Top Video Game Zombies - Strength & Tactics of the Undead
Zombies – a pop culture phenomenon that has shuffled its way from the crypt to our screens, gripping the hearts of video game enthusiasts and zombie aficionados alike.
The concept of the undead, once relegated to horror flicks and the occasional campfire scare, has taken on a life of its own in the virtual realm. But just how formidable are these virtual zombies?
In this epic exploration, we will rate and analyze the strength of some of the most popular video game zombies and equip you with the strategies to survive the apocalypse. Sharpen your keyboards and ready your consoles; it’s time to enter the zone of the undead!
Plants vs. Zombies
At the onset, ‘Plants vs Zombies’ presents a whimsical take on the zombie genre.
With a variety of zombies taking center stage, each brings its own unique challenge to the player’s lawn. The zany collection includes everything from the everyday zombie with a traffic cone for a helmet to the more esoteric zombie bobsled team and even a disco-dancing undead.
Despite their comical presentation, these zombies require strategic defense.
Zombie Type 1: Everyday Zombie
The quintessential zombie, armed with nothing but its canine appetite, the common Zombies vs Plants grunt is easy to dismiss.
However, like most of its kind, underestimating its slow but steady approach can lead to a quick demise. A basic sunflower and pea shooter will suffice to repel the initial waves, but as the garden grows, so must your defenses.
Defense Rating: 2/10
Zombie Type 2: Football Zombie
Sporting a durable football helmet, this variant charges through plants with a determined rush. It’s a step up from the plain zombie, striking fear into players who thought their lines were secure. A wall-nut or other resilient plants can stall the Football Zombie and give you ample time to prepare more robust defenses.
Defense Rating: 4/10
Zombie Type 3: Conehead Zombie
Just a slight upgrade from the common walker, the Conehead Zombie still requires minimal effort to dispatch. But remember, in the game of attrition against the horde, every zombie adds pressure. Strengthen your frontline with more shooters and the occasional cherry bomb to manage the increased flow.
Defense Rating: 3/10
Tips for Survival
Build your defenses from the backline forward, ensuring you have a strong front to combat the tougher zombies as they appear.
Utilize the various types of plants to their strengths. Pea shooters are versatile and can handle most threats, but explosives and situational plants can make a big difference.
Don’t forget to claim your sun resources to keep strengthening your plant army.
Zombies Call of Duty
The ‘Call of Duty’ series’ zombies mode is known for its relentless and diverse undead antagonists. From classic zombies to mutated abominations, each iteration ups the ante in disturbing detail and strength. The key to surviving here lies not in any one particular strategy, but in maintaining a versatile and adaptive approach.
Regular Zombies
Found in the early rounds, these are your standard, slow-moving menaces. They’re easily dispatched, but numbers can overwhelm if not managed properly. Keep moving to avoid being pinned down and maintain a clear line of retreat.
Defense Rating: 4/10
Hellhounds
Spectral canines that prowl the zombie-infested areas, these creatures attack in groups and can rapidly close the gap with their teleporting charge. You’ll want to keep short-range weapons or traps on hand to deal with these inter-dimensional mutts.
Defense Rating: 6/10
Napalm Zombies
From ‘Call of Duty: Black Ops,’ Napalm zombies are a fiery variant that can set you ablaze upon death. They are best handled from a distance, as their close-range counter can be lethal. A cold war-era RPG might come in handy.
Defense Rating: 7/10
Tips for Survival
Stay alert and maintain situational awareness. The random nature of power-ups and hazards means no two encounters will be the same.
Co-op play in ‘Call of Duty’ zombies is heavily incentivized, so teamwork is key. When overwhelmed, covering your friend’s back can mean the difference between finishing the round or starting over.
Utilize the environment to your advantage, using traps and choke points to thin the herd.
Zombies in Minecraft
Minecraft’s take on zombies is straightforward but no less dangerous. They appear at night and in dark places, shuffling toward players with ill-intent. Though blocky in appearance, they are formidable in numbers and can swarm even the most well-equipped adventurer.
Common Zombie
These are the vanilla of virtual zombies, akin to their ‘Plants vs Zombies’ counterparts. However, Minecraft’s dynamic environment means you could encounter them anywhere, and in unpredictable numbers. They are best handled with a sword and a tactical retreat to gain the advantage.
