Infestations

Infestations





Overview


An Infestation is an occurrence in which a high concentration of zombies appear on a randomly determined location (either a building or an outdoor spot). An infested location becomes the gathering spot for a large group of zombies, equivalent in size to 1-2 hordes, as well as 1-2 Screamers.

If a large number of infestations exist on the map, survivor morale will begin to decline periodically until most of the infestations are cleared. In addition, if enough infestations exist on the map, hordes of zombies will attack the player's home base.

If an Infestation stays undisturbed for long enough, it might trigger a Seek And Destroy mission, where a survivor waits for the player to come and aid them to clear the infestation.

Even though they can be a nuisance, Infestations area also a great spot for training Fighting or Shooting skills. Due to the high concentration of zombies, it is easy to score bonus XP for consecutive kills called feats such as Slaughter, Headshot Streaks or Multi-kills.


Strategy and Spotting Infestations


Because of their effect on Morale, it is advisable to regularly keep an eye out for infestations. They can be spotted using survey points, or by moving into close proximity to them. It is also possible to spot an infestation using the map: If previously a known location on the map (e.g. a Resource building, building with Nothing Left or an unlooted House) changes to an unknown location (a grey square), then it is certain that an Infestation has taken place in that location.



Dealing with Infestations


In order to clear an infestation, the player must kill all Screamers and eliminate or drive all zombies away from the area.


With an inexperienced survivor, it is safest to use a vehicle to lure most of the zombies out of the building and run them over, then head inside and kill the remaining few. Having another survivor for backup is recommended.

Since the zombies stand in close vicinity of each other, grenades and other explosives are quite useful for clearing infestations. A single well placed grenade is sometimes able to clear an entire house, or at least eliminate most of the zombies. A more economical way is to use a Shotgun, in the hand of a survivor specialized in this weapon. A well-place blast or two at the zombies closely clumped together usually wipe out most of them.

If they player can spare the Influence, artillery strikes are very useful and fun to watch, as is the Call For Backup support option which evens the odds against the large numbers of zombies.

If the player decides to clear the Infestation on foot, care must be taken to eliminate the Screamer(s) first, as their scream will draw nearby zombies and, more importantly, temporarily paralyze the survivors and drain their stamina, making them vulnerable to the zombie mobs nearby.

Please see more info on Screamers within the Special Infected section within this forum.