Post by Aaron Voegele on Nov 6, 2012 13:17:51 GMT -8
Hello people, I am the new guy! I have some tips to share with my fellow survivors and having read the Zombie Survival Guide, these tips could be invaluable to your survival in the Dead World.
Basic Rules:
I figured that this would be a nice addition to the guide, for those who saw Zombieland you will recognize this section.
1. Cardio
Being in shape is paramount; as one of your greatest advantages is speed, being able escape a zombie chasing you means outrunning it.
2. Double Tap
DON'T GET STINGY WITH YOUR BULLETS!
If you aren't sure that a zombie is dead, shoot it in the head again to be sure. You don't want to shoot a zombie then walk away thinking it's dead only to be bitten and turned.
3. Beware of Bathrooms.
When taking a deuce you are at your most vulnerable state. Zombies seem to have a knack for catching people at there most vulnerable state, not that they attack under special circumstances. You want to be careful around toilets, check every stall and be sure you brought a gun, because a zombie will climb under a stall door.
4. Buckle Up
Seeing as you aren't going to be driving on easy roads and will have multiple obstacles to get around be prepared to crash. People may think that it's silly to be worried about that because you have people trying to eat you, but do you want to make the mistake of crashing flying out of a windshield and being eaten by a zombie? Probably not, not only that it would be rather embarrassing to die from flying out of a window. Having to maneuver through abandoned cars, and having to slam on your breaks at a moments notice can be dangers, so don't be stupid put a seatbelt on.
5. Travel Light
If you are being chased by a horde of zombies the last thing you want is to have a ton of luggage slowing you down. Remember that a zombie could pop out at anytime, so as well as being able to outrun a zombie you want to be light on your feet. If you carry luggage take a backpack instead of a suitcase. It would be best to just carry weapons and ammo or pack things that are disposable.
6. Don't Be A Hero
This is by far the most important rule of all. Don't risk your life to look cool, because its not. On the contrary it makes you look like a dumbass. Being a bad boy in the Dead World doesn't work, imagine how cool you look while being eaten by a zombie. However, there are certain circumstances when this rule may be broken. For example, if you have to save somebody you love, or save a partner who will have to return the favor later. But generally you should always follow this rule.
7. Limber Up
You should always stretch before going into zombie infested territory, you will probably have to end up running away at some point in time, and you don't want to pull a muscle or injure yourself.
8. When In Doubt, Know Your Way Out
Always know your way out of any room or building you enter, if possible have multiple exits. A ghoul can be around any corner so if you are caught unaware know how to get out of there. Prop a door open so you don't waste time trying to unlock or open it and make mental notes of any other doors. Always find the fastest way out first, and always have a plan B. Also be sure that you know how to reach the exit, no point in know an exit is there if you don't know how to reach it. The main rule is always be prepared for the worst.
9. The Buddy System
Seeing as you can't watch six and twelve at the same time be sure you and your travel partner are always watching each others backs. Even though the average zombie is slow they can still swarm you, its good to have a friend to back you up. If you don't want to use the buddy system this is what you do: Take your gun, put the barrel in your mouth and pull the trigger.
10. Check The Back Seat
If you find a car, be sure to check the back. It will all be for nothing if you get in a car and drive away only to have a zombie in the back trying to eat you, even if you don't get bitten you could crash and either die or you could become disoriented and be swarmed by other zombies. If you are in a rush hop in the car and be ready for something to be in the back seat.
11. Enjoy The Little Things
Surviving zombies is just one part of being a citizen of the Dead World. You are going to have to blow off steam to keep morale high, you want to stay happy and sane. Even though you will most likely always be on the run, it is good to spend any extra time entertaining yourself. You may find it difficult to do so seeing as you no longer have the luxury of turning on a video game or watching TV. You should have fun with others in your group, weather it be a board game or just talking. Enjoy any luxury you come across, booze, tobacco, that smelly green stuff, whatever it may be if you have it enjoy it. It could be something as simple as destroying stuff in a building, just remember it is easy to lose your sanity with the constant stress of fighting for your survival.
12. Don't Scare Survivors
For those that saw the movie Zombieland, remember when Bill Murray dressed up as a zombie, scared Columbus and ended up getting shot in the chest? This applies in the real Dead World also, even if you don't have zombie make-up on don't scare people, definitely don't if they have a gun. In a setting where everyone is fearing for their lives this is a sure fire way to have casualties in your group.
[glow=red,2,300]FIREARMS[/glow]
-Automatic Weapons
I must say that they have to be the worst weapons to use in the Dead World, everyone thinks that they would be best because they are so effective against humans, well against Zombies, an automatic rife could be your doom. There rapid firing nature poses a problem with accuracy, great for range, but when pitted against creatures that have to be shot in the head they would be better suited to be bludgeons. So be sure to get any heavy Mg's, or assault rifles out of your inventory, though if you just have to have one, be sure it is of the AK-47 family, most other rifles will jam. If you have no other choice they use one if you have to, but it is better for disabling a Zombie rather than killing one.
Remember if you do have a auto; use it sparingly, and remember that firing from the hip will result in a miss and waste your ammo. Ammo is the main issue with these weapons, and accuracy, you may be able to sever limbs, but a head shot is almost one in a million.
Though on a side note: If facing a horde of infected an automatic rifle could prove to be a great ally, seeing as you cannot kill every zombie you can shoot their legs to render them immobile, allowing yourself to get away.
-Semi-Automatic Weapons.
Probably your best friend in the Dead World, the semi-automatic rifle is the most efficient Ghoul killer. There is always the possibility for wasting ammo but if you have discipline you should be fine. In close combat the semi-auto Carbine is just as good as its larger counter-part. When choosing a semiautomatic weapon, go for the World War II M1 Garand or M1 Carbine they are better than most contemporary weapons, this should not be a surprise either, they were designed to survive the greatest conflict in history. The Garand did so well it was used all the way until the Korean war, and was in until the first years of Vietnam. They are great for hand to hand combat, as you can attach a bayonet to them. Even though they aren't in production anymore, the ammo is still readily available. The M1 Carbine is still in production, its light weight and has a short muzzle, making it perfect for indoor combat and perfect if you are on the run. You will find no better gun than this.
-Pistols.
Good for use in close-combat only, most people have a hard time hitting anything with a pistol, let alone a moving zombie head. Yes, they are used in most American stories, cowboys have them, the Punisher used pistols a lot, all police officers have them, gangsters rap about them. In America the pistol has made more money than the auto-mobile, but in the Dead World they could get you killed. Now I'm not telling you to disown them all together, I'm just saying that you should only carry it as a secondary weapon, because it takes no skill to put the barrel to a zombies head and pull the trigger. With the Carbine as your main weapon, there is also a possibility for shared ammo, and in this case that is a very good thing.
-.22 cal rim-fire weapons.
These guns rifle or pistol are just as good as a bigger caliber weapon, not practical in the living world, as they are used for small game or practice. But it's small size make it great for being on the run, and the fact that the round are no more than a few millimeters wide make it easy to carry lots of ammo, also the fact that every ammo shop and Wal-Mart in the country carry these rounds make it a great weapon. Now to the reason they are so good against Zombies; the bullets are known to penetrate the skull and ricocheting, turning the brain of any ghoul into soup, though it has no stopping power, if you can be disciplined enough to not to waste ammo and hit the body this weapon is for you.
(MORE ON GUNS LATER.)
[glow=red,2,300]Bludgeons, Blades, and other Melee weapons.[/glow]
I'm not going to go in as much detail, so here is the basic rundown.
Bludgeons
Blunt weapons are one of the worst things to carry, they can't cut, they require lots of force to do anything, and well they are blunt, but they are still useful. I will just tell you the best blunt weapons to have then I will move on. Always remember that melee weapons never have to reload!
1. Crowbar
It is the best blunt weapon to have, they are easy to find as they are in most cars, they are sturdy enough to smash through a zombie skull, and they can be used as a tool, to open doors, and containers. The best ones are the steel crowbars, or the titanium alloy ones.
