The Zombie Army game series is essentially the undead, not-so-distant cousin of developer Rebellion Development's Sniper Elite series. While the gameplay is incredibly similar between the two game franchises, with sniping being the favored method of combat, their feel, tone, and environment are drastically different.
Zombie Army 4: Dead War sees players battling to survive against seemingly endless hordes of the undead, and achieving success is no simple feat. Skilled players may be able to triumph going up against zombie hordes regardless, but some advanced pointers have the potential to elevate their game even further. These are the techniques that will bring fans' zombie head-hunting ability (as with movies and TV shows, games might never tire of the undead) to the next level.
10 Co-Op Play Can Provide A Vital Edge
While Zombie Army 4 can be played entirely single-player, it's a co-op title at its core and is best experienced alongside friends (like Resident Evil 5). Assembling the perfect team is pivotal when it comes to taking down clusters of the undead. Not only does playing in co-op greatly improve the odds of success, but it also makes the game more enjoyable.
You can still find success while playing solo and have a good time, but getting through hordes of zombies is significantly easier with allies. Nothing beats the experience of teaming up and blasting a mob of zombies together. Sometimes, even the most accomplished players should swallow their pride and accept a little help, if only for the camaraderie.
9 Don't Underestimate The Second Chance Perk
The Second Chance Perk, as the name would suggest, gives players another chance at life. It works similarly to Call of Duty: Zombies' Self-Revive ability. The only difference is the player must finish off a member of the undead while downed to get that much-desired second chance at life.
Leveling up the perk can be especially useful, as players will receive a small, but much-needed health boost upon revival (which could very well be the difference between life and death). Even the most experienced players will find this boon crucial at times.
8 Grenades Aren't Just About Explosions: Use Different Types Strategically
Mines and grenades seem to be around every corner in Zombie Army 4. Making use of them will save the player ammunition, as well as speeding up the process of taking out large groups of the undead. Explosive grenades are by far the most simple and effective grenades in the game, but incendiary and electric grenades have the potential to spread fire and electricity across a wider radius and have a longer-lasting effect.
Bait grenades can be incredibly useful as well, as they lure zombies to any position the player desires. Highly skilled players will know exactly where to throw them (perhaps pairing bait grenades with trip mines and traps). Divine grenades are especially helpful too, since they have the power to increase a player's damage output, regenerate player health bars, and calm enraged zombies, making them that much easier to finish off. Here's hoping the franchise continues to innovate with grenades in any future sequels (and that it continues to receive sequels, unlike some unfortunate forgotten FPS titles).
7 Skilled Players Upgrade And Enhance Everything They Can
Upgrade kits are cattered and hidden throughout every chapter in the game. They are used to enhance both player weapons and gear. Finding and utilizing upgrade kits is crucial to survival, as the game will only become more difficult as progression is made. It can be time consuming to do this, but it's so important.
Inside each safe room will be a workbench that players can utilize to upgrade whatever they desire. Workbenches are a key component to success, as they are also needed to create custom load-outs and equip highly-sought-after perks. These can be upgraded by simply using the perk in combat.
6 Safe Rooms Are A Player's Best Friend
Speaking of safe rooms, a workbench is far from the only thing they provide players. Making use of upgrade kits is critical, but so is stocking up before heading back out into the zombie-infested terrain. Safe rooms provide players with supply caches consisting of grenades, mines, and medkits, so make use of absolutely everything you possibly can.
Most safe rooms also have an ammo crate that will fill your entire ammo capacity. Taking that much-needed breather amidst the carnage can be a real difference-maker.
5 Make Liberal Use Of Heavy Weapons
Special heavy weapons are scattered throughout the zombie-infested terrain of Zombie Army 4, and all of them pack a punch. Flamethrowers can shred through groups of zombies easily, frying them to a crisp. The Preacher is a modified heavy shotgun of sorts, similar to a blunderbuss, and it's great for taking out pesky special zombies and dealing with boss zombies, thanks to its high damage output.
The buzzsaw is a handheld buzz blade capable of tearing apart the enemy hordes. The most effective heavy weapon in the game, though, has to be the Panzerschreck RPG. This weapon can obliterate seemingly hundreds of zombies in a single shot, making it any pro player's favorite heavy weapon.
4 Character Selection Can Make A Huge Difference
In Zombie Army 4: Dead War, there are four playable characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Karl specializes in sniping and has increased critical chance on long-range shots, but has slower health regeneration. Jun specializes in speed with her faster movement, and her sprinting costing less stamina. Her weaknesses come in the form of her melee, as she has the weakest melee damage in the game.
Shola is a master engineer, so she benefits from using traps. Her weaknesses come in the form of having less incoming bullet damage resistance. Finally, there's Boris. His melee attacks are faster and deal more damage, but he suffers from a slower movement speed. As in other co-op titles like Ghost of Tsushima: Legends, class combinations are important. Everyone should be aware of their strengths and weaknesses and select their character accordingly.
3 Combos Are The Key To Leveling Up Fast
The key to leveling up is maintaining a combo, which is easier said than done. Whenever there are large waves of zombies on the screen, the game will keep track of how many the player has taken down in a row. Leveling up fast is all about keeping that combo multiplier going, as when the onslaught is over, experience gained will be multiplied by the combo reached.
While rifles deal heavy damage, it can be difficult to hit every single shot and maintain a combo. Grenades, heavy weapons, and artillery flares are great for taking out zombies in groups, making them by far the best tools on a player's quest to become a combo master.
2 Takedowns Are Both Brutal And Beneficial
Melee takedowns are strong heavy attacks performed close range on individual zombies. After reaching a combo of 10, the player can perform a special takedown. Not only are these melee-based attacks vicious and satisfying (the kind of move Doom's mysterious Doom Slayer employs), they are strong enough to take out enemies in a single blow, making them very useful in some of the tougher waves in the game.
Another plus to performing takedowns on enemies comes in the form of healing. Following a takedown, players will receive an added health boost, making takedowns highly beneficial in a pinch.
1 Take The Time To Interact With Everything
While this has nothing to do with combat, exploration is key in Zombie Army 4. There are hidden Easter Eggs (as creepy and funny as those in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Zombies) everywhere in the game. Some examples include dolls that stare, laugh and scream, harmless zombies just hanging out in a gym and an appearance from Pennywise of Stephen King's It fame.
There are even a few secret puzzles that will reward players with upgrade kits upon completion. Uncovering all the unique hidden details only adds to the player's experience as a whole, and those who are experienced are greatly rewarded for exploring, interacting, and uncovering every secret Zombie Army 4 has to offer.