Rosewood Overview
Rosewood is a relatively small, semi-rural town located in the southwestern part of Knox Country. It is often considered a favorable starting location for new players due to its manageable zombie population compared to larger urban centers and its clearly defined key locations offering essential early-game resources.
Key Points of Interest & Loot
Understanding Rosewood's layout is crucial for survival. Key locations include:
- Police Station: A prime target for firearms, ammunition, and nightsticks. Often contains body armor. Located centrally.
- Fire Station: Provides access to axes (excellent weapons and tools), firefighter clothing (good protection and insulation), and potentially sledgehammers. Situated on the eastern side of town.
- School: A source of books for skill leveling, notebooks, pens, and backpacks. Can also contain some basic medical supplies in the nurse's office. Located north of the police station.
- Gated Community: Found in the northern part of Rosewood, these larger houses often contain a good variety of general supplies, tools in garages, and food. Offers several secure base options.
- Construction Site: Located to the northeast, this area is valuable for tools like hammers, saws, and potentially sledgehammers, along with construction materials.
- Gas Station: Essential for fuel, and usually has a small convenience store attached for non-perishable food and drinks. Located on the main southern road leading into town.
- Food Market & Spiffo's: Central locations for perishable and non-perishable food items.
- Courthouse & Bank: Offer general office supplies and some potential for unique finds, but are not primary loot spots.
Strategic Considerations
Starting in Rosewood: Its lower initial zombie density makes it less overwhelming. The Fire Station and Police Station are high-priority early targets to secure weapons and protective gear.
Base Locations: The Fire Station is a popular choice due to its garage, second-floor living quarters, and existing fence. Houses within the Gated Community also offer good defensibility and space.
The Prison (Knox Penitentiary): Located a short distance northwest of Rosewood proper, this is an extremely high-risk, high-reward area. It is densely populated with zombies but contains a massive armory with abundant firearms and ammunition. Approach with extreme caution and preparation. It is not considered part of Rosewood's immediate safe zone.
Resource Management: While Rosewood provides a solid start, long-term survival will eventually require venturing to other towns for more specialized loot or a greater quantity of resources. Its relative isolation can be both a defensive advantage and a logistical challenge.
Notable Hazards
While generally safer than other towns, be aware of potential hordes, especially around the main street and the school. The nearby prison can also lead to migrating zombie populations if significant noise is made in that direction. Always check building interiors thoroughly.