Defense Rating: 5/10
Baby Zombie
The pint-sized version of the common zombie, with faster movement and a more agitated attack pattern. At first sight, the baby zombie might seem innocuous, but its speed can easily catch players off guard, especially in cramped spaces.
Defense Rating: 6/10
Drowned Zombies
When you add water to the mix, zombies become more dangerous as Drowned Zombies. They can spawn with tridents, which have a ranged attack. Fighting these underwater adversaries calls for a combination of maneuverability and the right armor and weapons.
Defense Rating: 7/10
Tips for Survival
Keep your sword ready and be prepared to switch weapons while fighting. These undead have no qualms about ganging up on you, and they possess a surprising amount of AI for creatures missing a brain.
Always have an escape route planned. If you start to get overwhelmed or if a horde begins to chase you, having a simple, pre-planned route can be a literal lifesaver.
Utilize high ground and player-made structures to minimize the threats. A simple fence or one-block-high wall can keep zombies at bay while still allowing you to pick them off.
Fortnite Zombies
Fortnite’s ‘Save the World’ mode unleashes hordes of zombies alongside the game’s staple building and gunplay. These zombies, referred to as ‘husks,’ come in various forms and possess a level of unpredictability that can keep players on their toes.
Husk
This is the standard grunt of ‘Fortnite’ zombies, comparable to the common variety found in many other games. They hit hard in numbers, so your primary focus should be thinning the pack.
Defense Rating: 4/10
Husky Husk
A more durable version of the Husk, these zombies can be a bit tougher to dispatch. They’re not as common, but when they do appear, you’ll want to bring out the big guns (or traps) to get rid of them.
Defense Rating: 5/10
Taker
Flying creatures with a grab attack, the Takers can disrupt your offensive plans by plucking you out of thin air. Keep an automatic weapon or shotgun on hand to deal with them quickly when they appear.
Defense Rating: 6/10
Tips for Survival
Always be ready to build. ‘Fortnite’ is about the triumvirate of building, shooting, and looting. Use these strategies to build around you, providing both cover and a means to funnel the enemies into traps or a kill box.
Work with other players. The beauty of ‘Fortnite’ is the multiplayer aspect. Sharing resources and dividing duties can put the odds in your favor.
Always have an escape plan. When the storm closes in, it’s usually time to leave the area. Make sure you’ve plotted a course to safety beforehand, as you don’t want to get caught in a storm or overrun by the undead.
Zombies Ate My Neighbors
‘Zombies Ate My Neighbors’ delivers an retro, isometric perspective on the undead calamity. The game is known for its high difficulty and variety of monsters, both of which are embodied in its zombie encounters.
Basic Zombies
These shamble at you from the first level to the last. Initially, they’re easy to dispatch, but expect their numbers to increase and their speed to intensify with each level.
Defense Rating: 4/10
Babies
In this game, babies are far from the cute and harmless versions we’ve grown accustomed to. Though not actually zombies, they’ll still use their pacifiers as projectiles, adding a ranged combat element to contend with.
Defense Rating: 5/10
Ice Box Zombies
Taking the undead and making them versatile, Ice Box Zombies are a direct upgrade from their human hosts, armed with instant-freeze weaponry. You’re going to want to stay on the move to avoid getting caught in their frosty paws.
Defense Rating: 6/10
Tips for Survival
Keep an eye out for hidden weapons and power-ups. ‘Zombies Ate My Neighbors’ is a game of exploration as much as it is about survival. Oftentimes, the best weapon for the job isn’t sitting out in the open where you’d expect it.
Save your victims. Each level has a set number of people you need to rescue, and it’s much easier to save them when you’re not under attack. Plus, you’ll need their help to find secret passages and bonuses.
Communicate with your co-op partner(s). ‘Zombies Ate My Neighbors’ is best experienced with a friend, but it’s important that you’re both on the same page about what needs to be done.
Conclusion
Video games present us with a rich tapestry of depictions of zombies, each with its own challenge and lore that enriches the gameplay experience. Mastering the art of surviving against the undead necessitates a blend of adaptability, strategy, and sometimes just sheer luck. The next time you find yourself staring down a rotting visage in your favorite game, remember the tips provided here — your digital life just might depend on it. Whether it’s with a lawnmower or a high-powered rifle, the undead can be thwarted, and the day