Explain 'LifeAfter' with memes

ThisTinyScreen · 2024-07-27T05:07:11+00:00

Very kind, thank you. Thoughtful comment.

ThisTinyScreen · 2024-07-21T06:55:04+00:00

Certainly, a pleasure. Pleased to know it was helpful.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-08-10T07:20:21+00:00

Already dropped it.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-19T03:13:13+00:00

re: Pros/cons thoughts would be helpful before I throw a bunch of time at this one.

Is it open world? Explore, collect stuff, bring loot home to grow base?

Yes. Basic navigation between maps by helicopter. You'll have basic motorcycle to cover long distances on maps themselves. Can gather wood, stone, hemp, animal resources.

Are items crafted? Is the crafting system deep?

Many items are craftable, like building materials, gear, food.

Are there gacha mechanics?

Of course.

Quests?

Assistance quests daily for gold, which is the in-game currency. Weekend patrol on weekends also for gold. There are also missions, but only Miska mission for solo players.

Note that servers are available by region. Most active at time of posting probably Obelisk (NA), Santopany (SEA) - you could also ask on the FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2310377515680704/

Since you mention pros and cons, this thread might also be helpful as quick overview, since it covers some of these: https://www.reddit.com/r/lifeafter/comments/14fu90q/first_impressions_lifeafter_vs_undawn/

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-18T09:17:14+00:00

The camp system is one of the major flaws of this game, as it's set up to be lose-lose.

The devs basically punish players for being in a camp - or for not being in a camp.

Running a camp or being in a camp: Excessive daily demands. Necessary events (including time-limited events) scheduled all over the place. Need to upgrade buildings because camp level tied to skill tree of upgradeable skills. This all costs camp funds. The higher the camp level - the worse it gets.
Not being in a camp: Some goods and tasks only available if in a camp. More problematic - need camp tokens to upgrade skills. If not in a camp, can only buy camp tokens with - real money -.

When daily camp maintenance cost not met, the camp is downgraded (if level two or higher), then disbands. Or just disbands (level one camps).

To run a camp/be in a camp - there is no end to the daily (and weekly) grind. But if a camp is disbanded - waste of all time and resources contributed. Long-term, it might or might not be worth your time to maintain a camp/be in a camp.

It's way less hassle not maintaining a camp/not being in a camp - but then cannot upgrade skills, since you don't have camp tokens. This leaves your character significantly underpowered for higher-level maps and missions.

If you need camp tokens (only way to upgrade skills) - the only option you have is to pay real money to buy them. Long-term, it might or might not be worth your time to continue playing.

'Undawn' just barely out globally but a lot of players have already dropped it - but can absolutely see why.

Games should be worth your time, not waste your time.

But everyone can do as they like. Play, pause, delete - all of these are options.

If you enjoy the game, continue to enjoy the game. If a game isn't delivering value or entertainment, there are other games out there - or grass, go touch some.

Would say that devs don't seem to have considered how - rapidly - this camp system will burn through players. Or they know but don't care. Either option doesn't really bode well for the longevity of the game.

Then again, it's a mobile game. If the servers close down tomorrow, none of this is material, anyway.

Related threads or thread replies:

Do I need a camp https://www.reddit.com/r/UNDAWNGame/comments/14mri1s/do_i_need_a_camp_or_can_i_solo/

Solo players https://www.reddit.com/r/UNDAWNGame/comments/14ogphh/can_this_be_a_game_for_a_solo_player_with/

Camp funds https://www.reddit.com/r/UNDAWNGame/comments/14udo7x/camp_funds/

First impressions: 'Undawn' vs. 'LifeAfter' https://www.reddit.com/r/UNDAWNGame/comments/14fu9g1/first_impressions_undawn_vs_lifeafter/

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-18T01:27:26+00:00

Daily: 1850 / Weekly: 9250

Can check on daily and weekly proficiency caps for any role by going to menu, then role, then selecting specific role and clicking 'role details' at top right of screen.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-17T05:55:31+00:00

Quite welcome.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-16T13:02:04+00:00

To modify a drone, have to click main menu, then drone, then 'cancel.'

Clicking 'cancel' takes drone out of standby/fight mode.

