Not Quite Dead: Open World Survival Vehicles Guide

Overview

Vehicles are a key feature of Not Quite Dead: Open World Survival that set it apart from many other survival games. Cars, boats, and even helicopters let you travel faster, carry more loot, and reach distant locations. But fuel is scarce, making every vehicle trip a calculated risk. This guide covers what we know about vehicles in the game.

Vehicles in Not Quite Dead

Not Quite Dead features vehicles that can be found and used for exploration, transport, and combat. Vehicles are a confirmed feature of the game and include ground vehicles, boats, and helicopters. Finding and repairing vehicles is part of the progression loop, and they open up large parts of the open world that would be difficult to reach on foot.

Vehicle Types

The game includes multiple vehicle types. Boats and helicopters are specifically mentioned in official descriptions as vehicles that are already implemented in the current Early Access build. Ground vehicles such as cars and trucks are also part of the game, though the full list of all vehicle types and their names were not documented in available sources at launch.

Finding and Repairing Vehicles

Vehicles in Not Quite Dead are found throughout the world and can be repaired to working condition. Finding a damaged vehicle and getting it running again is a satisfying progression milestone that significantly expands your exploration capabilities. The exact repair mechanics and what parts or materials are needed were not fully detailed in available sources, but vehicle repair is a confirmed mechanic.

Fuel Scarcity and Management

Fuel is deliberately scarce in Not Quite Dead. This is a core design choice that makes every vehicle expedition a calculated risk — you need to weigh the potential reward of a trip against the fuel you will spend getting there and back. Running out of fuel in the field can leave you stranded far from your base with a cargo of loot and no way to get home quickly. Plan every vehicle trips carefully and always bring enough fuel to return.

Where to Find Fuel

Fuel is found throughout the game world through scavenging. Gas cans and fuel containers are among the loot you can find in buildings, gas stations, and industrial areas. exact locations and how much fuel you find depend on where you search. Since fuel is scarce, it is one of the most valuable resources in the game. Fuel can also be crafted or refined through crafting systems, though the exact fuel crafting recipe was not documented in available sources.

Using Vehicles for Exploration

Vehicles significantly expand your exploration range. With a vehicle, you can reach distant locations faster, carry more loot back from expeditions, and access areas that would be impractical to reach on foot. Boats open up water-based areas, and helicopters give you access to otherwise unreachable locations. The trade-off is always fuel cost and the risk of losing the vehicle if something goes wrong.

Vehicle Combat

Vehicles can be used in combat situations, though the exact mechanics of vehicle combat were not fully detailed in available sources. Having a vehicle gives you mobility advantages in fights and can help you escape dangerous situations. In co-op, one player can drive while others handle shooting from the vehicle.

Vehicle Customization

Additional vehicles and vehicle customization features are planned for future updates during Early Access. The current build includes some vehicle types, and more vehicles and customization options will be added as development progresses. Weapon modding is also planned, which may extend to vehicle weapons or be a separate system.

Vehicle Storage and Base Garages

Storing vehicles at your base is an important consideration once you start collecting them. A base garage or vehicle storage area lets you keep your vehicles safe and accessible when you need them. The exact mechanics of vehicle storage at bases were not detailed in available sources, but it is a logical part of the base building and vehicle systems working together.

Vehicle Tips

• Always bring enough fuel to get to your destination and back — running out in the field is a dangerous situation.
• Use vehicles for long trips or when you need to carry a lot of loot — do not waste fuel on short trips.
• Park your vehicle in a safe spot before exploring on foot — do not leave it where it can be damaged or stolen.
• Repair damaged vehicles as soon as you can — a broken-down vehicle in the middle of nowhere is worse than no vehicle at all.
• In co-op, split roles — one person can drive while others handle navigation and defense.
• Boats and helicopters unlock entirely new areas to explore — prioritize getting one working as soon as you can manage it.
• Fuel is one of the most valuable resources in the game — never pass up a fuel can when you find one.