2. Hammer
Though it has a small reach the leverage can smash through any zombie skull, just be sure to be careful if you have one with a wooden grip.
3. Mace
A great zombie killer, has the potential to be better than the crowbar, if you could find one that isn't a replica. If you could find a mace of considerable strength and had the fitness to use it, then it would be a great weapon; it has the leverage to cave in a skull, and the range to be sure you don't get bitten.
Blades
This section is pretty simple, there are more practical uses for this than blunt weapons, they cut, some of them have range, here is the run down.
1. Machete
I would say this is the best melee weapon against the horde. They are strong and sturdy, and are meant to cut through thick brush and foliage, and against an unarmored opponent (which most zombies are bound to be) it's pretty unlikely it will break.
2. Katana
A great weapon for killing zombies. If you can find one that is real, they have the best range, and a great kill ratio. This samurai weapon is built to cut through limbs, though it is easy to use, it can be dangerous to you if you don't know how to use it.
3. Knives
Knives are great weapons, but the only problem with them is that they have short range and they are meant for enemies who feel pain and bleed out, in a Dead World this poses a huge issue seeing as Zombies don't feel pain.
[glow=red,2,300]TERRAIN[/glow]
1. Urban
This is the worst place to be in the Dead World. Why? Well because of all the people all the small spaces, and it is very hard to maneuver because of all the cars. Also you have to account for the fact that zombies can hear, and see, provided that they aren't too decomposed. Most Urban areas have litter: Plastic, glass, and other loud trash. If you are trying to be stealthy that poses a huge problem, they will go to whatever sounds they hear.
2. Forest
Remote forests are a great place to find sanctuary, they usually don't have big populations but one thing poses a huge problem is that when the outbreak hit everyone is going to look for the inhabitable areas. Basically find the most uninhabitable, inhospitable, barren place; people are less likely to go there and live, seeing as they want a nice easy place to live, that has a nice climate, many resources, and lots of food. But be sure you know your stuff and have appropriate supplies and survival skills.
3. Tundra
The Arctic Tundra is possibly the best place to be when the infected take the world by storm. Why? Well because, if a zombie does happen to reach you, which well lets be real isn't likely. They will be extremely slowed down, and possibly freeze, giving you the upper hand. If you have adequate supplies, warm clothing, and shelter, you can survive for months without having to leave, I mean think about it, how many people in the Zombie Apocalypse are going to think that the Arctic Circle is the safest place? None, they will think they'll freeze to death, and worry about how there going to get food.
Speaking of food, in the tundra there are animals, you can hunt, though you would have to be quite skilled. But don't fret! There is something you can do! Foraging, foxes do it, remember that under all that snow is dirt. Now moving on to travel. Usually you don't want to travel at night in the Dead World because of visibility issues, a ghoul could pop out at anytime! But in a tundra, chances are you wont have to worry about that. It's been said that sleeping in cold weather produces more restful sleep, but I haven't found anything proving that claim.
REMEMBER TUNDRA IS ONLY FOR SKILLED SURVIVALISTS!!!
4. Desert
I would not recommend trying to survive here, in fact if I could I would ban it. Reason being that the desert is hard enough to survive in with out zombies. I mean come on, super hot in the daytime, super cold at night. You are going to be hard pressed to find water anywhere, and food is even more scarce than in the Arctic.
Ill just sum up the rest of the Terrain section in a short paragraph. Basically its like this: Find deep remote places to build a base if you have your own remote plot of forest land by all means go there! Also, if you have the skill to survive in the Arctic, do it, you have the advantage of speed over a zombie especially in the freezing cold. STAY AWAY from urban areas, cities and other small towns, you have to remember that a lot of people are going to be there and chances are they didn't survive the fever.
[glow=red,2,300]-STRUCTURES[/glow]
This is a list of structures that are best (and worst) suited to build a base out of, there is a million possibilities for a base so I'm only going to post a few of them, here you go!
1. Apartments
If you live on any floor but the first you have the advantage of a balcony, allowing you to have a vantage point to spot bandits or ghouls; provided that your floor is decently high up that is. Also, if you have enough soil, you could make a garden on your roof.
It really isn't a good idea to gather survivors, seeing as they can be more dangerous than the undead, but in an apartment chances are your going to know who is in your building, and with luck one could be a carpenter, welder, doctor, maybe even a surgeon. Anyway you are almost guaranteed to find someone with some sort of skilled trade or medical training, if not you are the unluckiest person I have ever heard of.
2. Schools
If you are being practical, a school isn't really a great place to build your base. Reason being that in disaster people are going to come looking for their family members, which WILL attract the living dead. But if you have it cleared out it could be a great place to hole up. Desks, chairs, and benches create great barricades, as do the large tables. Most schools have vending machines that dispense water and food, if it has a sports field you could use that to farm as the cafeteria will only provide food temporarily.
All schools have complete libraries with some books on trade skills, if you happen to find yourself in a high school you will have a wider selection of books in general. If you get lucky enough to find any living faculty they have the skills to aid you in your refuge, but a science or agriculture teacher is going to be better than a history or English teacher. The students also add man power to your fortress.
3. City Halls, Hospitals, and Police Stations
In my opinion these are the absolute worst places to go seek refuge in the Dead World because the mass population has perceived them as "safe places" and people will more than likely end up flocking there in hundreds because of this delusion. In reality a police station is nothing more than an armed office building with a jail cell in it, if you find yourself by one of these places please, I implore you to turn around and go the opposite direction.
Hospitals are I would say the worst place ever to go, yes they have an abundance of medical supplies, but is that worth being eaten? I would have to say negative. Like police stations they are just office buildings except instead of guns its medical supplies. Now to the reason why it is the worst, its a hospital plain and simple. In disaster this is where the mass majority are going to go. Hospitals heal the sick right? So why not send your strangely feverish child there? Just know that most of the people who got the fever will come here.
Since this buildings are a place were people are going to seek leadership and shelter, I say avoid City Halls AT ALL COSTS! They have a lack of food, weapons, and security. Panel walls are easily destroyed by about 10 zombies pounding its threshold. DON'T GO SEEKING SHELTER IN THESE PLACES UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!
4. Churches, Mosques, and Synagogues
The funny thing about the Post-Apocalyptic world is that almost every religion in history mentions the dead rising up and walking again, they may not necessarily mean the carnivorous type of dead but it's better to be safe than sorry right? Most places of worship are rather big, especially Catholic Cathedrals, and Christian Churches. Mosques and Synagogues, like schools vary in size, though unlike schools they can either be the size of a big room or a average building, it depends on the Muslim and Jew population in your town.
Christian Churches and Catholic Cathedrals are tactically not bad locations, they sometimes have multiple floors, and roof access. Older churches are good too, as they were built to repel waves of attackers. But Churches, Mosques, and Synagogues are just bad places practically. Not because the forces of evil are coming to destroy the house of God, but because now-a-days they aren't built to be attacked, nor do they carry weapons, food(if they do it's very little), and on top of all that people are going to be flocking there praying for salvation, healing, and miracles only to be followed and eventually eaten by zombies.
If a group does happen to make a decent defense, there is going to be dangers on the inside also. Most people these days aren't religious extremists, but you are more likely to find that type of person if you make a camp in a religious place of worship. In every religion there are people who take the word of their book to the utmost extreme making them ignorant; but more so making them hostile or even violent towards anyone who have even a slightly different view of what they believe. No offense to anyone but this is about Survival, not sitting and waiting for a miracle that will never come. I'm not saying that its bad to have faith, on the contrary that may save your life, what I'm saying is that having the belief that the book you follows word is law can be way more dangerous than the undead ever could be.
I actually have a great example of why that is true: In the Middle Ages usually unless you were royalty of some kind, people generally didn't know how to read, but most if not all were religious. That meant that the ones who did rule over the population(this is assuming that most of the high ranking religious-government folk could read), specifically those in the Catholic Church were able to control the masses by telling them that what they were saying came from the Bible. The serf population would abide, even if the book didn't actually say it or if it was wrong; they didn't know any better.
