Complete the tutorial for skill points, then visit the trader and finish their quests to secure resources and items. Follow these strategies to optimize your survival and thrive in the early game.
Complete the Tutorial for Free Skill Points
Completing the initial tutorial is essential for setting yourself up for survival in 7 Days to Die. This simple process provides you with free skill points that can be invested strategically in improving your character.
steps
- Complete all tutorial tasks, as outlined in the challenge menu.
- After finishing the tutorial, navigate to the skills tab to claim four free skill points.
- Spend these points on critical perks. Begin by selecting a weapon to focus on, such as clubs. Allocate points to the "Pummel" perk under the Strength tree for enhanced damage, stamina efficiency, and headshot effectiveness.
- Use remaining points to upgrade the governing attribute (in this case, Strength) so additional weapon perks can be unlocked.

The interface indicates 4 skill points are available. — IzPrebuilt
Visit the Trader for Early Resources
The trader serves as an invaluable resource hub at the beginning of the game. Visiting them immediately after completing the tutorial helps you gain currency, essential items, and strategic advantages.
steps
- Follow the quest marker generated after finishing the tutorial to locate the nearest trader.
- Accept and complete the trader's initial quests to earn "Dukes" currency. This can expedite the acquisition of food, water, and other essentials.
- Use your currency to purchase combat-enhancing items, such as candy boosts, food, and water supplies.
- Check the workstations in the trader's compound for potential useful magazines, such as "Forge Ahead."
Resource Prioritization Guide: Honey from Tree Stumps
Infections can derail your early survival journey, but honey offers a critical cure for them. This resource is available from tree stumps scattered throughout the wilderness.
steps
- Look for tree stumps while traveling through forestry areas.
- Break down tree stumps with a tool to obtain honey. Occasionally, bees may spawn during this process.
- When bees are triggered, quickly eliminate them using melee weapons to avoid further threats.
- Consume honey immediately to treat up to 5% infection levels, ensuring your survival during the early game.

A tree stump is being chopped in the wilderness, displaying progress. — IzPrebuilt
Manage Zombie Encounters Wisely
Combat against zombies can consume stamina and create life-threatening situations. Strategic engagement is critical for survival.
Avoid Risky Looting Practices
Looting high-value containers recklessly may trigger dangerous events. Handle looting carefully, especially in high-risk locations such as police cars.
Stealth and Survival Strategies at Night
Nighttime in 7 Days to Die presents increased zombie threats and requires careful planning and stealth.
steps
- Move quietly during nighttime to avoid alerting zombies. Stepping on noisy objects like junk piles can reveal your location.
- Use rocks to distract zombies, throwing them strategically to keep enemies off your trail.
- Focus on gathering resources, reinforcing your base, and crafting indoors during nighttime to minimize risk.
FAQ
How to efficiently use time in 7 Days to Die early game
Efficient early-game time management involves completing the tutorial promptly for skill points, visiting the trader to secure essential resources and currency, and prioritizing gathering food, water, and infection cures like honey from tree stumps.
What actions are crucial on day one in 7 Days
Key actions for day one include completing the tutorial, finding and visiting the trader, investing skill points in weapon combat perks like "Pummel," and securing honey to cure infections. These steps lay a strong foundation for survival.
Sources
Screenshots on this page are frames from the videos below, used to illustrate the steps they describe. All rights remain with their creators.
- 11 Things Every New 7 Days To Die 3.0 Player Needs To Know — IzPrebuilt, June 26, 2026
Checked against:
- V3.2.0 Stable — Hated, 2026-08-26
- V3.2.0 EXP - b9 Update — Hated, 2026-08-19
- V3.1.0 Henpocalypse Stable Release - MP Invite Bug Hotfixed — Hated, 2026-07-27