How to Survive Combat and Exploration with Localized Injuries

Preparing Before You Leave Base

Because injuries are tied to specific limbs, preparation matters more than raw armor. Before heading out, craft and carry a full stack of plasters, at least half a stack of bandages, and a few morphine doses. Keep them in a consistent hotbar slot so you can reach them without looking. Wear armor that covers as many body parts as possible — an unprotected limb takes full damage and can be crippled in a single hit.

Managing Injuries Mid-Fight

When you take a hit, glance at the HUD to see which part is damaged. If a leg is hurt, expect reduced movement speed; if an arm is hurt, expect weaker attacks. Retreat and treat the limb before re-engaging. Apply a plaster for light damage and a bandage for anything bleeding. Use morphine only when a part is critically low, because it is your scarcest resource.

Avoiding Permanent Damage

A body part that reaches zero health becomes permanently disabled until you use stronger treatment or respawn. Protect your head above all else — a critical head injury is usually fatal. When exploring, avoid fall damage by carrying a water bucket or hay bales, since falls often hit multiple limbs at once. If you are overwhelmed, disengage and heal rather than trading hits, because untreated bleeding will finish you off even after the mob is dead.