If that example isn't good enough for you then here is another two: Look at modern day before the outbreak, because Christianity (weather America wants to admit it or not, it is. Picture your old town, how many Mosques and Synagogues are there, then think of how many Churches are there, see a pattern?) is pretty much the official Religion of this country, yeah deny it all you want but that doesn't make it any less true. Anyway, back on subject. The American public has stopped homosexuals from being able to serve in the Military and from getting married. Now why do you think that is? Well because most of the people that protest anything that they do are religious fanatics. Before the outbreak Gays could only get married in certain cities in the U.S, before that they were banned from it since the inception of the Constitution. It wasn't accepted at all in those times because the Bible says its wrong and it was still that way all the way up until the American government was disbanded by the Zombie Apocalypse.
It is crucial to know that in a Post-Apocalyptic world that all of those books are more than just scripture, they are weapons. In their desperation people will turn to something they don't fully understand and will go searching for that kind of leadership. See how long that was? In the Dead World a place of worship could end up spelling your doom, so remember: Think before you act, be cautious, and if you see one of these places TURN AROUND AND GO THE OTHER WAY!!
5. Barns and Farm Barns
(I guess there is a difference.)
Personally other than a Military Base or Prison, this is the best place to go, and they will be easier to liberate. Generally most barns are located and surrounded and secluded by woodlands or a field, if the barn isn't too old it is sturdy enough to withstand high winds and other inclement weather, and they are also usually with two levels, allowing it to hold a lot of equipment, and fit a pretty good amount of people, and giving a good vantage point for snipers. The land around a barn is an excellent resource, depending on the season it may already have crops, if not no biggie your are on a farm for Gods sake! If the farm hasn't been long since abandoned you may be lucky enough to find some cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals, providing you with a temporary food source, you may also find tools that can assist your farming, or be used as a weapon. I has been in my experience that all farms have a water sources, a water pump, or a well, maybe even a river.
If you find a river be sure to boil your water before drinking it, as a matter of fact, if it doesn't come from a tap or water bottle then you should always boil it. If you find a farm and it was only just recently left behind you may be fortunate to find a vehicle that can be used for a quick getaway, or a tractor to carry supplies or multiple people. There is one problem, the fact that the temp in a barn and fluctuate pretty badly. But you do have something that can fix that, hay, it's simple really do what the Native Americans in Texas did: Mix it with clay, pack it in your wall, if you wanted you could put wood over it, but either way it will insulate it and stop it from burning down so easily.
You may also find some natural barricading like wood and hay bales for example, also you may find metal fencing and bailing wire. Also you may find yourself a few miles from a town that could be ideal for scavenging, which could be invaluable. If one had the skill to maintain the crops and harvest every season, then a barn could be permanently settled into. Another issue you have to account for with wooden barns of any kind is plank decay, if the barn you find is old and the planks haven't had enamel put on them the barn is prone to become weak and collapse under strenuous weather conditions.
6. Pole Barns, Sheds
These structures could typically be used as a fortress, but they are better suited for temporary use, though I guess if you really wanted or need to you could make it a living space though I would not advise it because most of them are in Semi-country areas. That can pose a problem if you are near a bigger town, not really because of zombies, but because of bandits. Most of them are only large enough to fit 5-10 people making them difficult to fight in.
Pole Barns food stock can be kept high supply if the former owners left some of their tools, already harvested crops, and nonperishables. Unfortunately Pole Barns are ran either on electricity or a gas generator and when power runs out life gets 10x harder, and as with most barns they fluctuate in temperature, but if you can find hay and clay(that rhymed!) you can fix that pretty easily.
[glow=red,2,300]FORTIFICATION[/glow]
In this section I will explain how to fortify your base.
For fortification this is what you will need to do. First, make sure there are as few first-floor entrances and windows as humanly possible, and make sure that they are fortified, this is paramount! Secondly, be sure there is a second-floor in case the first one is compromised, use this as an isolated retreat if anyone or anything gets into your base. A good way to do this is by destroying any stairs and putting ropes or ladders in their place, or just one narrow staircase.
This building should be big enough to suit the needs of your group, and if possible try to ensure that your base is far away from any human or zombie activity. Avoid attracting any attention to your base, you don't want to attract brigands and the ghouls that will be chasing them. Have at least three escape plans, a secondary base stocked with emergency supplies and weapons if you are not able to get out with the ones you already have, and a rendezvous point that is safe and where your group can meet and formulate a plan.
It isn't at all likely that you will find a perfect base, but there is a way you can get around that. To start, you should always build onto existing structures, never start from scratch unless absolutely necessary. Your base modifications should be able to repel any zombie and human attack, be sure to make it as human-proof as possible as they can employ logic whereas zombies cannot. Here is a list of the most readily available fortification supplies:
Lumber: By far one of the most abundant resources around, great for quick walls and platforms. It would be smart to build a fence at least 8 feet tall, to minimize any zombie climbing attempts. Wood can be burned down so be sure to build an earth wall to back it up. As said before good for platforms and also watch towers, they can be built quickly, and if you have a carpenter in your group they can be sure it is a lasting structure.
Plywood: Compressed particulated wood popular for industrial purposes, it comes in a wide variety of thickness. Plywood that is at least 2-2 and-a-half inches thick provide good covers for unused windows and doors. Plywood will need to be readily replaced; it degrades quickly in humid and wet environments, so be sure to keep a few sheets in a dry place so you can replace them when needed.
Sheet Metal: A material that is rather easy to find, it's fairly sturdy and can be used to reinforce any wall, window, or door, it serves many other functions.
Aluminum Roofing and Siding: Two other materials that are pretty easy to find. Can be used for many purposes like: Being mixed with other building materials such as wood, brick, cinder blocks, sandbags, and to serve its main purpose, roofing and siding. Also used to fireproof your wooden fortifications.
Chain Link Fence: Should be used as a first line of defence, serves to slow things down rather than stop them; a bandit could easily climb it, so could a ghoul if they were determined. If you have a power source you can electrify it to make it stronger. You can also attach bells to alert you of any oncoming attack. As with all other materials, this can be put on doors or windows, you can also weave barbed wire in the links if someone tries to climb it.
Barbed & Razor Wire: Great for any base with a fence or the top of a wall. Also consider placing it on windows and unused doors to slow a force entry. Has a good use in traps if you feel inclined to booby trap your base.
Brick, Cinder Blocks, and Sand Bags: All of these can be found in home improvement stores. Using brick to build a wall is a process that requires skill of mortar and cement and patience. If you build a wall out of brick be sure to use many layers of mortar and build a foundation to increase its stability against the coming zombie hordes. Cinder blocks are similar to bricks, though they are bigger and can be reinforced with metal rebar, wood, and barbed wire. Remember that only one row of bricks or cinder blocks will not stop a bullet, if possible always reinforce your wall with multiple layers. Sandbags are a great addition to any wall as they can be put behind your bricks and cinder blocks making them bulletproof. Also sandbag your wooden structures to make them fire-proof. Also they are extremely easy to make; just put sand and/or dirt in a bag.
Pallets, Barrels, and Abandoned Vehicles:
Wooden pallets are built to endure tremendous weight. Generally they were used in stores like Sam's Club or Costco for wholesale items. But now they can be great for reinforcing windows and used as strong backs. They can be torn apart for their materials and used for other barricading purposes.
If you fill a barrel with rocks, sand, or any other heavy object, you can use them to build wall. Just stack them on top of each other after filling them and bam! You have a wall and if you stack them neatly and properly that wall could work wonders. They can also be used for providing support to other critical defense areas like sentry towers, gates, or other critical areas. You may also find food barrels DON'T waste these on construction. Use them for what their made for; storing water and food.
