Random Encounters: Difference between revisions
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When traveling on [[The World]] map, characters can randomly encounter [[:Category:Critters| | When traveling on [[The World]] map, characters can randomly encounter [[:Category:Critters|Critters]] or other [[Player Character]]s traveling nearby. When you find an encounter, you might be forced into it, hence the expression "forced encounter". Other times you will get a prompt giving you the option to enter it or skip it. The higher your [[Outdoorsman]] skill, the fewer random encounters will be forced, and you'll get the option to avoid them more often. | ||
Finding an encounter will stop your movement on [[The World]] map, cue you with an audible chime, and flash a red lightning bolt for a few seconds, giving you a moment to prepare for probable | Finding an encounter will stop your movement on [[The World]] map, cue you with an audible chime, and flash a red lightning bolt for a few seconds, giving you a moment to prepare for probable [[Combat]]. If you get the prompt, it will list what/who is there. Any [[Player Character]]s there will be shown in <span style="color:red">'''red'''</span>. When the encounter starts, your character's placement relevant to others there is based on a [[Perception]] check. So the lower your [[Abbreviations|PE]], the closer you'll likely be to critters when the encounter begins, but a [[Cautious Nature]] will keep some distance. If the encounter runs in [[Turn-Based]] mode, your character's [[Sequence]] will determine how soon he gets his turn. | ||
Random encounters run in [[Turn-Based]] or [[Real-Time]] mode depending on the leader's | Random encounters run in [[Turn-Based]] or [[Real-Time]] mode depending on the leader's [[FOnline.cfg|Config Settings]]. If two or more characters are traveling together in a [[Player Groups|Group]], only the leader's [[Combat modes|Combat Mode]] matters. | ||
==Random Bosses== | ==Random Bosses== | ||
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==Versus Encounters== | ==Versus Encounters== | ||
A "vs enc" is a versus encounter, which means it has more than one NPC | A "vs enc" is a versus encounter, which means it has more than one [[Group Encounters|NPC Group]] and they fight each other. These are popular to hunt when [[Levels|leveling]] as most of the combat risks are directed between opposing NPC groups, and thus not entirely on you. You can sometimes just stand and watch safely from a short distance as two NPC groups fight. When one side is about to win, get the kill shots on their enemies to get some easy [[XP]]. Wait for friendly or neutral winners to loot their enemies first, even if you got the kill shots, and then you can loot afterwards to get whatever they missed. If you loot too soon, expect to be attacked. | ||
==Car Wrecks== | ==Car Wrecks== | ||
On some occasions you will find a searchable [[Car wreck]] in city ruins. Always check these if you can, because they sometimes have a working [[Fuel Cell Controller]], which can be used to buy certain [[Vehicles]]. Most times they are empty, or contain [[Junk]] and/or [[Electronic Parts]]. | On some occasions you will find a searchable [[Car wreck]] in city ruins. Always check these if you can, because they sometimes have a working [[Fuel Cell Controller]], which can be used to buy certain [[Vehicles]] at [[T-Ray]] in [[Junkyard]]. Most times they are empty, or contain [[Junk]] and/or [[Electronic Parts]]. | ||
==Caravan Encounters== | ==Caravan Encounters== | ||
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==Special Encounters== | ==Special Encounters== | ||
On very rare occasions, you will find [[Special Encounter]]s which are unique in some way. Special Encounters are always forced, can happen when you're driving a vehicle, and reportedly do not have an associated audible chime like other encounters. It is also reported that radio distress signals do not work from within a SE location. | On very rare occasions, you will find [[Special Encounter]]s or [[Odd Encounters]] which are unique in some way. Special Encounters are always forced, can happen when you're driving a vehicle, and reportedly do not have an associated audible chime like other encounters. It is also reported that radio distress signals do not work from within a SE location. | ||
==Flare Traps== | ==Flare Traps== | ||
