Learn how to craft and use the Gyrocopter
The child of a marriage between mad science and ingenuity, 7 Days to Die’s Gyrocopter takes up cycling to the extreme. This scrappy homemade flying machine is terrifying to fly and even more terrifying to land, but it is also the most efficient form of transportation and the only airborne vehicle in the game. The ability to completely avoid terrain hazards and enemies isn’t an opportunity to be taken lightly, even if that opportunity might get you killed.
This guide will walk you through how to craft and use a Gyrocopter and offer advice on maintaining it.
Gyrocopter Stats
- Durability: 3500
- Base Speed: 15 m/s
- Noise: Moderate
- Defense: 90
- Seats: 1
- Storage: 45
- Modification Slots: 4
How to craft a Gyrocopter in 7 Days to Die
The Gyrocopter is the most technically advanced vehicle in the game, requiring players to max out their Vehicles crafting skill to build it. However, it requires much fewer resources than the bulky 4×4 Truck.
To craft the Gyrocopter, players will need a functioning Workbench and the following 6 components:
- 3 Wheels
- 1 Gyrocopter Chassis
- 1 Gyrocopter Accessories
- 1 Engine
- 1 Lead Car Battery
1. Wheels
Wheels may be looted from vehicle parts crates, salvaged from rusted cars, purchased, or crafted. Crafting requires level 5 in the Vehicles crafting skill and the following components:
- 3 Forged Iron
- 24 Scrap Polymers
- 2 Oil
- 15 Coal
- 1 Bottle of Acid
2. Gyrocopter Chassis
Crafting requires level 100 in the Vehicles crafting skill and the following components:
- 187 Forged Steel
- 60 Mechanical Parts
- 37 Duct Tape
- 60 Leather
- 30 Electrical Parts
3. Gyrocopter Accessories
Crafting requires level 100 in the Vehicles crafting skill and the following components:
- 49 Electrical Parts
- 8 Headlights
- 75 Short Iron Pipes
- 15 Mechanical Parts
- 6 Springs
4. Engine
Engines are rare components that cannot be crafted and must be scavenged from cars and car parts crates, salvaged from vehicles and machinery, or purchased from traders.
5. Lead Car Battery
Crafting requires level 65 in the Electrician crafting skill and the following materials:
- 180 Lead
- 1 Bottle of Acid
- 10 Scrap Polymers
Lead Car Batteries may also be salvaged from vehicles or machinery, found in parts crates, or purchased.
6. Vehicle Crafting Skill
The vehicle crafting skill can only be increased by finding and reading copies of the Vehicle Adventures skill book.
How to use the Gyrocopter in 7 Days to Die
With a Gyrocopter in your inventory, you can place it in the world like a regular block, except that it does not snap to the world’s voxel grid. Once placed, however, it has several available functions when holding down the interact button (default E key). This radial menu is identical across all vehicles, but actions may differ depending on the type of vehicle.
Here is a quick rundown of 9 of the Gyrocopter’s main functions:
1. Drive
Denoted by the steering wheel icon, this action will put the player in the vehicle’s driver’s seat and allow them to operate it. This function can also be accomplished by simply pressing the interact button when aiming at a vehicle.
Driving the Gyrocopter is significantly different from other land-based vehicles. Most important to consider is the element of verticality, as this vehicle is designed to fly. Much like an airplane, the Gyrocopter requires sufficient speed to take off, so it’s important to have a proper runway before attempting to fly.
In addition to lateral turning, the Gyrocopter can be adjusted up and down with the jump and crouch keys, respectively. Remember that the vehicle will not level out automatically, so be sure to re-adjust your heading accordingly so you don’t end up upside down in a cornfield somewhere.
2. Open
Marked with the raised hood icon, this action will open the inspection screen for your vehicle, allowing players to refuel and repair, apply or remove mods, and generally see the vehicle’s overall stats.
The Gyrocopter offers 4 slots for vehicle modifications, allowing players to increase speed, fuel efficiency, fuel capacity, and more.
3. Repair
Marked by a wrench icon, this action allows players to spend Repair Kits to restore their vehicle’s durability. This action will not become available until the vehicle’s condition is below maximum and may also be performed through the “open” interface.
4. Refuel
This action refills the vehicle’s fuel tank with any Gas Cans in the player’s inventory. Refueling will consume only enough gas cans to refill the tank completely. This action will only become available if the vehicle’s fuel level is below maximum and may also be performed through the “open” interface.
5. Passcode
This allows players to set, change, and input a passcode for their vehicle. With this, only the owner of the vehicle or someone who enters the correct passcode may drive or otherwise interact with the vehicle.
6. Lock/Unlock
This action locks or unlocks your vehicle, allowing or preventing other players from using it.
7. Honk Horn
This action creates a momentary, loud sound that can be heard from a fair distance away and will attract wandering enemies.
8. Take
Marked with a hand icon, this action returns a vehicle to block form, transferring it back to your inventory and allowing it to be carried. This is useful for moving vehicles through tight spaces or to get a vehicle unstuck. Note that this may only be done if the vehicle’s storage is empty.
9. Storage
Denoted by the bag icon, this will open a vehicle’s inventory and allow players to add or remove items from it. The Gyrocopter offers 45 storage slots.
Tips and tricks for using the Gyrocopter
- It’s best to think of the Gyrocopter more as an airplane than a helicopter, as it lacks the ability to hover and requires speed to take off and maintain altitude
- Though being airborne makes you a much more difficult target, it does not make you invincible. The player’s body is completely exposed while flying the Gyrocopter, making them a prime target for gunfire.
- Level 5 of the Grease Monkey perk can reduce the cost of crafting Gyrocopter components by 33%
- The Gyrocopter has relatively low durability, so be particularly cautious in handling it around enemies and obstacles
Final thoughts on the Gyrocopter
Though it may take some time to learn how to fly this machine properly, the Gyrocopter’s ability for flight makes it one of the most unique vehicles in the game. It might be an ill-conceived notion to trust your safety to a hunk of scrap held together by duct tape, but The Fun Pimps clearly felt that any player who manages to cobble together one of these machines has earned their wings.
Looking for some other tips to help you get started in 7 Days to Die? Check out our 10 Tips for Getting Started and the 7 Days to Die Beginner’s Guide.
