Killing Zombies is the act of rendering the moving corpse completely motionless once again. It can be argued that the term killing is technically inaccurate, as despite the observed locomotion of the zombie, all other life functions have ceased. Still, the point is mostly one of semantics.

Destroying The BrainEdit

Nearly all zombie survivalists are in agreement that the destruction of the brain is the only surefire way to neutralize the zombie (though a few a few, rare types of zombies require complete dismemberment). In The Walking Dead and The Zombie Survival Guide, The Frontal Lobe is the area of the Zombie brain that still has limited function, and it's destruction is key to putting a zombie down. Some works of fiction (as well as self-proclaimed "zombie experts") would lead the public to believe that any tool that can break bones (from golf clubs, to chef's cleavers, to broomstick handles) will suffice. In reality, this is not the case and such thoughts are likely to get a person killed.

The skull is not only one of the thickest bones in the body, the spherical shape of the cranium has evolved over countless eons of evolution to deflect and absorb tremendous amounts of force, to preserve its precious cargo. Fracturing a skull to the point required to kill a zombie is no small feat without firearms. Weapons that can do it efficiently are usually quite heavy, draining to wield over time, and impossible to wield for smaller or weaker humans.

Without a weapon like a large axe, or sledgehammer, attacking the forehead, top, or back of the skull is not recommended. Baseball bats may fracture the skull, but typically not thoroghly enough in these areas to cause structural brain damage. The sides of the head, eyes, ears, and crux of the neck are better targets.

The "soft" passageways of the eye sockets, and under the chin do not require as much exertion to overcome the skulls defenses, but the precision to hit these small targets under duress (and with attackers coming from multiple angles, as one-on-one zombie encounters are actually somewhat uncommon) usually makes these targets less than practical.

Most firearms are more than adequete for destroying an undead brain. However, smaller calibers may need to be much closer to do so on a reliable basis, and distance between yourself and the undead horde is of the highest value. Most non-military firefights take place roughly 5-20 feet from its combatants. This is how many guns have been designed for decades, and it is not the same situation one desires when confronted with dozens of shambling corpses.

Other TargetsEdit

The decision to weaken a zombie to facilitate a killing strike largely depends on other factors. If the zombie is considerably bigger than the survivalist, he or she may need to knock it down before attempting to attack the head. Perhaps fracturing limbs will slow the zombie down for a retreat, or keep it from mounting an effective attack.

Generally speaking, knockdowns are a luxury afforded to few human combatants when facing zombies, but if the opportunity presents itself, shattering forearms, kneecaps, shins, or severing the spine can help maximize the chances of properly terminating your undead assailant.

When fighting with a melee weapon or unarmed, it is better to knock a zombie down to the floor. This can be done with a simple low kick or a shove. Even a 5ft tall child can knock down a 7ft tall zombie because they have poor coordination, and they take at least a minute to get up. After your adversary is on the floor, you can safely dispatch it or fight other adversaries.

Exterminating an Infested AreaEdit

While technically a related, yet separate initiative, completely ridding an area of the undead menace is a much larger endeavor than just killing a few zombies. Effective land (or structural) clearing is a systematic process that should involve detailed planning of position, resources, and fallback contingency plans. If a survivor, or group of survivors goes "gung-ho" into an area without proper planning beyond cracking skulls, they will likely be consumed by the undead.

Common MistakesEdit

• Do not underestimate the effect fear may have on a survivor's capacity to fight, especially their first few encounters.
• It is usually better to avoid confrontation if possible, and instead flee undetected, especially if one isn't barricaded, or by a base. The groans of one zombie may bring many more than one can handle.
• As earlier mentioned, there is great misinformation in regards to the ease of fracturing the skull. Sometimes a sharp weapon to sever the spine at the neck is more practical.
• Some types of zombies are immune/ignorant of the sounds of gunfire. Some hone into it. Before letting off rounds indiscriminately, one had best know which type is present.

Things to Consider Before Committing to BattleEdit

• If there is a melee weapon present, are you sure you know how to hold it?
• Are you sure it is durable enough to use without breaking in your hands?
• How long can you attack with it before exhaustion kicks in? If it does, what is plan B?
• Are you sure it can break the skull?
• Can you slip away unnoticed, or incapacitate/trap the zombie?
• How sure are you that their groans won't attract nearby zombies?

Exception: Fast ZombiesEdit

Many instances of Fast Zombies are not truly dead, merely humans in a rabid state, immune to pain, exhaustion, and mercy. While faster, and more hostile fighters than their slower cousins, they are ultimately more fragile. They can bleed out (major damage to the arteries of the neck, upper arms and legs can incapacitate them in minutes), and destroying the heart, lungs, spine or aorta can be instantly fatal. Still, because of their overwhelming ferocity, a glancing or mistimed blow with a melee weapon is usually the last mistake a human makes, so firearms are strongly advised.

See AlsoEdit

Zombie cake