Abandoned vehicles will be found in abundance after the outbreak, and seeing as they aren't really stackable(unless you have a large forklift or a electromagnet crane, or normal crane and even then you have to have the skill to use it) they serve well as perimeter defense. Though if you don't have heavy lifting tools they will be impossible to stack. You could use manpower to put them bumper to bumper, but they won't be stackable.
WHERE YOU SHOULD PUT YOUR FORTIFICATIONS
You should be sure to fortify any unused windows first. Put aluminum siding or sheet metal on the inside, cover the outside with the same thing or wood planks.
Secondly you should fortify your doors. Bar your doors with metal then do the same as you would with your windows. Then, use deadbolts and metal rods to make sure that your door is securely locked.
If you don't destroy your stairs then just block them off with any multiple large objects. Also be sure to use what sandbags you have to reinforce the walls of your base from the inside.
Your outside wall should cover the entire exterior of your base. You should reinforce your wall with sandbags to make it as fire and bulletproof as possible, it will also make it stronger. I have talked about building a wall out of bricks and other materials, though this is not necessary I would suggest it. It will keep zombies at a safer distance, but will attract bandits and require more materials to build. Any perimeter defenses will be noticeable to bandits too, so if you build them be sure you can deal with the bandits accordingly.
To sum it this section up take these things into account.
-Is your base easily secureable?
-Is the location you have chosen easy to defend?
-Is your base spacious to support you and your groups needs?
-Does your location support you groups survival plan?
-Is your location far enough away from other humans and zombie activity?
Be sure take a few seconds to go through those basic questions and remember that no place is 100% safe, only safer.
[glow=red,2,300]TRANSPORTATION[/glow]
I heard before the outbreak that there was debate on the best way to get around in a Zombie Apocalypse. Well in my opinion there really isn't a "best way" you just have to make due with what you have weather it be walking, or driving a car. Anyway here is the list with advantages and disadvantages.
Walking
Obviously this is the most versatile way to get around. The only fuel you need is food and water, and you can get to places that vehicles cannot. Obvious disadvantages are: weight, being restricted to what is on your person. Fitness and footwear, if a fat girl in heels is being chased by ghouls it isn't likely she will be living for long, and the biggest disadvantage is when you are cornered or surrounded by zombies you have nothing to provide protection.
Bicycles
A great way to get around in Z-day. Seeing as pretty much everyone has been taught to ride a bike this method is available to everyone. Again it only requires the fuel according to the rider, it can also go where you go and isn't as tiring as walking. Bikes are also very easy to fix and if you have to travel a long distance and don't have a car a bike would be pretty easy to find, but be sure if you do use a bike that you get a high quality one. When traveling on a bicycle quality is your best friend and get one that is just the perfect size so you stay comfortable and get one that is suitable to the terrain you will be traveling on.
Now the disadvantages are as follows: Again, weight. It only allows you to carry what is on you, it isn't likely you will find a trailer, though not impossible. And the same with walking no protection.
Skateboards, Longboards, Inline Skates, and Ripstiks.
I am going to make this quick, as with the previous two, they are human powered so require food and water for the person riding it. Basically these objects are only usable in urban areas, there are some special cases but you would have to be extremely skilled to use these in anywhere but a city. Also, they all require some degree of skill to operate so if you aren't a skater don't ride a skateboard, you would be better off just running away from your assailant. If you have the skill to ride any of these then by all means go ahead, but only in a town or city.
Motorcycles and other two-wheeled motorized vehicles
These vehicles are great, they are maneuverable and get great gas mileage. But, its main problems in the Dead World are the fact that they take fuel, some bikes take two-cycle fuel a mix between oil and gas, they don't provide much protection, also cargo space is almost as limited as with a bicycle, unless you have a touring bike. Riding a motorcycle poses multiple problems: They are significantly harder to fix than a bicycle, no protection against weather or ghouls, they use gasoline, they are noisy and will attract the infected, and if you crash you are completely ****ed.
ATV's, UTV's, and Snowmobiles
They have their own classification because they are neither a motorcycle or automobile, if you have the necessary means then they are a great choice of transportation. They still pose the same problems, even though you can use them off-road you have to take in account all the disadvantages of a motorcycle, except for maybe cargo space depends on what kind of off-road vehicle you have.
Animals
Animals can be used for transport, depending on your location and animal selection, which could be in high availability or they could be nonexistent. Also remember animals can become infected, so only use them if you have experience. They are like you, survivors and you can create bonds with them in turn you will end up caring for them like you would a human. Be sure you know what you are doing before getting on one.
Cars, Trucks, Vans, and SUV's
--From the Zombie Survival Wiki
[glow=red,2,300]BANDITS[/glow]
I will begin by saying that these people should be avoided at all costs! The fact that they can employ logic, unlike a zombie, that make them far more dangerous. They are most likely going to be armed, and they are like apex hunters; they travel in packs. They like to target people who have signs asking for help from the government. If you are forced to engage them try to remain hidden as long as you can, and use surprise attacks and traps to your advantage, remember it is your base and you have the advantage of knowing it in and out.
Since bandits almost never work alone, avoid attacking them unless you have no other choice. They are bandits so they have more experience in fighting humans, here is a list of things to do if you end up in an engagement with a group of these vicious highway men.
1. Shoot to kill, this is a situation where automatic weapons and most bladed weapons will be your greatest ally, reason being because they are normally meant for an opponent who feels pain and can die from bleeding out, but use the double tap. Don't get stingy with your bullets, if one looks dead shoot him in the head to be 100% sure.
2. After they are all dead space the bodies out and make it look like they were attacked by ghouls, so when their friends come looking for them they don't suspect human assailants.
3. Be prepared to either defend or leave your base at a moments notice, and be wary of newcomers as they could be a bandit waiting for the opportunity to make a move.
4. Make your group or base look intimidating, keep your bigger weapons and assault vehicles out in the open but not to where they can be stolen. Having these psychological weapons like RPG's or machine guns, will make these people reconsider attacking you if there is the possibility of facing Military-grade weapons. Remember they can travel in bigger numbers so having the psychological edge over them could save your lives. If you are outnumbered or outmatched it is a good idea to just avoid them all together.
If you find yourself going into unfamiliar or unsafe lands, travel in big groups and go heavily armed, this will increase your chances of survival. Areas with little to no ghoul activity are great attractions for bandits because your more ignorant groups will go to these "safe" areas to avoid zombies, so and this should be a rule that applies at all times, NEVER DROP YOUR GUARD! Raiding bases and groups uses up resources, meaning bandits won't bother to attack if it doesn't look like it's worth the risk.
You man also encounter raiders that are only motivated by destruction and bloodshed, psychopathic bandits are the most dangerous because they have no regard for their lives or the lives of others, they aren't going to be thinking logically. Sometimes fortifying your base and making it look intimidating won't be enough, remember word travels, even in the Dead World and if you have been raided before and have done nothing to prevent future attacks then you may become prey to more frequent raids.
Occasionally, there may be bandits and raiders who are motivated by nothing more than destruction and bloodshed. These psychopaths are the most dangerous; as they do not have any discernible logical motive and will likely have a complete disregard for their lives and the lives of others. Sometimes being intimidating and fortifying your position is enough to keep them away but can still attack you regardless, potentially compromising your defenses or exposing your bluff. Remember, word can travel, even in a zombie-infected post-apocalypse. If you have been raided and do nothing to prevent further attacks, chances are that the raiders may speak to friends about you or your group and you may find yourself the victim of frequent raids.
Basic Rules:
I figured that this would be a nice addition to the guide, for those who saw Zombieland you will recognize this section.
1. Cardio
Being in shape is paramount; as one of your greatest advantages is speed, being able escape a zombie chasing you means outrunning it.
2. Double Tap
DON'T GET STINGY WITH YOUR BULLETS!
If you aren't sure that a zombie is dead, shoot it in the head again to be sure. You don't want to shoot a zombie then walk away thinking it's dead only to be bitten and turned.
