How to Survive Zombie Defence

Overview

How to play the Zombie Defence game mode.

Introduction

Zombie Defence is a Tower Defence[en.wikipedia.org] game mode for Civ VI. It comes with the Portugal Pack (DLC) from the New Frontier Pass.

It introduces Zombies as an aggressive type of barbarian.

To counter these there are new defensive improvements you can build. (Which can be used against any land invasion not just Zombies). Notably the trap and barricade.

This is a guide to survive the Zombie apocalypse.

Run!

When you see a Zombie, run!

Zombies will go after the nearest (military) unit. So unless you want to bait them, move your units away. They will attract Zombies.

Build Walls.

Walls are your ciy’s first line of defence against invading Zombies. So tech Masonry ASAP and rush a wall.

Build Holy Sites Or Campuses

Most certainly in your capital, make sure you prioritise building a holy site or a campus ASAP.

You will then be able to use the special projects to convert Zombies within your city limits…but it’s a little tricky and you only take control of Zombies for a certain number of turns.

So be certain to use those clocked Zombies offensively, like moving them to an allied city and setting them free!

Don’t Die

Any units that die increase chances of Zombie spawn. So avoid dying.

Zombie kills spawn more Zombies. So especially don’t get killed by Zombies! (Unless you wish for a Zombie spawn – like on your enemies doorsteps).

Kill Regular Barbs (Not Zombies)

Zombies don’t pillage improvements or districts. Nor will they usually attack civilian units like workers and settlers. But normal barbs will. (Aside – this allows you to send out workers to build barricades and traps into Zombie swarms).

However, every Zombie you kill makes the Zombies stronger.

So prioritise killing regular barbs.

Rid yourself of Zombie swarms with the campus and holy site districts special projects – Dark Signal and Turn Undead.

Dig In!

Fortify by building barricades and traps. Roman forts, Pas, Alcazars and Great Walls.

Later on you will be able to use Military Engineers to build advanced traps and modernised barricades.

Notably these improvements from the Zombie Defence mode can be made outside your territory! (So you don’t have to waste your valuable land).

Zombie Defence

Fight fire with fire.

The apostle with the Heathen Conversion promotion will allow you to own Zombies. You can also use the hero Hunahpu & Xbalanque (“the twins”).

Use your Zombies to defend against attacking Zombies. The attackers will never be any stronger than your units. Ever.

And later you can strengthen your Zombies by forming corps and armies.

But remember – Zombies will swarm if you use your Zombies to kill barbarian Zombies. That spawn another barbarian Zombie instantly.

Build Your Navy! (And Air Force!)

Zombies only ever spawn on land, so focus on naval warfare.
You can never lose naval units to Zombies, so you won’t be contributing to the Zombie spawn.

Also land assaults are much harder with the numerous defensive structures available in the Zombie Defence mode, so you are better off making naval (and aerial) offensives.

Settle Islands & Coasts

As Zombies can only attack from land, settle coastal cities and islands.

The isolation will provide protection from Zombie swarms.

Trade a la Portugal

Any traders that pass over land have a chance of being plundered by Zombies. So take a page from Portugal and trade over sea.

(Or play as Portugal, cos they are designed almost to trade perfectly in Zombie Defence mode).

Zombie Outbreak Distant Cities

Zombie Outbreak is a new spy mission that will spawn Zombies in a foreign city.

Be careful not to use the Zombie Outbreak mission on cities close to your borders. Otherwise they end up swarming your cities instead.

Suggested Civs

China, Rome, The Maori, Portugal, Byzantium, Gaul, Babylon and Phoenicia.

Naval civs like Japan, England, The Ottoman, Brazil, Indonesia, the Netherlands and Spain may also fare well with Zombies.

Try defensive civs like The Maya, Georgia and Vietnam as well.