Beginner question to experienced players

[Underdog]

Hi folks,

So I'm a big time zombie game fan, though I've always strayed away from Left 4 Dead because I find it kind of boring mowing down large amounts of zombies with minimal "effort" (ie, generally 1 bullet). This game looked somewhat different enough to give it a try. I've enjoyed some parts of this game, but the main thing seems to be the horde swarms, which I find to be entirely lackluster. I've played the first two missions on Normal difficulty, and even with the tier 1 SMG on a base level character I feel like 30 bullets kills 30 zombies, just firing blindly into the pile of meat, literally zoning out as I do so. The only time I've been remotely in trouble HP wise is during the poison segment in the second stage. I understand I'm "only" playing on Normal, but I'm completely new, playing solo and on controller (so my aim isn't kb+m levels of godlike nature), and unleveled, so I feel like this should be a bigger challenge

I'm at the point where I've got to decide if I'm sticking with it or going to refund it, so my overall question is... at later levels and difficulties, do zombies get tougher? Do you actually have to focus and aim at the head at some point? Do they take more hits to kill?

I really enjoy the stealth parts of the game, and the bit of tower defense setting up for the hordes, and even though all the customization was a huge pill to swallow and understand it all looks pretty nice. I'm just trying to make a decision and would appreciate any help/feedback, since unfortunately I can't put anymore hours into it for personal testing...

Thanks!

[FelipepRanger]

This was taken from an old reddit post about the first game, but I checked everything and it still applies to Aftermath:
Zombies have more health taking 2-3 bodyshots from upgraded guns except shotguns. They do a lot more damage (Normal trash does about 25-30% of your health in one hit, lurkers and bulls just by touching you do 50% damage then full kill you a second or two later).

Specials spawn in more frequently in groups of two or 4. So 2 gasbags and 2 bulls can spawn at the same time. Lurkers spawn a lot more frequently as well so just memorize there spawn points and always assume they will be there.

A lot less weapon, equipment, & defenses spawn for use. Also the required number of carry item to place objectives increase. So instead of planting 8 c4 on tokyo 2 it becomes plant 12.

Friendly fire damage ramps up making one bullet from any automatic do about 30% of someones health and shotguns almost one shotting them. Explosives strangely dont ramp very high and only do about 20%.

You can only go down one time and be revived. If you go down a second time then you will instantly full die. If you heal with a medkit before going down a second time you will be able to go down again.

No minimap

[lucent]

I don't have all the difficulty experience, so that's why I didn't answer sooner. So yeah, if you are finding it too easy try playing it on a harder level. The game might not be for everyone and you mention not caring for L4D. I actually like zombie games that have levels where you progress forward and then make a stand.

I get people wanting horde maps for the convenience, but that's not the first experience I want in a zombie game. Just hang out here and they will be coming soon...hehehe Hey, people like that too. After I have done everything, I can see that.

Play on a harder level and see what happens.

[Cat c:]

On Hard and Insane the regular zombies do get pretty tough. A headshot is obviously always a one-hit, but on those difficulties even a small group can easily mince you into incapacitation, that's nothing to say of the specials. Bulls and Bombers are already a threat even on Normal, especially if you don't see them coming and let them get the drop on you, but on Insane, they are borderline LETHAL. That's nothing to say of the new Booster special's buffed zombies that can pin you to the ground with as low as 1-2 trash zombies.

That being said, do level yourself up to at least lvl 15 for Hard and at least 20-25 for Insane, else it might prove to be too difficult. If you're ballsy, try your luck doing the Daily Challenge missions. Completing 3 nets you a big reward which gives you the supplies you need to buy upgrades and skills. Word of warning though, 'Normal' difficulty on challenge missions isn't really 'Normal', but Hard in disguise.

[Nijo]

The point of games like L4D and WWZ is that although zombies are easy to kill, at harder difficulties the player is really easy to kill as well.

[Panda]

In short - both games has almost the same lvl up for enemy per level, excluding shotguns and tier 4 weapons, it's always the best idea is just shooting in the head, btw same like in l4d - shooting in the head with ANY weapon is lethal, unless you shoot specials or boosted zombies.

P.S Unlike L4D this game has level perks which force you to "stay" in your level area like 15 for hard, 25+ for insane and etc.
But if you have good aim and brains (no rushing, stay silenced, CORNER is your best friend and not shooting teammates and positioning isn't something new for you) and you can understand basic game mechanics - there is no point to "wait" level 10 to play hard and etc, start with a hard, don't go to extreme/insane unless you understand all basics and you have all silencer on your weapons.

Btw all levels have the same AI, so normal and extreme difficulty has only 1 real difference - hp/damage numbers for you and versus you.

[Jin-Roh]

The game gets really fun at max level. The hordes are thicker and mistakes cost you the run. There's no highlight over objects, so everything blends into the background. On the big maps you better memorise all spawn points because you have to decide whether it's worth the time to check that corner for a breaching charge. Also you really need to know all the activations for the area. Lastly no bobbing name over your head. ;) so wearing red flamboyant clothing is your biggest friend.

[lucent]

Do you actually have to focus and aim at the head at some point?

In the very beginning, you have to headshot with the pistol for a single shot.

Not that you will choose these perks, but playing the Gunslinger with headshots...

Front Line Supply: restores 5% rounds to magazines.
Concentration: temporary health boost.
Headhunter: refills equipment charge.

I have played where I wipe them out and other times where they are all over me. I am sure there are reasons for that and headshots are part of the factor.

[Underdog]

Thanks for the feedback folks, I'll stick with the game!

[Blessed Sigmar]

The best tactic to survive any horde:
1. Get tier 1 shotgun
2. shoot and run