3. Beware of Bathrooms.
When taking a deuce you are at your most vulnerable state. Zombies seem to have a knack for catching people at there most vulnerable state, not that they attack under special circumstances. You want to be careful around toilets, check every stall and be sure you brought a gun, because a zombie will climb under a stall door.
4. Buckle Up
Seeing as you aren't going to be driving on easy roads and will have multiple obstacles to get around be prepared to crash. People may think that it's silly to be worried about that because you have people trying to eat you, but do you want to make the mistake of crashing flying out of a windshield and being eaten by a zombie? Probably not, not only that it would be rather embarrassing to die from flying out of a window. Having to maneuver through abandoned cars, and having to slam on your breaks at a moments notice can be dangers, so don't be stupid put a seatbelt on.
5. Travel Light
If you are being chased by a horde of zombies the last thing you want is to have a ton of luggage slowing you down. Remember that a zombie could pop out at anytime, so as well as being able to outrun a zombie you want to be light on your feet. If you carry luggage take a backpack instead of a suitcase. It would be best to just carry weapons and ammo or pack things that are disposable.
6. Don't Be A Hero
This is by far the most important rule of all. Don't risk your life to look cool, because its not. On the contrary it makes you look like a dumbass. Being a bad boy in the Dead World doesn't work, imagine how cool you look while being eaten by a zombie. However, there are certain circumstances when this rule may be broken. For example, if you have to save somebody you love, or save a partner who will have to return the favor later. But generally you should always follow this rule.
7. Limber Up
You should always stretch before going into zombie infested territory, you will probably have to end up running away at some point in time, and you don't want to pull a muscle or injure yourself.
8. When In Doubt, Know Your Way Out
Always know your way out of any room or building you enter, if possible have multiple exits. A ghoul can be around any corner so if you are caught unaware know how to get out of there. Prop a door open so you don't waste time trying to unlock or open it and make mental notes of any other doors. Always find the fastest way out first, and always have a plan B. Also be sure that you know how to reach the exit, no point in know an exit is there if you don't know how to reach it. The main rule is always be prepared for the worst.
9. The Buddy System
Seeing as you can't watch six and twelve at the same time be sure you and your travel partner are always watching each others backs. Even though the average zombie is slow they can still swarm you, its good to have a friend to back you up. If you don't want to use the buddy system this is what you do: Take your gun, put the barrel in your mouth and pull the trigger.
10. Check The Back Seat
If you find a car, be sure to check the back. It will all be for nothing if you get in a car and drive away only to have a zombie in the back trying to eat you, even if you don't get bitten you could crash and either die or you could become disoriented and be swarmed by other zombies. If you are in a rush hop in the car and be ready for something to be in the back seat.
11. Enjoy The Little Things
Surviving zombies is just one part of being a citizen of the Dead World. You are going to have to blow off steam to keep morale high, you want to stay happy and sane. Even though you will most likely always be on the run, it is good to spend any extra time entertaining yourself. You may find it difficult to do so seeing as you no longer have the luxury of turning on a video game or watching TV. You should have fun with others in your group, weather it be a board game or just talking. Enjoy any luxury you come across, booze, tobacco, that smelly green stuff, whatever it may be if you have it enjoy it. It could be something as simple as destroying stuff in a building, just remember it is easy to lose your sanity with the constant stress of fighting for your survival.
12. Don't Scare Survivors
For those that saw the movie Zombieland, remember when Bill Murray dressed up as a zombie, scared Columbus and ended up getting shot in the chest? This applies in the real Dead World also, even if you don't have zombie make-up on don't scare people, definitely don't if they have a gun. In a setting where everyone is fearing for their lives this is a sure fire way to have casualties in your group.
[glow=red,2,300]FIREARMS[/glow]
-Automatic Weapons
I must say that they have to be the worst weapons to use in the Dead World, everyone thinks that they would be best because they are so effective against humans, well against Zombies, an automatic rife could be your doom. There rapid firing nature poses a problem with accuracy, great for range, but when pitted against creatures that have to be shot in the head they would be better suited to be bludgeons. So be sure to get any heavy Mg's, or assault rifles out of your inventory, though if you just have to have one, be sure it is of the AK-47 family, most other rifles will jam. If you have no other choice they use one if you have to, but it is better for disabling a Zombie rather than killing one.
Remember if you do have a auto; use it sparingly, and remember that firing from the hip will result in a miss and waste your ammo. Ammo is the main issue with these weapons, and accuracy, you may be able to sever limbs, but a head shot is almost one in a million.
Though on a side note: If facing a horde of infected an automatic rifle could prove to be a great ally, seeing as you cannot kill every zombie you can shoot their legs to render them immobile, allowing yourself to get away.
-Semi-Automatic Weapons.
Probably your best friend in the Dead World, the semi-automatic rifle is the most efficient Ghoul killer. There is always the possibility for wasting ammo but if you have discipline you should be fine. In close combat the semi-auto Carbine is just as good as its larger counter-part. When choosing a semiautomatic weapon, go for the World War II M1 Garand or M1 Carbine they are better than most contemporary weapons, this should not be a surprise either, they were designed to survive the greatest conflict in history. The Garand did so well it was used all the way until the Korean war, and was in until the first years of Vietnam. They are great for hand to hand combat, as you can attach a bayonet to them. Even though they aren't in production anymore, the ammo is still readily available. The M1 Carbine is still in production, its light weight and has a short muzzle, making it perfect for indoor combat and perfect if you are on the run. You will find no better gun than this.
-Pistols.
Good for use in close-combat only, most people have a hard time hitting anything with a pistol, let alone a moving zombie head. Yes, they are used in most American stories, cowboys have them, the Punisher used pistols a lot, all police officers have them, gangsters rap about them. In America the pistol has made more money than the auto-mobile, but in the Dead World they could get you killed. Now I'm not telling you to disown them all together, I'm just saying that you should only carry it as a secondary weapon, because it takes no skill to put the barrel to a zombies head and pull the trigger. With the Carbine as your main weapon, there is also a possibility for shared ammo, and in this case that is a very good thing.
-.22 cal rim-fire weapons.
These guns rifle or pistol are just as good as a bigger caliber weapon, not practical in the living world, as they are used for small game or practice. But it's small size make it great for being on the run, and the fact that the round are no more than a few millimeters wide make it easy to carry lots of ammo, also the fact that every ammo shop and Wal-Mart in the country carry these rounds make it a great weapon. Now to the reason they are so good against Zombies; the bullets are known to penetrate the skull and ricocheting, turning the brain of any ghoul into soup, though it has no stopping power, if you can be disciplined enough to not to waste ammo and hit the body this weapon is for you.
(MORE ON GUNS LATER.)
[glow=red,2,300]Bludgeons, Blades, and other Melee weapons.[/glow]
I'm not going to go in as much detail, so here is the basic rundown.
Bludgeons
Blunt weapons are one of the worst things to carry, they can't cut, they require lots of force to do anything, and well they are blunt, but they are still useful. I will just tell you the best blunt weapons to have then I will move on. Always remember that melee weapons never have to reload!
1. Crowbar
It is the best blunt weapon to have, they are easy to find as they are in most cars, they are sturdy enough to smash through a zombie skull, and they can be used as a tool, to open doors, and containers. The best ones are the steel crowbars, or the titanium alloy ones.
2. Hammer
Though it has a small reach the leverage can smash through any zombie skull, just be sure to be careful if you have one with a wooden grip.
3. Mace
A great zombie killer, has the potential to be better than the crowbar, if you could find one that isn't a replica. If you could find a mace of considerable strength and had the fitness to use it, then it would be a great weapon; it has the leverage to cave in a skull, and the range to be sure you don't get bitten.
Blades
This section is pretty simple, there are more practical uses for this than blunt weapons, they cut, some of them have range, here is the run down.
1. Machete
I would say this is the best melee weapon against the horde. They are strong and sturdy, and are meant to cut through thick brush and foliage, and against an unarmored opponent (which most zombies are bound to be) it's pretty unlikely it will break.
