Whether you’ve been a fan of the zombie genre for years or you just discovered zombies from my writing adventures, you know they’re scary as heck.
You might have also heard the debate: fast zombies or slow zombies—which are more frightening?
What’s the truth? Smart of you to ask, as one day, you might stand toe to toe with these undead creatures. The more knowledge you have on your side, the better your chances are of survival when humanity falls.
Here are a few facts you might not have known.
#1 – Running Away Isn’t As Simple As It Seems
Even if your cardio is excellent, think again before you assume you can outrun a fast zombie. Fast zombies, most likely, have just changed into zombie form and have large energy reserves. Even getting to higher ground may not save you as some fast zombies are very good climbers.
And slow zombies, well, if you keep looking back to make sure you’re distancing yourself from the fast ones, you may just smack right into a pack of slow ones. To stay alive, you must look in all directions and constantly scan your surroundings.
#2 – Protecting Yourself Requires Discipline
Always shoot for the head, always!
Fast zombies often—for the most part—still resemble regular people, but don’t let their realistic human facade fool you.
There’s a rumor circulating that, with fast zombies, you can take them down by shooting them in the heart or legs, but use with caution. I’ve personally never met a survivor who relied on that piece of advice.
Fast or slow, go for the head shot and you might survive another day.
#3 – The Element of Surprise May Throw You For A Loop
While fast zombies are in a hurry to take you out, slow zombies have the element of surprise on their side. They can hide in small spaces and pop out when you least expect it.
If you’ve barricaded yourself in a room, ensure you don’t become a zombie’s snack by checking all of the corners. Take it a step further and make sure you have an escape plan. Staying in one place too long spells disaster.
#4 – Make The Most of Turning Into A Zombie
Even if you’ve educated yourself on zombies and have a plan, the worst can still happen.
If you’ve been bitten by a fast zombie, you may only have milliseconds left to live as a normal human. Fast zombies are the most people-like. Though you’ll be scared out of your wits, you don’t want to dawdle and put others in jeopardy. Separate yourself from other survivors immediately and know your sacrifice may help their survival.
If you’ve been bitten by a slow zombie, you’ve got some time to help your fellow survivors prepare. Slow zombies often take longer to turn and thus the same should be true with you too. Do what you can to take the heat off of the other human survivors around you.
#5 – When You’re One of Them, Don’t Give Up
Fast or slow, turning into a zombie won’t be pleasant. In the beginning, as your mind and body change, you’ll still be you, but the virus flooding your veins and arteries will compel you to feed and spread the sickness against your will.
When this happens, do your best to fight it, but ultimately, your fate is sealed as part of the undead horde.
Stay vigilant, my friend. No longer do zombies dance in sync for your entertainment. They mean business, and their hunger only grows stronger and more deadly with time.
If you want to fight and win, put your fear to rest and heed my advice, and maybe, just maybe, you won’t become tomorrow’s tasty treat.