Are you hunting for every horde in Days Gone, aiming for that satisfying 100% completion or the coveted Horde Killer trophy? Days Gone horde locations are a core part of the game’s challenge and replay value, offering some of the most intense, memorable moments in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a new player, a returning PC/PS5 survivor, or a trophy hunter, this guide covers all days gone horde locations, the best order to clear them, and proven strategies for every region. Get ready to master the Freaker apocalypse!
How Hordes Work in Days Gone
Hordes in Days Gone are massive, dynamic groups of Freakers—infected humans that roam the world in packs. Each horde has a home base, usually a cave, tunnel, or abandoned structure, and follows a daily routine: they rest in their cave during the day, then move to feeding grounds (often mass graves) or watering holes at night. This means you might not always find a horde at its cave—sometimes you’ll need to track them to their feeding spot or catch them on the move.
Horde markers and map icons only appear after you reach certain story milestones, so don’t worry if you can’t see them all at first. Clearing hordes grants big XP, camp credits, and trust, and is essential for the Horde Killer storyline and some of the game’s best rewards.
Horde Sizes and Difficulty Levels
Hordes range from small (25–50 Freakers) to massive (up to 500 in the infamous sawmill horde). Early regions like Cascade and Belknap feature smaller, more manageable hordes, while late-game areas like Highway 97 throw huge, relentless swarms at you. The biggest hordes—Chemult, Lobert Draw, and the sawmill—are legendary for their difficulty.
Your gear, skills, and upgrades make a huge difference. Don’t attempt the largest hordes until you’ve boosted your health, stamina, and arsenal.
Best Time of Day to Fight Hordes
- Daytime: Hordes are usually in their caves—easier to control, but you’ll fight in tight, dark spaces.
- Nighttime: Hordes roam in the open, giving you more space but more unpredictability.
- Pro tip: For small hordes, night fights in open ground are safest. For big cave hordes, ambush them at dawn as they return home.
Preparing to Clear All Days Gone Horde Locations
Before you start hunting every days gone horde location, preparation is key. Here’s your checklist:
Recommended Weapons and Loadouts
- Primary: Assault rifle or LMG (MG55, Chicago Chopper)
- Special: Crossbow (for stealth) or sniper rifle (for thinning numbers)
- Sidearm: High-capacity SMG or magnum
- Throwables: Molotovs, napalm molotovs, pipe bombs, attractor bombs, proximity mines
Stock up on ammo, craftables, and medkits before each assault.
Skills and Bike Upgrades That Help With Hordes
- Skills: Focus Shot, Crowd Control, Field Repairs, Survival Vision, Stamina upgrades
- Bike: Nitro boost (for quick escapes), large fuel tank (for roaming), durability upgrades (for ramming small groups)
General Horde Combat Strategies
- Funnel the horde through choke points (caves, bridges, alleys)
- Use environmental explosives (fuel trucks, red barrels)
- Set traps before pulling the horde
- Stay mobile—never get cornered
- Use Focus to land headshots on leading Freakers
- Always have an escape route planned
Days Gone Horde Locations by Region (All 40 Hordes)
Cascade Region Hordes
Cascade is your starting region, home to smaller hordes perfect for learning the ropes.
Cascade Horde List:
- White King Mine
- Grotto Caves
- Death Train
- Horse Lake
- O’Leary Mountain
- Cascade Highway
- Little Bear Lake
- Proxy Falls
Example: White King Mine Horde
- Location: North of Copeland’s Camp, near the mine entrance.
- Behavior: Usually in the cave by day, feeding at the nearby mass grave at night.
- Strategy: Use the narrow cave entrance to funnel Freakers. Place attractor bombs and molotovs at the mouth, then retreat to your bike for a quick getaway.
Example: Death Train Horde
- Location: Near the train tracks west of the map.
- Behavior: Roams the tracks at night.
- Strategy: Use the train cars for cover and environmental kills. Pipe bombs work well in the tight spaces.
Belknap Region Hordes
Belknap introduces tougher terrain and slightly larger hordes.
Belknap Horde List:
- Patjens Lakes
- Belknap Crater
- Lava Arch
- Marion Forks
- Shadow Lake
- Bear Creek Hot Springs
- Twin Craters
Example: Marion Forks Horde
- Location: East of Hot Springs encampment, near the old church.
- Behavior: In the cave by day, feeding at the graveyard at night.
- Strategy: Use the churchyard’s stone walls for cover. Set traps at the cave entrance and lure the horde out at dawn.
Lost Lake Region Hordes
Lost Lake is mid-game territory, with more complex environments and larger hordes.
Lost Lake Horde List:
- River Flow Farms
- Sherman’s Camp
- Metolius Lava Cave
- Berley Lake
- Westfir
- Wapinitia Road
Example: Sherman’s Camp Horde
- Location: In the abandoned town, near the school.
- Behavior: Roams the streets at night.
- Strategy: Use the school’s rooftop for sniping and molotov throws. Cars and trucks can be exploded for mass kills.
Crater Lake Region Hordes
Crater Lake is a late-game, high-altitude region with fewer but tougher hordes.
