After some delays, 7 Days to Die is finally rolling out the major 2.0 Storm’s Brewing update on June 30. This update introduces deadly elemental effects and fundamentally changes how biomes function across the map. The experimental beta is currently available on PC, and here’s a detailed guide on how to earn biome badges and unlock every area of the map.
New Biome Progression System In the original 1.0 version of 7 Days to Die, players could freely explore biomes without worrying about weather or elemental hazards. However, version 2.0 shakes things up by adding environmental challenges that require you to complete specific tasks and craft consumables to survive damage caused by smoke, heat, cold, and radiation. The game still begins in the forest biome, which is free of elemental dangers. To venture beyond this safe zone, you must complete a series of challenges and earn biome badges. Each badge grants you the ability to withstand the lethal environmental effects of that biome. This means you can’t just set up camp or scavenge in other biomes until you’ve earned their badges, so focusing on these challenges early is crucial.
Biome Badge Challenges and Their Effects Here’s a breakdown of the biomes and the hazards you’ll face in each, listed in order of difficulty and progression:
- Pine Forest: The starting biome, free of hazards.
- Burnt Forest: Face scorching embers and thick black smoke.
- Desert: Endure extreme heat conditions.
- Snow: Survive freezing temperatures and biting windchill.
- Wasteland: Overcome intense radiation fallout.
You must begin with the Burnt Forest challenges. Once you earn the Burnt Forest badge, you gain full access to explore that area and can then move on to the Desert challenges. This progression system adds a fresh layer of depth to the game, though it’s worth noting that the Biome Progression setting can be disabled in the game or server options if you prefer to turn off biome hazards and badge requirements. By default, this setting is enabled.
Tips for Surviving Longer in Each Biome Each biome requires you to complete seven survival challenges while enduring its elemental damage. Since the damage can be severe—especially in the Wasteland, where death can come in seconds—it’s smart to stay near biome edges. This way, you can quickly retreat to safer zones like the forest or other unlocked biomes when necessary.
For example, mushrooms needed for your first Burnt Forest challenge are often found near the biome’s edge, allowing you to gather them without prolonged exposure. Similarly, you can lure burned zombies close to the border to kill them for the challenge, but make sure you’re standing inside the biome when you make the kill, or it won’t count.
Crafting Smoothies: Your Key to Survival One of the most effective survival tools introduced in 2.0 is the new smoothie drinks. Each biome has its own specific smoothie recipe that grants temporary immunity to its elemental hazards. Drinking these smoothies is essential for surviving long enough to complete biome challenges. Fortunately, smoothies can be crafted directly in your inventory, so you don’t need a cooking pot nearby. Investing in the Master Chef perk is highly recommended, as it reduces crafting time and resource costs.
Mushrooms have become especially valuable in 2.0 since they are a key ingredient in most smoothie recipes. Make sure to harvest and cultivate mushrooms regularly to maintain a steady supply.
For additional help, be sure to check out our general tips for surviving the 2.0 Storm’s Brewing update in 7 Days to Die.
