DayZ is set during a zombie apocalypse where most of the inhabitants of Chernarus have turned into the undead. You must be cautious around them because a wrong move and a fight with a “Zed” can result in your death. Even for seasoned players, a confrontation with a horde of infected can still be a significant challenge. Therefore, it’s crucial to have all the essential knowledge about this topic from the beginning to avoid dying in a silly fight with a zombie. Let’s take a closer look at the zombies!
Where can you find the most infected in DayZ?
You will primarily encounter Zeds in larger cities and residential areas because that's where most people were before the apocalypse. However, the risk and the resulting reward are also high there. Cities have the most loot, but you have to get past zombies. The deeper you venture into the wilderness, the fewer infected await you. Sometimes there are isolated undead near campsites, but in the forest, you will be almost free from infected. However, there is also little to find there, except maybe wild animals.Different types of zombies in DayZ
Depending on their spawning location, there are also different types of zombies, which not only behave differently but also drop different loot. If an undead carries something like food, clothing, weapons, or other tools, you can recognize this by the plus symbol.
These are the types of zombies:
Civilians: Most zombies you will encounter are likely regular civilians. These are further divided into normal and weak infected. You should be able to defeat them easily. You can recognize them by their everyday clothing.
Special Professions: At the same time, there are special undead for professional groups like police officers, firefighters, or nurses. These are always tied to specific locations and drop loot related to the profession. They can deal more damage.
Military: Military bases house the former personnel of such a base, making confrontations more difficult. Soldiers have more health and are stronger. There are also soldiers with bulletproof clothing and officers with a lot of health.
Runners: The so-called “Runners” are very rare. They are extremely fast and cannot be shaken off, no matter how far you run.
Screamer: “Screamers” can attract many zombies by screaming loudly. They look like soldiers.
Recognizing and reacting to zombie behavior
The undead in DayZ have three basic behavior patterns. Normally, they walk around slowly or stand still in between, but they are not aggressive. If they notice you or another player, they switch to their search mode and actively look for movements.
If a zombie spots you, it goes into its aggressive mode. It runs directly at you and grumbles or screams. They can’t chase you forever, but they will follow you for a considerable distance. You can shake them off by moving far enough away and then lying down or crouching. Of course, you can also fight!
Combat techniques in DayZ against the infected
Once you become familiar with the combat system in DayZ, confrontations with the undead should no longer be a problem. We’ve already created a complete guide on melee techniques that should definitely help you (The Ultimate Melee Guide for DayZ: Techniques and Weapons) .
Your primary tactic should be to block and backpedal. This way, you take no damage and can keep a handful of zombies at bay. Most zombies attack with two swings and then pause for a few seconds. That’s your moment to strike! Even better are powerful blows that make them stagger. Pay attention to your stamina.
This way, you can establish a good rhythm and kill normal zombies in about four hits. Always aim for the head, maybe even a bit higher since the hitbox in DayZ isn’t very accurate. However, this deals the most damage!
Avoid these things when fighting zombies:
Using firearms against the infected: Melee combat is simpler, makes less noise, and doesn’t attract more zombies or players.
Climbing on cars: You become a target for other survivors.
Avoiding damage: Injuries can lead to infections. Heal quickly after a fight.
Not fighting too many zombies: They can overwhelm you faster than you’d like.
Locking zombies in houses
An additional tactic against the undead is to lock them in houses. Then you’ll have peace from them. Zombies aren’t particularly smart, so use this to your advantage.
Find a location with only one exit. Run in circles and gather Zeds into your radius. Block to avoid damage, then run into the building. Lure the zombies inside and close the door. Know beforehand where the doorknob is.
Conclusion
Even though the infected in DayZ seem threatening, they can also harm experienced players. It’s important to handle them correctly. Decide whether to confront them or avoid them. Rent your DayZ server and challenge yourself with friends against hordes of zombies. A PvE server with more aggressive undead could be exciting!
