about killing zombies (Freakers); it's about the lengths people will go to for those they love.

Briefing with Skizzo: The Tip-Off

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To find the medicine, Deacon is forced to coordinate with Skizzo, the head of security at Lost Lake. Skizzo informs Deacon about a Red Cross plane that went down in a nearby region. This mission, titled "Now You See It," serves as the precursor to the primary action.

Strategic Insight: While Skizzo is a controversial figure in the Days Gone community, his intel is vital. During this briefing, take note of the location markers. You’ll be heading into Rippers' territory, which means you need to be stocked up on ammo and scrap before leaving the camp.

Traversing the Night: Stealth and Rescue

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Nighttime in Days Gone is significantly more dangerous than daytime. Freakers are faster, stronger, and more numerous. However, the darkness provides the perfect cover for a drifter like Deacon.

During the nighttime traversal toward the crash site, the gameplay features a dynamic encounter: rescuing a hostage from Freakers.

How to Handle Hostage Rescues:

Stealth First: Use the tall grass to approach the encounter.
Focus on the Captor: If the hostage is being held by humans (Rippers or Marauders), prioritize the enemy holding the weapon to the victim's head.
Loot Everything: Hostages often reward you with trust points for specific camps and credits.

The Crash Site: Infiltration and Initial Engagement

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Upon arriving at the crash site, the mission "Playing All Night" truly begins. The site is a haunting vista—a massive plane torn asunder, lit by the eerie glow of flares and flashlights. But Deacon isn't alone. A group of hostile Rippers (a death cult that worships the Freakers) has already claimed the area.

Tactical Stealth Tips:

Use the Environment: The crash site is littered with debris and tall grass. Use these to break line-of-sight.
Tagging Enemies: Use your binoculars to tag every Ripper you see. Knowing their patrol paths is the difference between a clean infiltration and a chaotic shootout.
Silent Takedowns: Approach enemies from behind for stealth kills to save ammunition for the inevitable escalation.

The Extended Shootout: Tactical Combat and Scavenging

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Eventually, the silence will break. The video demonstrates an extended firefight within the hostile camp. Days Gone combat is a blend of traditional third-person shooting and tactical resource management.

Combat Pillars to Remember:

Cover is King: Never stand in the open. The Rippers are aggressive and will try to flank you. Use the plane wreckage as hard cover.
The Survival Wheel: Use the survival wheel to craft Molotovs and bandages on the fly. If you run out of medkits, look for sterile bandages inside the small medical crates scattered around the camp.
Focus Mode: Don't forget to use Deacon’s 'Focus' ability. This slows down time, allowing for precise headshots, which is essential when facing armored Rippers.

Tactical Scavenging: Between waves of enemies, the video highlights the importance of looting. Check every body and every crate. In this mission, your goal is the Antibiotics, but you should also be looking for Scrap to repair your melee weapons and Kerosene for Molotovs.

Finishing the Mission: Exploration and Extraction

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The final segment of the video shows Deacon securing the medicine and clearing out the remaining stragglers. Even after the main objective is complete, the area remains dangerous.

Post-Combat Checklist:

Refuel Your Bike: Your motorcycle is your only lifeline. If you’ve parked it far away, make sure you have enough fuel to get back to Lost Lake.
Loot the Plane: The interior of the plane contains high-tier loot. Don't rush out once you have the antibiotics.
Check for Collectibles: Historical markers and NERO intel can often be found near major mission hubs like this.

Actionable Takeaways for Days Gone Players

Prioritize Health Upgrades: This mission proves how quickly your HP can drop. Use NERO injectors to boost your health early in the game.
Respect the Night: While you might want to wait for day, some missions force nighttime play. Upgrade your bike’s headlight to spot traps and Freakers sooner.
Manage Your Trust: Completing missions like this for Lost Lake is essential for unlocking better bike parts and weapons.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Securing the medical supplies in "Playing All Night" is a major victory for Deacon, but the war for survival is far from over. This mission perfectly encapsulates what makes Days Gone a standout in the survival horror genre: the desperate search for resources, the tension of nighttime exploration, and the brutal reality of human-on-human conflict in a world gone mad.

Are you ready to take on the Rippers and save Boozer? Remember to keep your gas tank full and your shotgun loaded.

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Don't forget to leave a comment below: Which is harder—fighting a Freaker Swarm or a Ripper Camp?