A desrt Starter Checklist

New players often crank R before a battery is connected or try to drive without radiator water. This checklist mirrors the intended first-session loop in A desrt: locate parts, assemble in the garage, fill fluids, weld weak panels, then exit toward the desert highway. Cross-check each row with the Beginner Guide and Starter Car build page for visuals.

Phase 1 — Locate Core Parts

1. Engine block — garage floor or nearby crates.
2. Radiator — connect before long idling.
3. Battery — required to turn starter.
4. Hood, doors, seats — cosmetic but some affect access.
5. Headlights — optional for night drives.
6. Exhaust — reduces smoke and noise issues.

Search house interior and basement (right side of house) for pieces not in the garage bay. Drag with LMB, push fine adjustments with RMB, pick up with F. If stuck, read Fix Your Car for layout screenshots and multiplayer sharing tips.

Phase 2 — Fluids Checklist

1. Fill gas tank to acceptable level; spare jerry can recommended.
2. Add engine oil until dipstick logic shows OK (no dry starts).
3. Fill radiator water to prevent overheat on test drive.
4. Verify no leaks under engine after pours.

Reference pour amounts and containers on Fuel Reference. Moped users follow separate 8.1 gas + 0.5 oil ratio on the Moped Guide instead of this car list.

Phase 3 — Assembly & Welding

1. Bolt engine, radiator, battery, exhaust in logical order.
2. Attach hood and doors; weld cracked panels with Z key.
3. Place seats so E interact sit works from driver side.
4. Confirm headlights wired if night testing planned.

Welding consumes resources — see Welding Repairs and Weld & Repair controls. Skip welding only if panels are pristine; desert bumps will punish weak joints.

Phase 4 — Pre-Start Safety

1. Clear objects blocking wheels.
2. Open garage door or aim for gap wide enough.
3. Seat driver with E; confirm camera zoom Q works.
4. Press R to start; listen for starter grind vs. success.

If engine fails, recheck battery cable, oil, gas, and radiator. Use Space for jump exits if zombies approach during testing — combat basics in Zombie Survival.

Phase 5 — First Drive Goals

1. Short loop near garage to feel steering (WASD).
2. Pick up loot at nearby house spawns per Looting Guide.
3. Mark map memory points for gas and oil restocks.
4. Return before fuel critical; celebrate first successful run.

After checklist completion, plan upgrades via Engine Upgrades and compare motors in Engine Comparison. Join Discord (~35k members) for crew invites once you can reliably drive. Track future changes on Latest Updates including Winter Update notes.