There are more zombies games currently out there and in development than there are undead in any given horde. This is because killing mindless monsters is usually a guaranteed selling point for a game, as countless games have proven. If the developer can add in innovative experiences, then it's that much more likely to become a popular title. That being said, there hasn't been a lot of diversity when it comes to creating zombie variants. There are a number of games that have needed to scale up the difficulty, but have done so by returning to a similar formula in deciding what harder zombie-variants to use.

That doesn't mean that all of the zombies in these games are exactly the same and, in fact, they often differ in origin and how they affect the host. That still hasn't kept the creative teams behind these games from coming up some of the same zombies that can be traced back to the first Left 4 Dead. Some rely on amping up their brute strength, others focus on range, and the craftiest of the bunch have used their conditions to adapt to new abilities. Even if these zombies do tend to have similar powers and weaknesses, that hasn't kept killing them from being a ton of fun every single time.

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The Generic Zombies

resident evil vandetta zombies horde

The undead, walkers, shamblers, or whatever else they're called, all players are familiar with the basic type of zombie. Shaped mostly like their human host, albeit a bit decomposed, these zombies stumble around hoping to find some kind of meat to feast on. Some instinctually travel together in hordes, as their strength in numbers makes up for the physical weakness sometimes caused by mental and physical deterioration. When they do happen upon an unlucky soul, they will typically swarm them all at once and overwhelm it.

This type of zombie is usually the first and main spreader of the virus, as the other types seem much more interested in killing their victims. Their main mode of transmission is typically through a bite or scratch, although some lore only requires the humans die after getting infected. These zombies can be found in almost any form of zombie game.

The Frantic Just-Turned Zombies

A normal zombie begins freaking out when approached

While the generic zombies are usually those who've been through all the effects of their transformation, there are those who are just beginning to go through the process. These people still retain a lot of their physical human attributes, now paired with a adrenaline-fueled hunger that pushes every muscle to its limit. While still in this state, the monsters can sometimes mimic human behavior and speech, although it tends to be sporadic and limited, like a snake's muscles twitching after it dies. Some examples of this type would be the Runner in The Last of Us Part Two and Virals in Dying Light.

The Ranged/Spitters

B4B Retch

When the survivor gets smart and moves to a high position that regular zombies can't reach, it's time to call in those with the long-ranged skills. Acid spitters, and zombies of that variety, will often have the benefit of some form of movement enhancement that allows them to get a good shot. Whether they can climb walls, jump really high, or both, these zombies are often easy to kill once the survivor get a shot on them. However, they can also prove to be deadly if they catch the survivors while they're too busy dealing with the regulars. For examples, see The Toad from Dying Light and the Retch from the upcoming Back 4 Blood.

Tanks

There are those who are less feeble than their stumbling counterparts, having benefited from the virus in gaining sheer physical strength. These Tank zombies have evolved past their regular humanoid forms and are usually multiple times bigger than the other zombies, their muscles having swelled and grown immeasurably. They're usually much stronger than the typical walker, but much more stupid as well. These zombies will often charge into the survivors without considering the amount of bullets waiting for them. Some examples might include the Bloater from The Last of Us Part Two, or the Ogre from Back 4 Blood.

Snitches

Gaming's 10 Most Terrifying Monsters - Left 4 Dead Witch

Snitches get stitches, and that's true in this case as any. While traveling through the zombie-infested wasteland, the player might come across what looks like a lost survivor looking for help. However, when the survivor approaches, the zombie quickly reveals itself to be a lookout. It will begin screaming and calling all sorts of attention to the survivors, so it's best to deal with these first. If the player is unable to dispatch these undead quickly, they may quickly find themselves overwhelmed. No one could forget the Witch from Left 4 Dead, which will likely serve as the basis for the appropriately named Snitch in Back 4 Blood.

Stalkers

abby fighting stalker last of us 2

Just like a creepy dude outside of his ex's apartment, these undead have no respect for boundaries. They are masters at spotting the living from the shadows, and will often use this advantage to get a surprise attack on the unsuspecting survivors. Some behave like hunting animals, while others prefer to pick off the stragglers at opportune moments. Like other special infected, they often have enhanced speed and strength that benefit them when they do strike at a survivor, with some having the ability to be completely silent. Examples would include the Stalker from The Last of Us and the Hunter from Left 4 Dead.

There are many zombie types that these teams like to go back and revisit. While these games all typically introduce a new spin or variety on the zombie, it can often be traced back to these types. It's easy to see why, as it has been shown to work repeatedly. That being said, one has to wonder how long until fans have had enough of these formulaic undead and refuse to take part until they see something new. When the upcoming Back 4 Blood comes to PC and consoles later this year, it will be a measure to see if players are tired of the same kind of zombies, or hungry for more of the hordes.

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