The real depression of the apocalypse = characters also have feelings (The first month)

[Unamelable]

I can still understand the character's panic when he sees danger in front of him that could kill you. But it is very strange when your character after a power outage, water outage, lack of any help from the government, the army. The collapse of the community and the constant risk and danger outside the character's home. Plus possibly loss of loved ones and family. And the general apocalyptic nature against the backdrop that our character has lived a quiet American life before, and now his long life is in big question because he could be killed by zombies, raiders, or a dumb lack of safety precautions.

 

The character needs to create the initial realistic reaction they will experience during such a colossal traumatic experience. Because it looks ridiculous when you feel like this character hundreds of hours later - just because you know the routine, you know the rules of the game. And you only suffer from panic, nothing more.

 

It would be realistic to add a character with deep depression and constant anxiety for a week, which will have to be treated with antidepressants (otherwise the character will be treated for depression for about a month, along with the Brave perk). After the character will be in a random time period (another month). Get a sudden depression, after which after 2 months he will get used to the lost civilization and new life.

 

Again I'll solidify - we are not SUPERHEROES in this game, and if the game wants to be realistic, and act according to its canons. Let it do it to the end!

If that's not enough - put yourself in the shoes of that poor schmuck

 

EDIT: Character also could take more sickness when killing zombies itself, because you know. Realistic gore, people who don't used to work with such a meat don't prepared to see that. And they probably get nausea just from looking it

Edited December 3, 2023 by Unamelable

[PoshRocketeer]

Fully agree. Something that would have a similar effect but be simpler to implement is that fighting zombies or being in close proximity to them for long periods of time gives you anxiety/sadness, which you slowly build a resistance to in the same way that you grow a resistance to panic.