2. Katana
A great weapon for killing zombies. If you can find one that is real, they have the best range, and a great kill ratio. This samurai weapon is built to cut through limbs, though it is easy to use, it can be dangerous to you if you don't know how to use it.
3. Knives
Knives are great weapons, but the only problem with them is that they have short range and they are meant for enemies who feel pain and bleed out, in a Dead World this poses a huge issue seeing as Zombies don't feel pain.
[glow=red,2,300]TERRAIN[/glow]
1. Urban
This is the worst place to be in the Dead World. Why? Well because of all the people all the small spaces, and it is very hard to maneuver because of all the cars. Also you have to account for the fact that zombies can hear, and see, provided that they aren't too decomposed. Most Urban areas have litter: Plastic, glass, and other loud trash. If you are trying to be stealthy that poses a huge problem, they will go to whatever sounds they hear.
2. Forest
Remote forests are a great place to find sanctuary, they usually don't have big populations but one thing poses a huge problem is that when the outbreak hit everyone is going to look for the inhabitable areas. Basically find the most uninhabitable, inhospitable, barren place; people are less likely to go there and live, seeing as they want a nice easy place to live, that has a nice climate, many resources, and lots of food. But be sure you know your stuff and have appropriate supplies and survival skills.
3. Tundra
The Arctic Tundra is possibly the best place to be when the infected take the world by storm. Why? Well because, if a zombie does happen to reach you, which well lets be real isn't likely. They will be extremely slowed down, and possibly freeze, giving you the upper hand. If you have adequate supplies, warm clothing, and shelter, you can survive for months without having to leave, I mean think about it, how many people in the Zombie Apocalypse are going to think that the Arctic Circle is the safest place? None, they will think they'll freeze to death, and worry about how there going to get food.
Speaking of food, in the tundra there are animals, you can hunt, though you would have to be quite skilled. But don't fret! There is something you can do! Foraging, foxes do it, remember that under all that snow is dirt. Now moving on to travel. Usually you don't want to travel at night in the Dead World because of visibility issues, a ghoul could pop out at anytime! But in a tundra, chances are you wont have to worry about that. It's been said that sleeping in cold weather produces more restful sleep, but I haven't found anything proving that claim.
REMEMBER TUNDRA IS ONLY FOR SKILLED SURVIVALISTS!!!
4. Desert
I would not recommend trying to survive here, in fact if I could I would ban it. Reason being that the desert is hard enough to survive in with out zombies. I mean come on, super hot in the daytime, super cold at night. You are going to be hard pressed to find water anywhere, and food is even more scarce than in the Arctic.
Ill just sum up the rest of the Terrain section in a short paragraph. Basically its like this: Find deep remote places to build a base if you have your own remote plot of forest land by all means go there! Also, if you have the skill to survive in the Arctic, do it, you have the advantage of speed over a zombie especially in the freezing cold. STAY AWAY from urban areas, cities and other small towns, you have to remember that a lot of people are going to be there and chances are they didn't survive the fever.
[glow=red,2,300]-STRUCTURES[/glow]
This is a list of structures that are best (and worst) suited to build a base out of, there is a million possibilities for a base so I'm only going to post a few of them, here you go!
1. Apartments
If you live on any floor but the first you have the advantage of a balcony, allowing you to have a vantage point to spot bandits or ghouls; provided that your floor is decently high up that is. Also, if you have enough soil, you could make a garden on your roof.
It really isn't a good idea to gather survivors, seeing as they can be more dangerous than the undead, but in an apartment chances are your going to know who is in your building, and with luck one could be a carpenter, welder, doctor, maybe even a surgeon. Anyway you are almost guaranteed to find someone with some sort of skilled trade or medical training, if not you are the unluckiest person I have ever heard of.
2. Schools
If you are being practical, a school isn't really a great place to build your base. Reason being that in disaster people are going to come looking for their family members, which WILL attract the living dead. But if you have it cleared out it could be a great place to hole up. Desks, chairs, and benches create great barricades, as do the large tables. Most schools have vending machines that dispense water and food, if it has a sports field you could use that to farm as the cafeteria will only provide food temporarily.
All schools have complete libraries with some books on trade skills, if you happen to find yourself in a high school you will have a wider selection of books in general. If you get lucky enough to find any living faculty they have the skills to aid you in your refuge, but a science or agriculture teacher is going to be better than a history or English teacher. The students also add man power to your fortress.
3. City Halls, Hospitals, and Police Stations
In my opinion these are the absolute worst places to go seek refuge in the Dead World because the mass population has perceived them as "safe places" and people will more than likely end up flocking there in hundreds because of this delusion. In reality a police station is nothing more than an armed office building with a jail cell in it, if you find yourself by one of these places please, I implore you to turn around and go the opposite direction.
Hospitals are I would say the worst place ever to go, yes they have an abundance of medical supplies, but is that worth being eaten? I would have to say negative. Like police stations they are just office buildings except instead of guns its medical supplies. Now to the reason why it is the worst, its a hospital plain and simple. In disaster this is where the mass majority are going to go. Hospitals heal the sick right? So why not send your strangely feverish child there? Just know that most of the people who got the fever will come here.
Since this buildings are a place were people are going to seek leadership and shelter, I say avoid City Halls AT ALL COSTS! They have a lack of food, weapons, and security. Panel walls are easily destroyed by about 10 zombies pounding its threshold. DON'T GO SEEKING SHELTER IN THESE PLACES UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY!
4. Churches, Mosques, and Synagogues
The funny thing about the Post-Apocalyptic world is that almost every religion in history mentions the dead rising up and walking again, they may not necessarily mean the carnivorous type of dead but it's better to be safe than sorry right? Most places of worship are rather big, especially Catholic Cathedrals, and Christian Churches. Mosques and Synagogues, like schools vary in size, though unlike schools they can either be the size of a big room or a average building, it depends on the Muslim and Jew population in your town.
Christian Churches and Catholic Cathedrals are tactically not bad locations, they sometimes have multiple floors, and roof access. Older churches are good too, as they were built to repel waves of attackers. But Churches, Mosques, and Synagogues are just bad places practically. Not because the forces of evil are coming to destroy the house of God, but because now-a-days they aren't built to be attacked, nor do they carry weapons, food(if they do it's very little), and on top of all that people are going to be flocking there praying for salvation, healing, and miracles only to be followed and eventually eaten by zombies.
If a group does happen to make a decent defense, there is going to be dangers on the inside also. Most people these days aren't religious extremists, but you are more likely to find that type of person if you make a camp in a religious place of worship. In every religion there are people who take the word of their book to the utmost extreme making them ignorant; but more so making them hostile or even violent towards anyone who have even a slightly different view of what they believe. No offense to anyone but this is about Survival, not sitting and waiting for a miracle that will never come. I'm not saying that its bad to have faith, on the contrary that may save your life, what I'm saying is that having the belief that the book you follows word is law can be way more dangerous than the undead ever could be.
I actually have a great example of why that is true: In the Middle Ages usually unless you were royalty of some kind, people generally didn't know how to read, but most if not all were religious. That meant that the ones who did rule over the population(this is assuming that most of the high ranking religious-government folk could read), specifically those in the Catholic Church were able to control the masses by telling them that what they were saying came from the Bible. The serf population would abide, even if the book didn't actually say it or if it was wrong; they didn't know any better.
If that example isn't good enough for you then here is another two: Look at modern day before the outbreak, because Christianity (weather America wants to admit it or not, it is. Picture your old town, how many Mosques and Synagogues are there, then think of how many Churches are there, see a pattern?) is pretty much the official Religion of this country, yeah deny it all you want but that doesn't make it any less true. Anyway, back on subject. The American public has stopped homosexuals from being able to serve in the Military and from getting married. Now why do you think that is? Well because most of the people that protest anything that they do are religious fanatics. Before the outbreak Gays could only get married in certain cities in the U.S, before that they were banned from it since the inception of the Constitution. It wasn't accepted at all in those times because the Bible says its wrong and it was still that way all the way up until the American government was disbanded by the Zombie Apocalypse.