Crater Lake Horde List:
- Rimview Ranch
- McLeod Ridge
- Mt. Bailey
Example: Mt. Bailey Horde
- Location: High in the mountains, near the ski lodge.
- Behavior: Large horde, aggressive.
- Strategy: Use the lodge’s balconies and stairwells to funnel Freakers. Napalm molotovs are essential.
Highway 97 Region Hordes
Highway 97 is the endgame—home to the largest, most infamous days gone horde locations.
Highway 97 Horde List:
- Chemult Community College
- Lobert Draw Ridge
- Beaver Marsh Rest Stop
- Juniper Ridge
- Rum Rye Gulch
- Friendship Ridge
- Solomon Hill
- Mt. Scott Ski Resort
- Sagebrush Point
- Beasley Lake
- Cascade Lakes Rail Line
- Groose Gardens
- Chemult Station
Example: Chemult Community College Horde
- Location: In and around the college campus.
- Behavior: Massive horde, often in the gym or parking lot.
- Strategy: Use the gym’s doors as choke points. Plant traps and use environmental hazards. Save this horde for late-game when you have maxed-out gear.
Example: Lobert Draw Ridge Horde
- Location: Near the ridge, east of Chemult.
- Behavior: Roams the open woods.
- Strategy: Use the trees for cover and kite the horde in circles. Attractor bombs and napalm molotovs are your best friends.
Easiest Order to Clear All Days Gone Horde Locations
Order matters! Start small, build confidence, and save the biggest challenges for last.
- Beginner Route: Cascade and Belknap hordes first. These are smaller, easier, and great for learning mechanics.
- Mid-Game Route: Move to Lost Lake and Crater Lake. Hordes are bigger, but you’ll have better gear.
- Endgame Route: Tackle Highway 97’s massive hordes last, especially Chemult and Lobert Draw.
Suggested Early-Game Horde Route
- White King Mine (Cascade)
- Horse Lake (Cascade)
- Patjens Lakes (Belknap)
- Marion Forks (Belknap)
These have simple terrain and easy escape routes—perfect for practice.
Mid-Game and Late-Game Horde Route
- Mid-Game: Sherman’s Camp, Metolius Lava Cave, Berley Lake (Lost Lake)
- Late-Game: Rimview Ranch, Mt. Bailey (Crater Lake), then Chemult Community College, Lobert Draw Ridge (Highway 97)
Leave the sawmill and Chemult for last—they’re the ultimate test.
Tips for Farming XP, Credits, and Horde Killer Rewards
Clearing hordes isn’t just for the thrill—each kill feeds into the Horde Killer storyline, unlocking powerful weapons, upgrades, and cosmetics.
- XP: Each horde grants a big XP boost.
- Credits/Trust: Earned at the nearest encampment.
- Horde Killer Rewards: New weapons, magazine upgrades, custom bike skins.
How Many Hordes You Need for Each Reward
- 25% cleared: First weapon unlock
- 50% cleared: Magazine upgrade
- 75% cleared: Custom bike accent
- 100% cleared: Trophy, best weapons, and ultimate bragging rights
Use this guide to check off all days gone horde locations and maximize your rewards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Clearing Hordes
- Don’t engage without a plan—always scout first.
- Avoid running into dead ends or tight caves without traps.
- Don’t fight massive hordes too early—upgrade health, stamina, and weapons first.
- Test small pulls before committing to the full horde.
Performance Tips for PS4/PS5 and PC
- On PC, lower settings if big hordes cause stutters.
- Avoid pulling hordes through foggy or highly detailed areas if your hardware struggles.
- If frame drops hit, don’t panic—keep moving and stick to your escape route.
FAQs About Days Gone Horde Locations
How many hordes are in Days Gone?
There are 40 hordes in total, spread across Cascade, Belknap, Lost Lake, Crater Lake, and Highway 97.
Can hordes respawn if I leave the area?
No. Once a horde is fully cleared, it’s gone for good.
Do I need to kill all hordes for story completion?
No, but you must clear all for the Horde Killer storyline and 100% map completion.
What’s the hardest horde in Days Gone?
The sawmill horde and Chemult Community College horde are widely considered the toughest due to their size and aggression.
When do horde markers show up on the map?
Most horde icons appear after you finish the main story or reach late-game missions.
Internal Links, External Links, and Conversion Points
- Internal Links: Check out our Days Gone weapon guides, skill builds, crafting tips, and beginner survival strategies.
- External Links: Visit the official Days Gone site for patch notes and updates, or explore high-authority gaming guides for advanced tactics.
- Calls to Action: Subscribe to our newsletter for more Days Gone tips, follow us on social media, and comment below with the days gone horde locations you found most challenging!
Key Takeaways
- There are 40 days gone horde locations, each with unique challenges.
- Start with Cascade and Belknap, then move to Lost Lake, Crater Lake, and finish with Highway 97.
- Preparation, planning, and the right gear are essential for success.
- Clearing all hordes unlocks the best rewards and ultimate bragging rights.
Conclusion
Mastering all days gone horde locations is the ultimate test for any survivor. With this guide, you’ll know where to find every horde, how to beat them, and the best order to clear them for maximum rewards. Share your toughest horde story in the comments, and keep riding—Oregon’s Freaker apocalypse awaits!
