Days Gone Remastered: How to Survive Permadeath Mode (Complete Guide)

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Permadeath Mode in Days Gone Remastered isn't for the faint of heart. One mistake, and it's game over—literally. Whether you're a returning fan or playing for the first time on PS5, this mode adds brutal tension and high stakes to Deacon St. John’s already dangerous world.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Permadeath Mode works, which difficulty settings you should choose, and the top strategies, skills, and weapons to survive Oregon’s wild Freaker apocalypse from start to finish.

What Is Permadeath Mode?

Permadeath Mode is a new feature in Days Gone Remastered that challenges players to complete the entire game without dying. If you die, your progress is lost—no checkpoints, no reloads.

Difficulty Options:

  • Low: Permadeath applies by act (dying restarts the act).

  • Medium: Permadeath applies by mission.

  • High: Classic one-life mode—die once, restart from the very beginning.

Completing any tier of Permadeath Mode awards a unique Trophy and a spot on the community leaderboards.

1. Pick the Right Difficulty Setting

If it’s your first Permadeath attempt, we strongly recommend starting with Low or Medium tier:

  • Low (Act-based): Gives you time to learn where the game’s most dangerous choke points are.

  • Medium (Mission-based): Ideal for confident players who want a challenge but not total punishment.

  • High (Full Permadeath): For veterans only. Do not attempt until you’ve beaten the game at least once or twice.

2. Essential Survival Skills (In-Game)

Days Gone Remastered, Box Art, Permadeath Mode Guide
These are the best skills to prioritize early to boost survivability:

Survival Skill Tree:

  • Hawkeye – Highlights plants and resources.

  • Ear to the Ground – Extends Survival Vision range.

  • Thief in the Night – Reduces noise from movement.

Ranged Skill Tree:

  • Focused Shot – Slow down time when aiming.

  • Up the Ante – Increase Focus duration.

  • Crowd Control – Increases ammo capacity.

Melee Skill Tree:

  • Hard Hitter – Boosts melee damage.

  • Escape Artist – Easier to break out of grapple.

  • Switch It Up – Faster weapon switching.

Pro Tip: Focus heavily on stealth and Focus upgrades early in your run.

3. Best Weapons to Use

In Permadeath, every bullet matters. These weapons will carry you:

Early Game:

  • Crossbow (silent, craftable bolts).

  • M40 Sniper (precision and distance).

  • Sawed-Off Shotgun (close-range panic option).

Mid to Late Game:

  • Chicago Chopper – High damage, great ammo pool.

  • .50 BFG – Perfect for boss fights and hordes.

  • Auto Shotgun – Devastating in close quarters.

Always carry one suppressed weapon and keep it repaired or upgraded when possible.

4. Use the Environment to Your Advantage

  • Traps and explosives: Always carry proximity bombs, molotovs, and bear traps.

  • Gas stations: These are great for bike refueling and healing but often have ambushes.

  • NERO checkpoints: Prioritize these for health, stamina, and focus upgrades.

Don’t rush. Every building or open road can be fatal if you’re not prepared.

5. Bike Upgrades That Matter

Your bike is your lifeline in Permadeath. Upgrade these ASAP:

  • Fuel Tank – Avoid getting stranded.

  • Nitrous Boost – Essential for escaping ambushes.

  • Frame Durability – Keeps you safe from crashes or gunfire.

Avoid long treks on foot unless you're absolutely certain the area is clear.

6. Save Strategically – But Only When Allowed

In Permadeath Mode, you can’t reload a save if you die, but you can still rest and save at:

  • Your bike (if parked safely).

  • Safehouses.

  • Camp bunk beds.

Use saves between every major mission or horde fight. If something feels risky, take time to prep and save.

7. Avoid These Common Death Traps

Here’s where most Permadeath runs end:

  • Ambush camps (traps + snipers).

  • Freaker hordes in narrow environments.

  • Wolves and infected animals (they hit hard and often surprise).

  • Human snipers and Molotov throwers.

Slow down, scout ahead with binoculars, and use Survival Vision often.

Final Thoughts: Is Permadeath Mode Worth It?

Absolutely—if you’re up for it. Permadeath Mode in Days Gone Remastered is one of the most intense survival challenges available on PS5. It’s equal parts punishing and rewarding, and beating it is a badge of honor among the community.

For the best shot at surviving:

  • Use stealth early.

  • Upgrade your bike and survival stats quickly.

  • Don’t rush into unknown areas.

  • Practice Horde fights in Horde Assault Mode first.

Have you beaten Permadeath Mode? Share your tips and loadout in the comments!

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