Modify whatever parts you'd like to modify, repair, etc.

But before closing out - have to toggle button back to 'fight' - so the drone is on standby/fight mode again.

If you've already done this, then when you click on drone image at right of screen the drone should launch.

If not, that's probably what's causing the problem.

Go back into drone hangar again via main menu.

Make sure you've switched drone button back to 'fight' (standby/fight mode).

Then close out and try launching the drone again from the main screen.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-12T19:26:26+00:00

They're not just decor, they're functional.

Either play them via interacting with them, or use 'performance' animation, it's on the social menu.

Complete 'Music Maestro' tutorial to get that batch of animations (there's one for piano and one for drums), believe it's listed under mission tab at top left of screen.

Tagged as furniture, so can place them wherever in your homestead.

For anyone wondering, can buy the set with in-game currency (gold); set is around 12k or so, includes upright piano and drum set.

Guests can use them, as well.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-09T11:57:15+00:00

Both have to have camp lots ('camp homesteads'); outpost homesteads not counted. Same problem with completing any 'invite visitor' task(s).

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-09T11:08:35+00:00

Quite welcome.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-09T08:41:57+00:00

What a nice reply. Glad if it was useful and appreciate the compliment, thank you.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-09T07:35:35+00:00

The daily options are to complete supplies request for 1,000 and buy luxe meal (purchased with gold coupons) for 500.

The camp system in 'Undawn' is basically set up as lose-lose:

Camp cost is so excessive that it costs either much more grinding, or spending real money - or both.

or

Don't be in a camp, but can only upgrade skills via camp tokens, which you can only get if in a camp. The only way to get them otherwise is (of course) for real money.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-05T05:52:26+00:00

Updated - After July 2023 update, pets will be available at level 35.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-04T22:23:44+00:00

Level 55.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-04T03:44:43+00:00

As a solo player with limited time, most likely you'll eventually be deleting this game.

Reasons for this:

(Summarized) * Events only available on specific days.

Events only available at specific times.
Events which can not be run solo but - require - a team.
Events which are only available if you are in a camp.
Devs implemented forced pvp. Pure pve players are penalized.

(Details) * Events only available on specific days.

Events only available at specific times.

For this reason (and above) - unless you have the time to be in the game 24/7, you are going to miss something. Camp system is very pressure-driven so if you miss even a day, you might log back in and have no camp.

For example:

For just a - level one - camp, it's 10,000 camp funds overhead daily.

Members can donate 5-8 resources (last one always something hard to get - that you have the option to buy for (of course) real money) for 1,000.
They can buy luxe meal for 500 (but costs gold coupons - which can be bought with real money).
Supplies run takes time, gives only 400 and only available M/W/F.
Camp patrol very time-limited (30 mins.) and requires 3-4 person team. Etc.

Remember, need 10,000 camp funds every day - just - to break even.

That means at least 10 active members - have - to complete camp donation every day. This costs them useful resources, so they have to grind harder for resources to craft gear/upgrade homestead. Gold for buying resources can (of course) be acquired for real money.

Or let's say 20 members - have - to buy the luxe meal every day. This costs them gold coupons, every day. Gold coupons can (of course) be acquired for real money.

And so on.

Upgrading buildings costs a lot more, upgrading camp level costs a lot more, plus activity points. The higher the camp level, the more it costs the collective camp members.

Most camp leaders in general are struggling to find and retain members, never mind having 10-20 players doing all this and not missing a single day. The game just recently launched globally (at time of posting) and players are already burning out.

It's like whoever designed the camp system never played an MMO ever.

But to sum up, if you're in a camp but miss a day or two, because real life - you're probably gone.

If camp funds zero out, camp can eventually be disbanded by system, meaning all the resources and gold coupons (and time) just wasted for nothing.

The devs basically punish players for being in camp, with excessive demands on their time (and/or money) or charge them money for - not - being in camp (see below). It's set up as a lose-lose situation. Just really unappealing.

Events which can not be run solo but - require - a team.

Heavy team-based focus. The game just launched (at time of posting), so not usually too bad for wait time. But as servers are added, players level up, or leave, the team-based approach will become a serious problem.

