Learn where to find ammo and military convoys in Dying Light: The Beast. Complete guide to Convoy Access Cards, soldier zombies, and the best ammunition farming spots in Castor Woods.
Why Ammo Matters More Than Ever in The Beast
Let’s be real – while Dying Light has always been about brutal melee combat, having a loaded gun when things go sideways can be the difference between survival and becoming zombie chow. The Beast brings back the satisfying crack of gunfire that fans have been craving, but there’s a catch: ammunition is precious and you’ll need to work for every bullet.
Unlike previous entries where ammo might occasionally drop from random zombies, The Beast takes a more realistic approach. Military convoys scattered throughout Castor Woods are your primary ammunition lifeline, making each discovery feel like striking gold.
Military Convoys: Your Ammunition Goldmines
What Are Military Convoys?
Military convoys in The Beast are abandoned military supply lines that got overrun during the initial outbreak. These convoy sites contain:
- Locked military trucks filled with precious supplies
- Ammunition of various calibers for different weapon types
- Medical supplies including morphine and bandages
- Rare weapons and upgrade materials
- Convoy Access Cards from infected soldiers nearby
How to Spot Convoys on Your Map
Once discovered, military convoys appear as truck icons on your map. However, here’s the key detail many players miss: you have to physically find them first before they show up on your map. This means exploration is crucial – you can’t just fast-travel to convoy locations from the start.
Pro Tip: Convoys are strategically placed along major roads and pathways between settlements, so stick to main routes when traveling between quests to maximize your discovery chances.
Step-by-Step Convoy Looting Process
1. Locate the Convoy Site
Your first convoy discovery will likely be the Mountain Path Convoy, conveniently located:
- East of Old Town along the main road
- Right next to a safe zone (perfect for beginners)
- Easy to spot from the road
2. Clear Out the Infected Soldiers
Here’s where strategy comes into play. Each convoy is guarded by infected soldiers – former military personnel who still carry their access cards. Key points:
- One soldier = One Convoy Access Card
- Each truck requires one card to unlock
- Soldiers will despawn if you leave their bodies too long
- Loot immediately after killing to avoid losing cards
Combat Tip: Infected soldiers are tougher than regular zombies but move slower. Use hit-and-run tactics or ranged weapons to take them down safely.
3. Unlock and Loot the Trucks
Once you have the access cards:
- Approach the back of any military truck
- Use the Convoy Access Card (hold the interaction button)
- Wait through the unlocking animation (3-4 seconds)
- Clear the area first – you’re vulnerable during the animation
Each truck typically contains 3-4 items, with ammunition being the most valuable find.
Advanced Convoy Strategies
Convoy Respawn Mechanics
Here’s something the game doesn’t tell you clearly: convoys refresh their infected soldiers regularly. This means you can return to previously cleared convoys to find new soldiers with fresh access cards.
Farming Strategy:
- Clear a convoy completely
- Mark it on your map or remember the location
- Return after completing 2-3 other activities
- New infected soldiers should have spawned
Alternative Ammo Sources
While convoys are your primary source, don’t overlook these backup options:
- Settlement vendors sell ammunition (expensive but reliable)
- Random loot containers occasionally contain a few bullets
- Quest rewards sometimes include ammo as bonuses
Money-Saving Tip: Early game cash is tight, so prioritize convoy farming over purchasing ammo. Save your money for essential upgrades and healing items.
Common Convoy Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving Bodies Behind
The biggest mistake players make is killing infected soldiers and not immediately looting them. These bodies despawn surprisingly quickly, taking their precious access cards with them.
Rushing the Unlock Process
Don’t get impatient during the truck unlocking animation. Clear all nearby zombies first – getting interrupted mid-unlock wastes your access card and forces you to start over.
Ignoring Convoy Respawns
Many players assume convoys are “one and done” locations. Return to cleared convoys regularly – the respawning infected soldiers make them renewable resource points.
Planning Your Convoy Routes
Smart players plan convoy runs as part of their broader exploration strategy:
- Link convoy visits with main story missions
- Use safe zones near convoys as rest points
- Travel during daylight when possible for easier navigation
- Bring lockpicking tools for bonus loot containers often found nearby
The Bottom Line
Military convoys represent one of The Beast’s most engaging risk-reward mechanics. Sure, you could stick to melee weapons exclusively, but having that pistol loaded and ready when a Volatile shows up unexpectedly? That’s the kind of preparation that separates survivors from statistics.
The key is treating convoy runs as regular activities rather than one-off discoveries. With their respawning mechanics and guaranteed high-value loot, these military sites become essential pit stops in your survival routine.
Remember: in Castor Woods, ammunition isn’t just another resource – it’s insurance against the unknown horrors lurking in the shadows.
Related Guides:
- Best Early Game Weapons Guide
- Money Farming Guide – Fast Cash Methods
- Beginner Tips & Survival Guide
- XP Farming Guide – Level Up Fast
Official Game Information:
