How to kill hostile NPC in nightmare or lethal ?

[Yasha]

Just starting new save file to try all new update, then on my 3rd day there is quest from npc to help them fight back some raider. I shoot the gunslinger raider with rifle on head like 5 or 6 times she still alive lol... do i need weapon like timberwolf to 1 hit kill them all ?

[SpunkyJones]

Gas grenades or molatovs. Get them down, then finish off.

[Protectron]

When you manage to down them, that's when you have to be agressive and go close up and get in headshots in quick succession. Fire rate is key there, so go with semi-auto, burst or even full-auto to finish them off.

The way that hostile NPCs are killed is the same way you are killed. It's not the health bar that counts, but the trauma/injury bar. It's when that one is zero that they die. Injuries or trauma stacks up qucker the higher calibre of gun, and higher damage (Brakes etc.). Note that when they get back up again, they regain a chunk of Health, and you have to start all over again... just like you.

I, however, usually just draw in hordes and have the zombies kill them, or kill them with my car.

[Stardustfire]

gas nades are the savest way if you can aim properly and they dont have to much space to avoid it. another save strat is a headshot with a 0.5 anti material rifle like the Timerwolf, one shot, one kill....
in the start its pure atrosity, bring them down several times, each time lowers there max health until they die from no open healthbar left. and for heavens sake, try to avoid close combat, you are the one who get pummeld to death than. if you have NPC at your side let them deal with that.

[the BIG sloppy]

Here are some wonderful tips as an experienced Lethal Zone player!

() Fire/gas..! When the enemy is on Fire - they *cannot* shoot you! Also they cannot heal either..! Incidentally, the zombies around them that catch on fire do extra damage to them!

() Gunslinger + rifle caliber + suppressor = game aiming for you without spawning in more zeds baby.

() The enemy CANNOT INJURE YOU in your vehicle. they cannot shoot through the windshields either! you are safe from bullets. Use this to your advantage..! Take cover behind your car if you're scared/in danger... And if things get hairy? Dip like a potato chip by slipping in through the door and driving off!

() *certified cheese tip* : First aid kits are heavy but you can still carry 8 at once even if they're heavy. If you get shot and fall down - mash the heal button while your first aid kits are equipped. once you stand up you'll recover *ALL* health instantly. This makes you essentially bullet proof, assuming you have enough first aid kits!

() Do NOT use melee EVER. I have tested this - I do not believe they take melee damage? I tested this with a friend; we beat a guy's ass for like 10 mins before giving up. so they are resilient. it has to be Bullet to the head no other way to go (but you can hit them on the floor and it actually kills quick... Still - just shoot them while they're down!)

() Something hard to notice - they have a 'standing up' animation whenever they revive. They have ~5 secs of i-frames (you do too; this is why first aid kits make you invulnerable and able to heal). Do not waste ammunition when they are in the 'standing up' animation. It doesn't seem to hurt. Just line up the shot to when they are standing!

() The ai is REALLY dopey. Use your brain! exploit it! one trick I love to do is funnel the enemy through a closed door. once they open I MAGDUMP through the tight door way and the bodies pile up before they can react!

() Stealth is *worthless* they can see you no matter what. so don't try sneaking up on them.

() Zeds prioritize you over them for some reason! I don't know why - they just do. Consider this with your approach (unless you have scentblocker or zedbait)

() Consider bringing a 'follower' from a dopey friendly/allied enclave. They will draw enemy fire and enemy zombies which gives you more breathing room and consequently more time to line up a headshot!

() .50 caliber instant kills headshots. use this with gunslinger if you want to just RUSH IN AND CLEAN HOUSE pip pap bam - but make sure to have the means to make a speedy get away from the noise left after!

() Always aim for the head - bodyshots hurt don't get me wrong but they are a *lot* less spongy. It is goofy to have to shoot a guy 3 times in the head but if you bring a rifle caliber coupled with a suppressor, you can usually use full auto or burst to mow them down after stunning with fire/gas safely. Just watch your back in case a zed tries to bite your back!

[the BIG sloppy]

Originally posted by Stardustfire:

gas nades are the savest way if you can aim properly and they dont have to much space to avoid it. another save strat is a headshot with a 0.5 anti material rifle like the Timerwolf, one shot, one kill....
in the start its pure atrosity, bring them down several times, each time lowers there max health until they die from no open healthbar left. and for heavens sake, try to avoid close combat, you are the one who get pummeld to death than.

StardustFire has the most safe and rational approach I believe if you wish to minimize risk/reward!

The AI is dopey enough I have had surprising success perching up on a building too with a scoped rifle outside of their 'detection range' with a suppressor. Clear out the zeds and then play sniper and they can't retaliate (and if they do you're so far away you can retreat!) but they are certainly correct above all else - AVOID CLOSE COMBAT

[Yasha]

thanks for the tips and trick, will try it later

[Michael]

I get the most enjoyment out of a zedbait/scentblock combo. It's just good clean fun to lure in the biggest horde you can muster and watch the chaos unfold. Seeing that idiot that was trying to shake you down for resources earlier in the day get torn in half by a juggernaut is the best feeling.