Expeditions

Description
Expeditions are one of the Primary Gameplay Mechanics of Help Will Come Tommorow. They serve as the primary method for gathering materials needed at camp, exploring the game's map and completing missions that have been received.

Expeditions begin by hitting the Expedition button in camp (L1 on Playstation), and then the send expedition button (Square on Playstation). Players then cycle through their survivors at camp (L1 and R1). Hit right or left to swap to the other survivor slot, and pick a second survivor. It is possible to send a single survivor out, but not optimal. With your survivor selected, hit up on the d-pad to add equipment that you believe will bolster your expeditions chances of success. Most tools have a clear explanation for what function they could serve during your expedition.

Each Survivor you bring has a carrying capacity of 8, so 16 total for a 2 man expedition. Tools take up slots the same as any give type of gathered resource does.

When you are completely satisfied that your expedition has the correct members carrying the best tools available, click the send button [x on Playstation]. The act of setting up the expedition consumes 1 action point on each survivor.

You now have the option to click on nearby hexagonal tiles to begin traversing the map. Click the tile connected to camp to move your expedition. On every tile outside of camp, you have the option to search for resources (triangle on playstation). These resources are discovered during the first search. Tiles rarely yield more resources for consecutive searches on 1 day (possibly 2 if events are involved). It is possible to return on following days for more resources. Resources on a given tile can lower from repeated searches, and eventually even become depleted. Some resources can be guessed before the first search (for example water on the river tiles).

Various events can play out depending on whether your expeditions steps onto or searches specific tiles.

When you are satisfied with the results of your expedition, you have the option to return to camp (o on Playstation)

Expeditions as mentioned are also the means of completing quests. The criteria for most quests varies, but most are simple: move to a designated square and click search if the event has not already triggered. Some quests may require survivors to go alone. Some quests may need specific tools to be successful.

Strategies/More info
Possible Spoilers Ahead

At the top of the map, a tracker indicates your loss probability, giving you a rough idea of how quickly your expedition members will be drained of action points. If an expedition moves across too many tiles, it will eventually become a lost expedition. Lost expeditions can suffer a serious heat decrease, injury, or other penalties. The health loss for a lost expedition will obviously be even worse for members that were already hungry, tired, thirsty etc. Some tools like torches and snowshoes may help manage loss probability.

If the expedition is moved onto a tile with animals, an hunting event may trigger. A bow or gun with matching ammo are generally needed for a succesful hunt (animal dependant).

If the expedition moves adjacent to tile with a renegade, renegades may shoot at you, which may result in injury or other statuses, and will end the expedition early. When stepping into a tile with a renegade near it, be sure sure to check the tile's danger level, higher danger level indicates the risk of being shot at. Tiles designated are safe are risk free, while deadly tiles guarantee and adjacent renegade will shoot at you.

In addtion danger levels, may have other impacts on gameplay. Lower level danger tiles may be more attractive to prey, and more danger making the tile more attractive to renegades (they move around every day, it's very much rng, with renegades tending to avoid the northwest). Every time your search a tile, you raise the risk level, which will go back down after time.

If the expedition moves directly onto a square with a renegade, an event that carries a high risk of negative consequences will trigger (varies with quests and items, carefully defeating renegades in needed for Victory in The Final Showdown Scenario)

There are various other events that can trigger. Taking a fishing rod (hopefully with bait) to the river, or a fishing harpoon, or a fishing trap can trigger helpful events. There is a tile with a cave to the southeast that can trigger a specific event if a rope and torch are in an expedition inventory. (RNG dependent). Some characters may have unique events when sent alone (rarely positive), for example Maria has events related to superstitions and hallucinations.

Successful mission completion will be extremely important during the endgame when the game's unique scenario plays out (days 17-25).

If an expedition goes badly, you do have the option to save scum on PS4.