Underground or hill base

[nathan]

is it best to build underground or on a hill? reason is that I am trying to put less time in making a base

[...👑 JOST AMMAN 👑...]

Build on trees then. Seriously.
It's the cheapest, quickest, early base you can make. :-]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaKpNxtXyVM

[VonStreed]

I tried building on a hill once. A small castle elevated up on big pillars with log spikes underneath. The view was nice, over looking a lake, but then zombies started to dig up the hill so I avoid building on hills now.

[ivor]

I dig a hole 11x11 on flat land all the way to rock bottom, then build up a base in the center on pillars overlooking the (flat) terrain.
https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/831322625432347010/3D6B4FD60601599193CE1C634F4FC0CAE65AD285/?interpolation=lanczos-none&output-format=jpeg&output-quality=95&fit=inside|1024:576&composite-to%3D%2A%2C%2A%7C1024%3A576&background-color=black

https://steamuserimages-a.akamaihd.net/ugc/831322625432347403/38F106724A7AB5A5FF0FD80C7F184231364A9E6E/?interpolation=lanczos-none&output-format=jpeg&output-quality=95&fit=inside|1024:576&composite-to%3D%2A%2C%2A%7C1024%3A576&background-color=black

sit on the lower floor with 7th days... when level goes up i build scrap metal spikes on bottom... works great:)

[Patouski]

a 5x5 by 6 high platform-type base isn't that resource intensive. The bottom 2-3 blocks of each pillars can be upgraded to concrete for a longer lifespan against zombies - if they hit it. The four corners need to be made of metal for increased structural integrity, the rest can be made out of scrap reinforced wood blocks with an iron bar or trussing floor for the ability to shoot at zombies underneath, but that's totally optional.

I've made several bases like this and went through several hordes without issues, until the later gamestages of said hordes. I mean, once you see cops on a constant basis, you best either a) strengthen the materials to reinforced concrete all over or b) further expand the design to have more supports in case they do destroy one of the main pillars.

Seriously though - you should experiment with what works for you. Some prefer to dig a hole in the ground, 30 blocks deep and wait it out, others use a prefab with no easy access to the top floors.

It's all up to YOU. ;)

[Mardoin69]

A prefab building is probably the easiest to work over with the least amount of materials... But, for starting point (first build) I recommend finding a group of trees closer together and just make a tree house / platform.. be sure to start it at 6 blocks high from ground or they can jump and smash bottom level anything lower.... I usually lay out 4 hay bales in square so I can run n jump off those to my ladder an get up top. This is a great way to start for your spawn point. Using wood frames--don't even up grade them and you can shoot through for zeds that gather underneath.... the only part I upgrade is my entry / ladder section (with hatch door for good measure) then lay out my storage chest, sleeping bag, and campfire... always place some replacement tools n weapons in case you die an spawn back there with nothing.... sucks having to forage for rock an wood bare handed.. lol. Keep in mind "Structural Integrity" rules... don't go more than 5 blocks from either tree or it will collapse when you standing at end... is why I suggest trees close together so can connect to multiple points

[Danzigsam]

Digging a hole takes practically no materials. Might take a bit longer, but safer.

[nathan]

Originally posted by Danzigsam:

Digging a hole takes practically no materials. Might take a bit longer, but safer.

when you said it takes no material It does when your item needs to be fixed again

[VonStreed]

Originally posted by nathan:

Originally posted by Danzigsam:

Digging a hole takes practically no materials. Might take a bit longer, but safer.

when you said it takes no material It does when your item needs to be fixed again

"practically" no materials. You can dig with stone axes/shovels. It takes longer but rocks, wood, and plants are easy to gather. Also, only repair things that are hard to find at the moment, like I might repair a wrench if I only have one or two, but if it is a tool that you can make then just scrap it an make more. You will level up faster and your tools will get more and more efficient.

[patomanofallcolors]

IRL castles are on highground but due to game mechanics its best to go underground and more convient to have flat ground for puting up defences LOS, I have had best luck with the ground floor entrence columns, making it look like a greek acropolis, that I can shoot out of, and a ramp going to entrence that is up

[Smokey]

Originally posted by Jost Amman:

Build on trees then. Seriously.
It's the cheapest, quickest, early base you can make. :-]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaKpNxtXyVM

Thanks for the nice video and song :)

[Fair_Player[PL]]

Originally posted by nathan:

is it best to build underground or on a hill? reason is that I am trying to put less time in making a base

PVP or PVE?

[Smokey]

Build 22x22 and start with digging down to bedrock and then place down blocks to main ground level again and build walls 7 blocks height and 4 blocks thick after that you can go sleep ^^

ps. dont forget atleast 6 rows of spikes around your base, dig 3 lanes to side and 2 down then build a concrete block and place spikes on them, then 1 lane to side and 2 down and place 2 concrete blocks now you make 3 lanes again and repeat that process so you easy can repair your defenses.

[Opinvu]

I have used the treehouse many times, its so much fun. If you do the ladder on the tree trunk properly, they can't climb up. I have done low ones and built them on top of trees as well. If going on top, you need a lot of support around the trunk starting halfway up.

Fastest easy base is the platform with pillars every 6th block. A center oopen floor area with a couple wood poles spanning across it makes a great perch to sit on day 7 and let them wander under you while you pick them off. I have used a wood one for 5 horde nights and sustained no damage. When cops come, best have the pillars upgraded to concrete though.

Underground anywhere can be fast too if you dig down at an angle and tunnel far from the entrance. I would suggest going at least 4 blocks under stone layer for a permenant base under ground.

[Wave]

If you're a hillbilly, build a hill base.
If you're a dwarf, build an underground base.
If you're clever, ignore the two lines above.^^

Originally posted by nathan:

is it best to build underground or on a hill? reason is that I am trying to put less time in making a base

You will need more time to build an underground base but less time to maintain it.

[Dagre]

Originally posted by nathan:

is it best to build underground or on a hill? reason is that I am trying to put less time in making a base

well, can start with like 4x4 box and make it entrance to your cave base. so as you start mining you can make yourself a base when you clear out your first vein. that's one idea to save time.

really depends on what you'd like, you'll see more action on the surface, be safer overall underground or even in a mountain. but to start underground takes more time, but as mentioned, less maintenance.

you can start with a 4x4 tiny box on surface and gradually make your underground base. it's an idea anyways.

or just take over a prefabricated building(poi) but then depending on which building, you may have to deal with more zombies when they respawn. though if on a server i'd check if it was allowed and if there's spawns indoors they'll still spawn outside your bedroll radius unless you replace blocks so that they're player placed blocks(upgrading existing blocks doesn't do the trick i hear)

if you want minimal on surface, make a 9x9 box, surround with spikes. eventually add a wall with spikes or make a trench or whatever you decide to do for extra defense, or make a secondary location attached by bridge or tunnel to fight hordes, and/or place forge/campfire. always remember that one door is never enough. and a way to shoot at zombies if they make it past that first door. i used to put a corridor with doors (just in case they decide to go for that instead of entrance) and iron bars in between my corridor and exit so i can fire at them once they're past first door. before they're past first door i just fire from above.

can even get away with using a sledge with the corridor parallel to exit method instead of wasting ammo but it can get nasty.

anyways, just throwing some simple, low work/maintenance ideas out there without completely abusing zombie mechanics.