Summary

  • Molotov Cocktails are versatile and cost-effective weapons to clear out enemies efficiently.
  • Attractors are useful for crowd control, setting up ambushes, and distracting enemies.
  • Proximity Bombs are ideal for setting traps and defending against enemies in overwhelming situations.

In Days Gone Remastered, survival depends on more than just skill with a gun or a good bike—it's also about preparation. Crafting is one of the core mechanics of the game, allowing players to create weapons, support tools, and survival items from the scraps and materials they scavenge throughout Oregon’s dangerous, post-apocalyptic world. While players will gradually unlock dozens of crafting recipes throughout the game, a handful of them stand out as particularly valuable early on. These essential blueprints can give players the upper hand in combat, exploration, and stealth as they navigate a world overrun by Freakers and hostile survivors. Here are six of the best recipes to prioritize early in Days Gone Remastered.

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6 Molotov Cocktail

Days Gone Remastered Freaker Nest Molotov

Unlocked from the start

Recipe:

  • Beer Bottle (1)
  • Kerosene (1)
  • Rag (1)

Few items in Days Gone Remastered are as versatile and consistently effective as the Molotov Cocktail. Available from the very beginning of the game, this throwable incendiary weapon is a staple for dealing with Freakers—especially Swarmers—and for clearing out Infestation Nests. When used strategically, a Molotov can ignite entire clusters of enemies, giving Deacon the upper hand even when outnumbered.

Crafted using basic scavenged materials like beer bottles, kerosene, and rags, Molotovs are not only powerful but also cost-effective. Their value becomes even more apparent during missions that require clearing Infestation Zones, which in turn unlock fast travel points, making it easier to navigate the map. Any player hoping to survive Oregon’s early threats should make it a habit to keep a full supply of Molotovs at all times.

5 Attractor

Days Gone Remastered Attractor

Unlocked through the storyline mission Do You Have My Back?

Recipe:

  • Can (1)
  • Alarm Clock (or Car Alarm) (1)
  • Scrap (1)

Though it doesn’t cause damage directly, the Attractor is one of the most tactically valuable tools in the game. When deployed, it emits a high-pitched noise that draws nearby Freakers to its location. This makes it perfect for crowd control, distraction, and setting up ambushes. Players can use it to lure enemies away from objectives, create openings for stealth kills, or gather Freakers into tight groups before detonating explosives.

The Attractor truly shines when used in combination with Molotovs, proximity bombs, or pipe bombs. Players who learn to funnel enemies into kill zones using sound will find themselves clearing areas more efficiently and more safely than by brute force alone. As the game ramps up in difficulty and the Hordes grow larger, mastering this tool becomes increasingly essential.

4 Proximity Bomb

horde assault days gone remastered 6

In the Berley Lake Ambush Camp

Recipe:

  • Can (1)
  • Spark Igniter (1)
  • Gunpowder (1)
  • Box of Nails (1)
  • Scrap (1)

The Proximity Bomb is a game-changer when it comes to defense and area control. Once placed, it automatically detonates when an enemy passes nearby, making it ideal for setting traps around choke points, narrow paths, or high-traffic areas during Horde battles. It’s also highly effective against Marauder ambushes and Ripper patrols, offering a lethal surprise to unsuspecting enemies.

While crafting a Proximity Bomb requires more materials, including cans, nails, and gunpowder, the payoff is well worth the effort. Players who take the time to scout their surroundings and set up traps in advance will find these bombs to be lifesavers in overwhelming situations. Their strategic value makes them one of the best mid-early game recipes to unlock as soon as possible.

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3 Health Cocktail

Days Gone Remastered Health Cocktail

Unlocked through the storyline mission A War We Can Win

Recipe:

  • Rag (1)
  • Herb (1)
  • Sterilizer (1)

Combat in Days Gone Remastered can be punishing, especially during missions that stretch on longer than expected or erupt into chaos. While bandages and medkits provide basic healing, the Health Cocktail offers a more advanced solution, temporarily boosting the effectiveness and speed of Deacon’s healing. This can be the difference between life and death during intense Horde chases or heated firefights where stopping to heal can be dangerous.

For players who favor aggressive combat or who often find themselves caught in crossfires, the Health Cocktail is an indispensable addition to the toolkit. It ensures that Deacon can recover more efficiently, keeping him in the fight longer.

2 Focus Cocktail

days gone ambush camp 14

Unlocked by completing Ambush Camps

Recipe:

  • Rag (1)
  • Mushroom (1)
  • Sterilizer (1)

Focus is one of the most important combat mechanics in Days Gone Remastered, allowing players to slow down time while aiming and land precise shots on moving or distant targets. Whether targeting the weak points of a Freaker, lining up headshots on snipers, or taking out enemies quietly from a distance, Focus can turn a difficult fight into a clean takedown.

The Focus Cocktail ensures that this ability is always at the player’s fingertips, even when the standard Focus meter is drained. This is especially helpful during prolonged gunfights or stealth missions where every shot counts. For players who rely on rifles, crossbows, or other ranged weapons, this cocktail is a must-have item to craft and carry regularly.

1 Residue Bolt

Days Gone Remastered Residue Bolt

Unlocked through the storyline mission They're Not Sleeping?

Recipe:

  • Cedar Sapling (1)
  • Scrap (1)
  • Nest Residue (1)

The Residue Bolt is a unique and clever tool that introduces psychological warfare into Days Gone Remastered. When fired at enemies, it causes them to go berserk, turning them against their allies. This can quickly create chaos within an enemy camp, allowing Deacon to sit back and let enemies eliminate each other before stepping in to clean up.

Crafted using Nest Residue gathered from cleared Infestation Nests, this bolt is a favorite among stealth players. It offers a silent, efficient way to weaken enemy numbers without breaking cover. Paired with a well-maintained crossbow and crafted bolts, the Residue Bolt adds a powerful layer of control and unpredictability to any stealth operation.

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