You will also find [[Flare Trap]]s on the map, which appear as red dots where players are inviting others to join for [[PvP]]. You can start your own [[Flare Trap]] encounter by dropping a lit [[Flare]] on the ground in a random encounter. This will show a red map marker location on the [[The World|worldmap]] for ''everyone'' to see. Beware entering enemy [[Flare Trap]]s! These are called traps for a reason, and can be in [[Turn-Based]] mode, occupied by characters with [[TB]]-optimized fighter builds. They might park | You will also find [[Flare Trap]]s on the map, which appear as red dots where players are inviting others to join for [[PvP]]. You can start your own [[Flare Trap]] encounter by dropping a lit [[Flare]] on the ground in a random encounter. This will show a red map marker location on the [[The World|worldmap]] for ''everyone'' to see. Beware entering enemy [[Flare Trap]]s! These are called traps for a reason, and can be in [[Turn-Based]] mode, occupied by characters with [[TB]]-optimized fighter builds. They might park [[Vehicles|Cars]] there to use as cover or have [[Builds|Sneaks and Snipers]] already set up in strategic locations. | ||
==Footlockers== | ==Footlockers== | ||
[[Footlocker]]s can be found in '''populated''' random encounters in | [[Footlocker]]s can be found in '''populated''' random encounters in [[Zones]] with city ruins, and the lockers always have loot. They are always locked though, so you'll need to use [[Lockpick]] skill to open them. Some are easier to unlock, but others are very difficult. Even with the best [[Lockpick]] skill, a character can fail multiple times, so bring an [[Expanded Lockpick Set]] for best results. The loot in random footlockers varies widely from caps and ammo to weapons and armor, and can also be valuable Skill [[Books]], and many other items. For best results, get the [[Treasure Hunter]] perk. | ||
Beware of [[Types of Traps|bear traps]] that often surround footlockers, and be ready to use [[Doctor]] skill to correct broken limbs. [[Light Step]] helps a lot here, even if you lack sufficient [[Traps]] skill to disarm the traps. It is possible to be placed in a random encounter on top of bear traps or some other particularly difficult situation. It is possible to die quickly in random encounters and have no chance to even react before certain [[NPC]]s kill you with explosives. (If your encounter is starting at the same time as a server lag, this can also end in disaster). Be alert when traveling in the wasteland! If your best option is to flee, you usually have a moment to make that decision and start running for the [[Exit Grid]] before combat begins. | Beware of [[Types of Traps|bear traps]] that often surround footlockers, and be ready to use [[Doctor]] skill to correct broken limbs. [[Light Step]] helps a lot here, even if you lack sufficient [[Traps]] skill to disarm the traps. It is possible to be placed in a random encounter on top of bear traps or some other particularly difficult situation. It is possible to die quickly in random encounters and have no chance to even react before certain [[NPC]]s kill you with explosives. (If your encounter is starting at the same time as a server lag, this can also end in disaster). Be alert when traveling in the wasteland! If your best option is to flee, you usually have a moment to make that decision and start running for the [[Exit Grid]] before combat begins. | ||
Revision as of 13:51, 20 December 2022
When traveling on The World map, characters can randomly encounter Critters or other Player Characters traveling nearby. When you find an encounter, you might be forced into it, hence the expression "forced encounter". Other times you will get a prompt giving you the option to enter it or skip it. The higher your Outdoorsman skill, the fewer random encounters will be forced, and you'll get the option to avoid them more often.
Finding an encounter will stop your movement on The World map, cue you with an audible chime, and flash a red lightning bolt for a few seconds, giving you a moment to prepare for probable Combat. If you get the prompt, it will list what/who is there. Any Player Characters there will be shown in red. When the encounter starts, your character's placement relevant to others there is based on a Perception check. So the lower your PE, the closer you'll likely be to critters when the encounter begins, but a Cautious Nature will keep some distance. If the encounter runs in Turn-Based mode, your character's Sequence will determine how soon he gets his turn.
