In 7 Days to Die, combat and the environment can inflict all sorts of status effects on you. Left unchecked, they chip away at you and can quietly lead to death, so it’s worth learning each one’s cause and treatment together.
Bleeding
- Cause: Zombie attacks, bladed weapons, traps, etc.
- Symptoms: Your HP keeps draining over time
- Treatment: Stop the bleeding with a Bandage or First Aid Kit. Stacking hits makes the bleeding worse, so wrap it early
Infection
- Cause: Has a set chance to build up whenever you take a zombie attack
- Symptoms: Progresses in stages, lowering your abilities the further it advances. Leaving it until the final stage is dangerous
- Treatment: Early on it can be treated with Honey; once it advances you’ll need Antibiotics. Deal with it early as soon as the infection gauge appears
Sprained / Broken Leg
- Cause: Falling from a height, heavy impacts
- Symptoms: Reduced movement speed, limited jumping
- Treatment: Treat with a Splint → Cast. Falls are a common cause of early-game accidental deaths, so watch your footing and your escape routes
Dysentery / Food Poisoning
- Cause: Drinking dirty water as-is, spoiled food
- Symptoms: Your hydration drops rapidly
- Treatment: Always boil water before drinking it. If you come down with it, recover using Antibiotics or Goldenrod Tea
Temperature (Hypothermia / Heatstroke)
- Cause: Too cold in the snow biome / too hot in the desert
- Treatment: Adjust with clothing suited to the biome. Early on, it’s safest to operate in the mild-climate Forest and Pine Forest
Stun / Knockdown
- Cause: Strong attacks or traps
- Symptoms: Temporarily unable to act, staggered
- Treatment: Recovers over time. Conversely, staggering zombies with a blunt weapon lets you hit them one-sidedly, so it’s a technique you can use offensively too
Related: Early-Game Roadmap ／ Glossary ／ Guides & Tips Index