Zed types | Zombies from A to Zed DayZ - ArmA 2 mod Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Zombies, knows as "Zeds" in DayZ, are the only NPC enemies that you will come across. At beginning, each encounter with them can seem very troublesome and new players often do everything to avoid being noticed. After some time (and with help of this guide) you should learn to deal with them without much problem - as long as you stay cool and avoid making any rash choices. The most important thing here is the ability to predict their behaviour. Nothing will replace experience in this case, but the below description should make your life much easier.

Zed types

Zeds are people infected with a virus which has decimated the population of Earth and Chernarus is the epicentre. They aren't any demonic undead or mutated like in Left 4 Dead or Dead Space. They are much more human-like (which doesn't mean less dangerous) and to some point limited by human handicaps. Freshly "created" zombies have their life cycle (as they don't eat or drink) which divides them into three categories:

	ZED WALKER The basic and most fresh zombie version, therefore also the most dangerous. They move slowly and slouchy, but if provoked they can run with inhuman speed, catching up with their victim in a couple minutes. There's no way of overcoming or losing them on a straight road. They have a sharpened sense of hearing and sight, but still worse than normal people.
	ZED HOPPER A zombie in the second stage of life. Its movements are degenerated to the level at which it can only move on four limbs (therefore is referred to as "monkey"). At maximum speed, it's slower than a running player. Worse sight and hearing also make it easier to avoid without provoking.
	ZED CRAWLER The last stage of a Zed's life. This zombie type is almost absolutely incapable of fighting and poses very little threat. Having to move while prone makes it impossible for it to catch even a walking player, while its degenerated senses make it easy to avoid. Crawlers can be also created by shooting the two above types of zombies.

All above types spawn randomly and eventually die if left alone. Each Zed has a chance to leave behind an item of slightly over 30%. Civilian Zeds drop food, drinks, bandages and ammunition to civilian weapons. Military Zeds can also drop ammunition to higher level weapons.