Basic Melee

[Pvt_Larry (DayZ) 98]

Alright, so we all know just how difficult it is starting out; and it should be. But those first few looting attempts always seem near impossible for me, and ends in a boxing match with the walking dead. (It takes forever to kill those things with fists by the way.)

 

Now, there used to be starting weapons, but then they were terribly abused and the beaches turned into killing grounds. So clearly you shouldn't start of with a gun. But it seems rather harsh to give a player no defense against the zombies at first. So maybe we start with some sort of basic melee weapon, something that can't really hurt other players? I think there should at least be some improvised weapons lying around in the environment that are as common as dirt for starters.

 

Players should start with; or at least have easy access to, some sort of basic weapon. Here's some examples:

 

Hefty Branch: A tree limb that you can pick up in the woods that deals little damage but gives a player some reach.

Frying pan: A useful item that would be found in any house.

2 X 4 Lumber: A two by four plank, for smacking zombies around.

 

Alternatively, maybe we should be able to use the flashlight in melee? If you've ever used an old, metal flashlight you know that those things have got some weight to them. So maybe you can use it to fight, but risk breaking it.

 

Let me know how stupid this is with a comment.

[veristaya 71]

Or you try to be sneaky, as you always had to be. Or you knock the zombies down and run while they recover. Or just run in general. There aren't that many zombies around atm anyways.  What will you do once we actually have a decent amount of zombies everywhere?

[Damnyourdeadman 1045]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SqfD2Q7QLA

It's not a bad idea,but currently zombies are Bad (with a capital B ).Also it's not very hard to loot a melee weapon at this stage of the game,they are practically everywhere.

Edited February 17, 2014 by Damnyourdeadman

[dethsupport 110]

Honestly I love some of your improvised weapon ideas - especially the frying pan.

 

However your best bet now is just to book it away from the zombies - they're pretty slow and clumsy in relation to your character. Outrun them, ditch them in the tree line and circle back for the goodies.

[dethsupport 110]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SqfD2Q7QLA

It's not a bad idea,but currently zombies are Bad (with a capital B ).Also it's not very hard to loot a melee weapon at this stage of the game,they are practically everywhere.

rocky balboa over here

[Nicko2580 398]

I think as the game development progresses and more items are added, it will get easier to find a very weak melee weapon at the beginning of the game.

I personally love starting off with just a torch. I don't see why I can't bean zombies in the head with it though... gotta be better than fists.

[dethsupport 110]

I think as the game development progresses and more items are added, it will get easier to find a very weak melee weapon at the beginning of the game.

I personally love starting off with just a torch. I don't see why I can't bean zombies in the head with it though... gotta be better than fists.

A heavy duty maglite would one shot stuff if you hit them in the head

[Beck (DayZ) 1768]

You can easily loot an entire city with a trail of 10 zombies on you if you know which buildings will get you cornered.

[leitberkley 4]

I think fists should do more myself. U should be able to knock a zombie down in a couple punches. But never really kill them. Imo.

[Pvt_Larry (DayZ) 98]

Honestly I love some of your improvised weapon ideas - especially the frying pan.

 

 

Everyone owns pots and pans, and they're heavy, bulky, and easily replaceable; so it's not something that a refugee would take with them. Hence, I think they should be pretty common, and would make a half decent melee weapon.