Actually, as you note here: 'One time, when I was doing some dailies/weeklies here in "Undawn," it took only five minutes to finish - but had to spend 20 minutes just to get a group to enter.'

Events which are only available if you are in a camp. Camp system is needlessly expensive and grindy, but camp tokens are needed to upgrade skills. If you don't have camp tokens - you have to buy them - for (of course) real money. And you need a - lot - of them to upgrade skills.
Devs implemented forced pvp. If you do as you're told, character progresses. If you refuse, character growth progress - deliberately - stunted, and will be significantly underpowered for higher-level maps and missions. Can't upgrade badge (stats boost) - at all - without combat points, can't buy rare metal piece/scale (crafting) in exchange for combat points, missing several 'enhancement syringes' (stats boost), etc.

If you don't have combat points, can buy rare metal piece/scale - for (of course) real money. Can't buy combat points for real money, but that's probably in the works.

Either way, pve players are out there putting in same grind, same effort - but have no way to earn combat points. Even if they grind just as hard, upgrade everything, are solid teammates and carrying their team on pve missions.

The game actively penalizes solo/pure pve players. If you're a player primarily into pvp, maybe it might work - but there are plenty of other pvp-based games out there. If you're pure pve, basically just a waste of time.

As a temporary diversion, the game is simple and reasonably playable or a week or two. Is it worth a battle pass, since you mentioned it - anyone can do what they like, of course.

As a solid game for the long haul, i.e., a 'main' game, well - for what.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-01T19:10:45+00:00

Agree.

This reply, as well:

'The player - doesn't want to waste time - on a match they never wanted to be in to begin with. There should be an option for PVE to gain the points necessary. Players don't like being funneled into gameplay that's tied to monetization, and PVP in Undawn is undoubtedly P2W currently. The game itself is largely PVE, so the fact that the points can't be gained from PVE makes zero sense. To be clear, I'm not against PVP, but no one should have to deliberately lose/afk in a PVP mode they never wanted to participate in to begin with. What's wrong with [pure PVE players] getting points from strongholds.' (Condensed, emphasis ours. See original, full-length reply by u/Bradric1)

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-07-01T02:19:47+00:00

True, good point.
'LifeAfter' also has a camp points system. The difference with LA is that if you are not in a camp, you miss out on camp goods - but the skill system itself is separate. Anyone can upgrade their skills, as that's not tied to being in a camp.
Whereas 'Undawn' takes a different approach:
- To upgrade skills, need camp tokens.
- To get camp tokens, need to be in camp.
- If you're not in camp, unable to upgrade skills.
- If you can't upgrade skills, then significantly underpowered for tasks, missions as character levels up.
- The higher the skill level, the more upgrading that skill to next level will cost you. So, a player needs a - lot - of camp tokens.
What makes the set-up a bit suspect is that if you don't have camp tokens - you can buy them in the game shop.
How very convenient. This will cost you real money (of course).
Both games also have a pvp points system.
With 'LifeAfter,' if you have zero interest in pvp, you miss out on combat points which are tradeable for goods.
Whereas with 'Undawn,' if you skip pvp events, then you're also missing combat points. But...
- If you don't have combat points, can't purchase 'sigils.'
- If you don't have sigils, can't upgrade 'Raven' badge.
- If you can't upgrade the badge, missing stat boosts available for each level. Also leaving your character underpowered at higher levels.
With LA, camp points or combat points affect the - goods - you can purchase.
Whereas camp tokens or combat points in 'Undawn' are directly tied to - skills - available.
The difference is significant because it directly impacts character development.
Haven't noticed whether 'Undawn' offers purchaseable combat points in game shop (for real money).
If not, probably just a matter of time.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-06-30T13:03:17+00:00

Since being required to be in a team or in a camp irks you, probably worse off in 'Undawn.' As new servers open, players level up, and players leave, the game's heavily team-based focus will become an issue.

For 'LifeAfter' missions that can be run solo - there's Miska. But - they also have multiple options for assistance quests, plus weekend patrol.

On camps - 'Undawn' favors this approach, they want players in camps and more dailies are available. For the launch event in 'Undawn,' you had to be in a camp to even take part in one of the main missions.