It is crucial to know that in a Post-Apocalyptic world that all of those books are more than just scripture, they are weapons. In their desperation people will turn to something they don't fully understand and will go searching for that kind of leadership. See how long that was? In the Dead World a place of worship could end up spelling your doom, so remember: Think before you act, be cautious, and if you see one of these places TURN AROUND AND GO THE OTHER WAY!!
5. Barns and Farm Barns
(I guess there is a difference.)
Personally other than a Military Base or Prison, this is the best place to go, and they will be easier to liberate. Generally most barns are located and surrounded and secluded by woodlands or a field, if the barn isn't too old it is sturdy enough to withstand high winds and other inclement weather, and they are also usually with two levels, allowing it to hold a lot of equipment, and fit a pretty good amount of people, and giving a good vantage point for snipers. The land around a barn is an excellent resource, depending on the season it may already have crops, if not no biggie your are on a farm for Gods sake! If the farm hasn't been long since abandoned you may be lucky enough to find some cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals, providing you with a temporary food source, you may also find tools that can assist your farming, or be used as a weapon. I has been in my experience that all farms have a water sources, a water pump, or a well, maybe even a river.
If you find a river be sure to boil your water before drinking it, as a matter of fact, if it doesn't come from a tap or water bottle then you should always boil it. If you find a farm and it was only just recently left behind you may be fortunate to find a vehicle that can be used for a quick getaway, or a tractor to carry supplies or multiple people. There is one problem, the fact that the temp in a barn and fluctuate pretty badly. But you do have something that can fix that, hay, it's simple really do what the Native Americans in Texas did: Mix it with clay, pack it in your wall, if you wanted you could put wood over it, but either way it will insulate it and stop it from burning down so easily.
You may also find some natural barricading like wood and hay bales for example, also you may find metal fencing and bailing wire. Also you may find yourself a few miles from a town that could be ideal for scavenging, which could be invaluable. If one had the skill to maintain the crops and harvest every season, then a barn could be permanently settled into. Another issue you have to account for with wooden barns of any kind is plank decay, if the barn you find is old and the planks haven't had enamel put on them the barn is prone to become weak and collapse under strenuous weather conditions.
6. Pole Barns, Sheds
These structures could typically be used as a fortress, but they are better suited for temporary use, though I guess if you really wanted or need to you could make it a living space though I would not advise it because most of them are in Semi-country areas. That can pose a problem if you are near a bigger town, not really because of zombies, but because of bandits. Most of them are only large enough to fit 5-10 people making them difficult to fight in.
Pole Barns food stock can be kept high supply if the former owners left some of their tools, already harvested crops, and nonperishables. Unfortunately Pole Barns are ran either on electricity or a gas generator and when power runs out life gets 10x harder, and as with most barns they fluctuate in temperature, but if you can find hay and clay(that rhymed!) you can fix that pretty easily.
[glow=red,2,300]FORTIFICATION[/glow]
In this section I will explain how to fortify your base.
For fortification this is what you will need to do. First, make sure there are as few first-floor entrances and windows as humanly possible, and make sure that they are fortified, this is paramount! Secondly, be sure there is a second-floor in case the first one is compromised, use this as an isolated retreat if anyone or anything gets into your base. A good way to do this is by destroying any stairs and putting ropes or ladders in their place, or just one narrow staircase.
This building should be big enough to suit the needs of your group, and if possible try to ensure that your base is far away from any human or zombie activity. Avoid attracting any attention to your base, you don't want to attract brigands and the ghouls that will be chasing them. Have at least three escape plans, a secondary base stocked with emergency supplies and weapons if you are not able to get out with the ones you already have, and a rendezvous point that is safe and where your group can meet and formulate a plan.
It isn't at all likely that you will find a perfect base, but there is a way you can get around that. To start, you should always build onto existing structures, never start from scratch unless absolutely necessary. Your base modifications should be able to repel any zombie and human attack, be sure to make it as human-proof as possible as they can employ logic whereas zombies cannot. Here is a list of the most readily available fortification supplies:
Lumber: By far one of the most abundant resources around, great for quick walls and platforms. It would be smart to build a fence at least 8 feet tall, to minimize any zombie climbing attempts. Wood can be burned down so be sure to build an earth wall to back it up. As said before good for platforms and also watch towers, they can be built quickly, and if you have a carpenter in your group they can be sure it is a lasting structure.
Plywood: Compressed particulated wood popular for industrial purposes, it comes in a wide variety of thickness. Plywood that is at least 2-2 and-a-half inches thick provide good covers for unused windows and doors. Plywood will need to be readily replaced; it degrades quickly in humid and wet environments, so be sure to keep a few sheets in a dry place so you can replace them when needed.
Sheet Metal: A material that is rather easy to find, it's fairly sturdy and can be used to reinforce any wall, window, or door, it serves many other functions.
Aluminum Roofing and Siding: Two other materials that are pretty easy to find. Can be used for many purposes like: Being mixed with other building materials such as wood, brick, cinder blocks, sandbags, and to serve its main purpose, roofing and siding. Also used to fireproof your wooden fortifications.
Chain Link Fence: Should be used as a first line of defence, serves to slow things down rather than stop them; a bandit could easily climb it, so could a ghoul if they were determined. If you have a power source you can electrify it to make it stronger. You can also attach bells to alert you of any oncoming attack. As with all other materials, this can be put on doors or windows, you can also weave barbed wire in the links if someone tries to climb it.
Barbed & Razor Wire: Great for any base with a fence or the top of a wall. Also consider placing it on windows and unused doors to slow a force entry. Has a good use in traps if you feel inclined to booby trap your base.
Brick, Cinder Blocks, and Sand Bags: All of these can be found in home improvement stores. Using brick to build a wall is a process that requires skill of mortar and cement and patience. If you build a wall out of brick be sure to use many layers of mortar and build a foundation to increase its stability against the coming zombie hordes. Cinder blocks are similar to bricks, though they are bigger and can be reinforced with metal rebar, wood, and barbed wire. Remember that only one row of bricks or cinder blocks will not stop a bullet, if possible always reinforce your wall with multiple layers. Sandbags are a great addition to any wall as they can be put behind your bricks and cinder blocks making them bulletproof. Also sandbag your wooden structures to make them fire-proof. Also they are extremely easy to make; just put sand and/or dirt in a bag.
Pallets, Barrels, and Abandoned Vehicles:
Wooden pallets are built to endure tremendous weight. Generally they were used in stores like Sam's Club or Costco for wholesale items. But now they can be great for reinforcing windows and used as strong backs. They can be torn apart for their materials and used for other barricading purposes.
If you fill a barrel with rocks, sand, or any other heavy object, you can use them to build wall. Just stack them on top of each other after filling them and bam! You have a wall and if you stack them neatly and properly that wall could work wonders. They can also be used for providing support to other critical defense areas like sentry towers, gates, or other critical areas. You may also find food barrels DON'T waste these on construction. Use them for what their made for; storing water and food.
Abandoned vehicles will be found in abundance after the outbreak, and seeing as they aren't really stackable(unless you have a large forklift or a electromagnet crane, or normal crane and even then you have to have the skill to use it) they serve well as perimeter defense. Though if you don't have heavy lifting tools they will be impossible to stack. You could use manpower to put them bumper to bumper, but they won't be stackable.
WHERE YOU SHOULD PUT YOUR FORTIFICATIONS
You should be sure to fortify any unused windows first. Put aluminum siding or sheet metal on the inside, cover the outside with the same thing or wood planks.
Secondly you should fortify your doors. Bar your doors with metal then do the same as you would with your windows. Then, use deadbolts and metal rods to make sure that your door is securely locked.
If you don't destroy your stairs then just block them off with any multiple large objects. Also be sure to use what sandbags you have to reinforce the walls of your base from the inside.
