Days Gone is Bend Studio's 2019 open-world zombie epic — a game that received mixed launch reviews but built a loyal fanbase through its compelling protagonist, excellent motorcycle mechanics, and the iconic Freaker Horde system. You play as Deacon St. John, a drifter and former outlaw biker trying to survive in post-pandemic Oregon while searching for his wife Sarah, who he believes died in the initial outbreak.
The Freaker Horde is Days Gone's defining feature: swarms of roughly 50 to 500 zombies that move as a single mass organism, following specific routes, nesting in specific locations, and responding dynamically to sound, light, and prey. Encountering a large Horde is the game's signature set piece. Eliminating Hordes requires preparation: gasoline bombs, traps, environmental explosives, and gunfire laid out along a planned corridor.
The motorcycle is your second major system — a living vehicle with fuel, damage, and upgrade requirements. Maintaining your bike becomes almost affectionate: repairing tires, siphoning fuel from abandoned vehicles, and upgrading the engine and frame from outpost mechanics creates a bond with the vehicle that enhances Deacon's characterization as a biker at his core. Oregon's scenery — dense forests, mountain passes, highway wreckage — is spectacular backdrop for motorcycle travel.
Your bike requires fuel, repairs, and upgrades. Siphon gas from abandoned vehicles, repair tires mid-journey, and unlock engine and frame upgrades through camps.
Hundreds of zombies moving as a single organism. Planning and eliminating Hordes with environmental traps and explosives is the game's most spectacular content.
Post-pandemic Oregon with dense forests, mountain terrain, and highway remnants. Scenic terrain for motorcycle travel across Central Oregon.
Deacon's grief for his wife Sarah, his loyalty to his fellow outlaw biker and longtime friend Boozer, and his identity as a biker drive the story.
Release facts, mechanics and boss details on this page were checked against these sources on 12 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us.