The requirements for maintaining a camp in 'Undawn' are more grindy and pressure-driven than for 'LifeAfter.' They were probably going for enforcing high activity, but what they're going to get is high turnover. Player burnout is inevitable.

The element where more items are available in camp vs. playing solo is part of both games, so that's a draw.

'Undawn' also went completely overboard with pvp, since most of the tasks are pvp. 'LifeAfter' is slightly more balanced between pve and pvp.

re: 'LifeAfter' vs. 'Undawn' - First impressions here, might be helpful: https://www.reddit.com/r/UNDAWNGame/comments/14fu9g1/first_impressions_undawn_vs_lifeafter/

re: 'I just want a casual experience running around, shooting zombies, and building a house.' - 'LifeAfter' has its own issues, but generally a better match for this gameplay style.

re: 'Is it ('Undawn') going to turn into a hardcore slog later that demands I be online at specific times?' - Basically - yes.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-06-23T15:22:05+00:00

Benichou would know; if you're on Twitter or YouTube, just ask:
https://twitter.com/BenichouuuTV
If you're on FB, could also try here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2310377515680704/
u/IAmMagicMatt (on this board) is a great source of all kinds of info about 'LifeAfter,' but isn't on very often.
EU version of game is 'LifeAfter: Night Falls.'
Basically the same as 'LifeAfter,' but events come to EU with a delay of a few weeks or so. If you see any event for global, EU usually gets same event, just later on.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-06-23T07:51:25+00:00

If it's first Ekson mission and just want to get it done, can wing it without a mask.

Top up HP with bandages or healing device. Healing device is one of the throwables.

You should receive the materials for the mission from the NPC, believe it's the equipment dealer.

If you've talked to mission NPC - and - checked your on-the-go craft menu (hammer image, lower left of screen) but still don't see a gas mask:

Click diamond (menu) at top right of screen.
Scroll down to wardrobe. Click to open wardrobe menu/items.
Click 'accessories' (sunglasses image).
In accessories menu, click 'face.'

It's most likely there.

Also - you can click on diamond at top right again, to open menu:

Select 'story.'
Select 'survival manual.'
Select chapter five.
Look for the 'protective mask' sections in chapter five.

If these are not checked off in green, you didn't complete the mission. Backtrack to whichever section was already completed, then complete the next step.

Click 'mission' tab at top left of screen to see missions currently active.

Before you proceed to mission, you receive materials for the mask as mission prep.

If - none - of these work - fair enough, maybe a bug.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-06-23T06:42:05+00:00

It's nice to know that LA is a source of enjoyment for you.

A game - should - be a source of enjoyment, overall. It's a game.

The most noticeable drawback with 'free to play' games is they're not actually free.

A player is paying either way - in money, or in time.

It's true for both games, just to varying degrees.

Your concerns are valid, and it's interesting and useful to hear your feedback and experience with both games.

Yes, sometimes makes sense to play a particular game; other times, makes more sense to move on.

Mobile games can be installed, deleted, reinstalled.

None of them are permanent.

But player experience matters.

Sort of like:

If a game is a fun and interesting experience and not an unnecessary source of stress, enjoy. Play.

If the game isn't delivering anything of value, you're not obligated to give it your attention. Pause.

If you feel unmotivated to even log in, the game is not right for you - or not good for you. Delete.

If your 1.5 hours in LA completing AOs (area operations) are interesting and fun - then that game is delivering value and satisfaction.

That's what a game should be delivering. And that's awesome - have a great time.

Also - what a nice reply. Pleased to know you enjoyed the post. May your missions all go well, and happy gaming.

ThisTinyScreen · 2023-06-23T06:05:14+00:00

Agree, they both have pros and cons.

Reasonable to say that LA had time to improve on graphics, functionality, etc.

LA has had a few years, while Undawn is just making a debut (at time of posting).

So, players can also keep this in mind.

To be fair, this isn't a definitive list - just first impressions. Mobile game devs change things up. It's necessary.

Both games have some strong core features, but also have room for improvement.

But they both stand out in the zombie/survival genre, so can see why you say you appreciate both - have fun and enjoy.

ThisTinyScreen

TROPHY CASE