Random encounters run in Turn-Based or Real-Time mode depending on the leader's Config Settings. If two or more characters are traveling together in a Group, only the leader's Combat Mode matters.
Random Bosses
In some random encounters, characters have a chance to encounter some special, very powerful enemies.
Versus Encounters
A "vs enc" is a versus encounter, which means it has more than one NPC Group and they fight each other. These are popular to hunt when leveling as most of the combat risks are directed between opposing NPC groups, and thus not entirely on you. You can sometimes just stand and watch safely from a short distance as two NPC groups fight. When one side is about to win, get the kill shots on their enemies to get some easy XP. Wait for friendly or neutral winners to loot their enemies first, even if you got the kill shots, and then you can loot afterwards to get whatever they missed. If you loot too soon, expect to be attacked.
Car Wrecks
On some occasions you will find a searchable Car wreck in city ruins. Always check these if you can, because they sometimes have a working Fuel Cell Controller, which can be used to buy certain Vehicles at T-Ray in Junkyard. Most times they are empty, or contain Junk and/or Electronic Parts.
Caravan Encounters
Other than random critter encounters and many different organised Group Encounters, there are also Caravan Encounters which are tougher than most other encounters. You can find these anytime in a Caravan run, or otherwise when traveling in a group of 3 or more, under certain conditions. Get the Scout perk to see what can be encountered where.
Special Encounters
On very rare occasions, you will find Special Encounters or Odd Encounters which are unique in some way. Special Encounters are always forced, can happen when you're driving a vehicle, and reportedly do not have an associated audible chime like other encounters. It is also reported that radio distress signals do not work from within a SE location.
Flare Traps
You will also find Flare Traps on the map, which appear as red dots where players are inviting others to join for PvP. You can start your own Flare Trap encounter by dropping a lit Flare on the ground in a random encounter. This will show a red map marker location on the worldmap for everyone to see. Beware entering enemy Flare Traps! These are called traps for a reason, and can be in Turn-Based mode, occupied by characters with TB-optimized fighter builds. They might park Cars there to use as cover or have Sneaks and Snipers already set up in strategic locations.
Footlockers
Footlockers can be found in populated random encounters in Zones with city ruins, and the lockers always have loot. They are always locked though, so you'll need to use Lockpick skill to open them. Some are easier to unlock, but others are very difficult. Even with the best Lockpick skill, a character can fail multiple times, so bring an Expanded Lockpick Set for best results. The loot in random footlockers varies widely from caps and ammo to weapons and armor, and can also be valuable Skill Books, and many other items. For best results, get the Treasure Hunter perk.
Beware of bear traps that often surround footlockers, and be ready to use Doctor skill to correct broken limbs. Light Step helps a lot here, even if you lack sufficient Traps skill to disarm the traps. It is possible to be placed in a random encounter on top of bear traps or some other particularly difficult situation. It is possible to die quickly in random encounters and have no chance to even react before certain NPCs kill you with explosives. (If your encounter is starting at the same time as a server lag, this can also end in disaster). Be alert when traveling in the wasteland! If your best option is to flee, you usually have a moment to make that decision and start running for the Exit Grid before combat begins.
NOTE: Whenever you enter a random encounter, your location becomes discoverable by other players nearby. They might get a prompt with your name in red. If you do not want any PvP confrontations, it's best not to delay long in random encounters.
Travel Speed
Walking is usually the slowest way to travel on the map, but the Explorer and Pathfinder perks can help you travel faster. The higher your Outdoorsman, the less encounters will be forced. For the smoothest travels though, get one of the Vehicles. Vehicle Outdoorsman is always maximum, regardless of the Outdoorsman skill of the character driving it.
NOTE: The Predators feature was removed at the end of Season 2.
See Also
- Random Encounters
- Group Encounters
- Flare Traps
- Caravan Encounters
- Special Encounters
- Special Quest Encounters