I am STILL having issues with combat.

[Nezz]

Not sure what I'm doing wrong, but it's getting damn frustrating. It seems like my swings miss regularly and sometimes even swing in the wrong direction. The zombie will be in range, I'll be facing them, then I turn and swing for no reason.

It's been a problem for a long time now and it's going to make me give up on this game.

And to be clear, I don't think it's exactly a game issue, I think it's a me issue not understanding something. But I'm tired of randomly dying because my character swings in the wrong direction.

[Diteron]

I do the same thing. Holding the right mouse button and aiming toward/ just beyond the zombie usually works, but it only takes that one bad angle to receive a scratch/bite.

Longer reach weapons usually work better for me, since they seem to be a bit more generous with the hit boxes. (i.e. spears, long blunt, long blade, etc.)

I also tend to find that if I maneuver in such a way that the zombie and I are horizontal, it's much easier to judge distance effectively. This is much harder to pull off all the time (in doors, surprise attacks, etc.), but if you decide to give it another go, I'd recommend trying this.

[Magnate]

Change AimOutline to any weapon and you'll know the Zombie you're aiming at and whenever it'll hit or not (hit as in if it glows you'll hit.)
This can be found in the Display options.

Even when shoving keep moving back and maintain distance.
If there's multiple and one has fell over, you can stand on it to stop it from getting up and continue whacking the other zombie coming at you.

[Nezz]

Didn't know about the aim outline option, thank you! I'll give that a shot.

[flu007]

Originally posted by Nezz:

Didn't know about the aim outline option, thank you! I'll give that a shot.

That'll make a BIG difference. At least it did for me.
Diteron's suggestion to try and keep the zombies to your left or right on the screen is a good one as well, I do that as well whenever possible.

[Sasquatch]

When you hold right click, pay attention to the circle at the bottom of the targeter, not the line at the top. If you're looking at the top you'll be off at certain angles. Attack from sides until you get used to it as attacking from top/bottom the distances will feel weird at first.

In case that's not clear, you want the circle at their feet or just behind their feet.

[Spack Jarrow]

it's clunky af , you can turn on outline in the settings , that helps ,but you just gonna have to learn the ♥♥♥♥♥♥ clunky controls no other way around it.

[Martinsuki]

it get's waay easier (unless you're playing with sprinters) so don't worry, just activate that outline option and swing while backtracking (stay aware of your surroundings tho, don't fall or get surrounded) don't lose focus and always remember that your normal walk speed is faster than fast shamblers so no real need to put yourself in danger, miss a hit? walk away, too many zombies? walk away, unfavorable terrain? walk away

[LIMP BISQUICK]

You may also want to keep in check if you zoom in right before you attack. If you're doing that it will screw you up. That's something I was doing and noticed people doing it as well in their videos. Your cursor moves when zooming in so it will swing the opposite direction at times.