Survival: Specialization needed to bash zomies?

[Greep]

So I've tried a few builds out, and it seems like if you want to actually face zombie groups head on in melee, the only way to do so is to create a character heavily focused on it.

I've tried random characters and characters that had a non-melee specialty. But the only character I can make that has a decent chance of surviving groups of 3+ zombies is a +5 strength, +2 fitness, brave construction worker.

The other guys could only realistically deal with 1 zombie at a time, so they'd even have to run in a building if they were ambushed by two zombies! Technically they could handle a pair, but only in a way that they'd really risk getting bitten.

Is this everyone else's experience?

[rachel]

Yeah, until I get a spade or something or survive long enough to build up my combat skills. Until then it's best to just fight one or two at most.

[3223]

I didn't have a single point on the combat skills yet I killed about 1300 zombies with an axe during one ingame week outside my base. After that my blade accuracy was at 3. And I died.

[Sachiel]

Definitely, starting out I try to avoid or fight 1-2 tops. 3-5 is manageable if you're in open ground, but inside they'll just bounce back as fast - or faster - than you can push them away.

If you can knock one or two down, maneuver and get a few hits in on them, push oldmate that wants your number off, then resume stomping/bashing the downed fellows. Hopefully you'll kill them and can focus on the standing guys.

I'm reluctant to leave 'Stout' off the list. I almsot always have it in the builds i've been trying to perfect. Flaws are 'soft' for the most part, like Thirsty/hungry/sleepy types. Brave not so much, but i'm a fan of thick skin +/- lucky. I'm not convinced on Brave. I think it only reduced panicked (not anxious?) and panick affects accuracy and something else.

That said, i'm maybe 3 or 4 blunt accuracy levels in, was panicked with a group of zombies. I blew three heads off with a spike-bat from standing, and the other 4 or so on the ground. Everyone was 1hit. Was quite pleased wiht myself, so i treated her to a solid handful of antidepressants (not beta-blockers, i was on a roll you see).

Although i'm missing not having picked carpentry, as i've finally got to a point where i can 'hunker down', day-to-day i've found lightfoot and sneak to be very useful. Fitness not so much as i rarely run, although i could see 'overweight' with the slower sprint being quite the hassle...

TLDR: avoid avoid avoid, but strength helps!

I'll make a masochistic character soon. I've got a penchant for naming after movie actors though, so i've gotta come up with someone that's a bit of a BDSM lover, with emphasis on the SnM.

[DeadlyDanDaMan]

Combat is pretty simple when you get used to pulling zombies from herds. Combat builds are fun and will help, but aren't necessary once you learn all the weapon ranges and the proper pulling techniques. Taking on more than 3 zeds at once though is pretty risky, I will admit. It also really depends on how many of them are fast. 3 really fast zeds can mess up anybody in the blink of an eye if they aren't careful. If it's only one fast one and two slower ones, no problem:)

[Sachiel]

yeah, the fast ones...
if they don't fall over, it's like you didn't even push them away.
Hissing, spitting, scum of the earth!

Just get a fire-arm OP, that will solve all your problems ;)