Your outside wall should cover the entire exterior of your base. You should reinforce your wall with sandbags to make it as fire and bulletproof as possible, it will also make it stronger. I have talked about building a wall out of bricks and other materials, though this is not necessary I would suggest it. It will keep zombies at a safer distance, but will attract bandits and require more materials to build. Any perimeter defenses will be noticeable to bandits too, so if you build them be sure you can deal with the bandits accordingly.
To sum it this section up take these things into account.
-Is your base easily secureable?
-Is the location you have chosen easy to defend?
-Is your base spacious to support you and your groups needs?
-Does your location support you groups survival plan?
-Is your location far enough away from other humans and zombie activity?
Be sure take a few seconds to go through those basic questions and remember that no place is 100% safe, only safer.
[glow=red,2,300]TRANSPORTATION[/glow]
I heard before the outbreak that there was debate on the best way to get around in a Zombie Apocalypse. Well in my opinion there really isn't a "best way" you just have to make due with what you have weather it be walking, or driving a car. Anyway here is the list with advantages and disadvantages.
Walking
Obviously this is the most versatile way to get around. The only fuel you need is food and water, and you can get to places that vehicles cannot. Obvious disadvantages are: weight, being restricted to what is on your person. Fitness and footwear, if a fat girl in heels is being chased by ghouls it isn't likely she will be living for long, and the biggest disadvantage is when you are cornered or surrounded by zombies you have nothing to provide protection.
Bicycles
A great way to get around in Z-day. Seeing as pretty much everyone has been taught to ride a bike this method is available to everyone. Again it only requires the fuel according to the rider, it can also go where you go and isn't as tiring as walking. Bikes are also very easy to fix and if you have to travel a long distance and don't have a car a bike would be pretty easy to find, but be sure if you do use a bike that you get a high quality one. When traveling on a bicycle quality is your best friend and get one that is just the perfect size so you stay comfortable and get one that is suitable to the terrain you will be traveling on.
Now the disadvantages are as follows: Again, weight. It only allows you to carry what is on you, it isn't likely you will find a trailer, though not impossible. And the same with walking no protection.
Skateboards, Longboards, Inline Skates, and Ripstiks.
I am going to make this quick, as with the previous two, they are human powered so require food and water for the person riding it. Basically these objects are only usable in urban areas, there are some special cases but you would have to be extremely skilled to use these in anywhere but a city. Also, they all require some degree of skill to operate so if you aren't a skater don't ride a skateboard, you would be better off just running away from your assailant. If you have the skill to ride any of these then by all means go ahead, but only in a town or city.
Motorcycles and other two-wheeled motorized vehicles
These vehicles are great, they are maneuverable and get great gas mileage. But, its main problems in the Dead World are the fact that they take fuel, some bikes take two-cycle fuel a mix between oil and gas, they don't provide much protection, also cargo space is almost as limited as with a bicycle, unless you have a touring bike. Riding a motorcycle poses multiple problems: They are significantly harder to fix than a bicycle, no protection against weather or ghouls, they use gasoline, they are noisy and will attract the infected, and if you crash you are completely ****ed.
ATV's, UTV's, and Snowmobiles
They have their own classification because they are neither a motorcycle or automobile, if you have the necessary means then they are a great choice of transportation. They still pose the same problems, even though you can use them off-road you have to take in account all the disadvantages of a motorcycle, except for maybe cargo space depends on what kind of off-road vehicle you have.
Animals
Animals can be used for transport, depending on your location and animal selection, which could be in high availability or they could be nonexistent. Also remember animals can become infected, so only use them if you have experience. They are like you, survivors and you can create bonds with them in turn you will end up caring for them like you would a human. Be sure you know what you are doing before getting on one.
Cars, Trucks, Vans, and SUV's
The automobile is an incredibly common vehicle, second only to bicycles. There are few-to-no places where cars will not be present Thus, it makes sense that it would appear on a list of various modes of transportation that would be used in a zombie apocalypse. Cars hold a number of advantages over motorcycles. The biggest is that they are safer and more stable than motorcycles, offering protection from zombies, weather, and crashes that motorcycles lack. They are also easier to drive, can take more damage, and even the smallest cars have a greater cargo capacity than the largest motorcycles. However, cars are larger and less maneuverable than bikes, and have much lower fuel economy, with the average being in the 20-30 mpg range. Like motorcycles, the problems of maintenance and noise come up as well. Many cars will clog up roads and highways when their owners abandon them (dead or alive!).
There are a number of different types of cars, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. When selecting a car, try to look for a four-door model, due to the increased versatility. One should also pay attention to cars with diesel engines, as not only do they have superior fuel economy, but they can be modified to run off of vegetable oil and other biofuels that can be manufactured in a post-apocalyptic world once gasoline starts running out (a fact that is also true of trucks)
There are a number of different types of cars, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. When selecting a car, try to look for a four-door model, due to the increased versatility. One should also pay attention to cars with diesel engines, as not only do they have superior fuel economy, but they can be modified to run off of vegetable oil and other biofuels that can be manufactured in a post-apocalyptic world once gasoline starts running out (a fact that is also true of trucks)
[glow=red,2,300]BANDITS[/glow]
I will begin by saying that these people should be avoided at all costs! The fact that they can employ logic, unlike a zombie, that make them far more dangerous. They are most likely going to be armed, and they are like apex hunters; they travel in packs. They like to target people who have signs asking for help from the government. If you are forced to engage them try to remain hidden as long as you can, and use surprise attacks and traps to your advantage, remember it is your base and you have the advantage of knowing it in and out.
Since bandits almost never work alone, avoid attacking them unless you have no other choice. They are bandits so they have more experience in fighting humans, here is a list of things to do if you end up in an engagement with a group of these vicious highway men.
1. Shoot to kill, this is a situation where automatic weapons and most bladed weapons will be your greatest ally, reason being because they are normally meant for an opponent who feels pain and can die from bleeding out, but use the double tap. Don't get stingy with your bullets, if one looks dead shoot him in the head to be 100% sure.
2. After they are all dead space the bodies out and make it look like they were attacked by ghouls, so when their friends come looking for them they don't suspect human assailants.
3. Be prepared to either defend or leave your base at a moments notice, and be wary of newcomers as they could be a bandit waiting for the opportunity to make a move.
4. Make your group or base look intimidating, keep your bigger weapons and assault vehicles out in the open but not to where they can be stolen. Having these psychological weapons like RPG's or machine guns, will make these people reconsider attacking you if there is the possibility of facing Military-grade weapons. Remember they can travel in bigger numbers so having the psychological edge over them could save your lives. If you are outnumbered or outmatched it is a good idea to just avoid them all together.
If you find yourself going into unfamiliar or unsafe lands, travel in big groups and go heavily armed, this will increase your chances of survival. Areas with little to no ghoul activity are great attractions for bandits because your more ignorant groups will go to these "safe" areas to avoid zombies, so and this should be a rule that applies at all times, NEVER DROP YOUR GUARD! Raiding bases and groups uses up resources, meaning bandits won't bother to attack if it doesn't look like it's worth the risk.
You man also encounter raiders that are only motivated by destruction and bloodshed, psychopathic bandits are the most dangerous because they have no regard for their lives or the lives of others, they aren't going to be thinking logically. Sometimes fortifying your base and making it look intimidating won't be enough, remember word travels, even in the Dead World and if you have been raided before and have done nothing to prevent future attacks then you may become prey to more frequent raids.
Occasionally, there may be bandits and raiders who are motivated by nothing more than destruction and bloodshed. These psychopaths are the most dangerous; as they do not have any discernible logical motive and will likely have a complete disregard for their lives and the lives of others. Sometimes being intimidating and fortifying your position is enough to keep them away but can still attack you regardless, potentially compromising your defenses or exposing your bluff. Remember, word can travel, even in a zombie-infected post-apocalypse. If you have been raided and do nothing to prevent further attacks, chances are that the raiders may speak to friends about you or your group and you may find yourself the victim of frequent raids.
