The time is now to make a stand against the global scourge of zombie swarms in World War Z: Aftermath. We’re incredibly excited to bring you this next evolution of the World War Z game franchise, available now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The series has captivated over 15 million players so far, and this next chapter makes the game bigger and better than ever with tons of new content and features.
Here are the top 5 tips from the World War Z dev team on the best ways to make a stand and turn the tide in the war against the zombie horde:
- Find Ammo and Heaters, Get Fire Support, and Watch Out for Friendly Fire
Whether you join up with friends in co-op gameplay or take on the missions yourself with AI teammates, you’ll be experiencing stories from around the world, including new episode locations and missions in Rome (including Vatican City) along with the Russian peninsula of Kamchatka. We’ve broken down a few of our favorite levels, and tips on how to master them.
Rome: A Call to Arms.
Players have to reach the radio control panel in the Vatican so that they can deliver a call to arms message to all survivors in Rome. An added cool part is that they can get fire support from a friendly APC, although it’s important to remember that it can and will run out of ammo. A protip is that there are some ammo crates in the area and you can use them to refill the APC for more support against the zombies.
Kamchatka: On the Grid.
In this episode, you must restore the area’s power grid so it can be repurposed and connected to a nuclear submarine’s reactor. The problem is that it’s Russian winter, making it dangerously cold. You and teammates must find heaters in the level to keep warm. To stay alive, move as a group from one heater to another. It’s a very narrow and compact level, so you must also watch out for friendly fire.
- Use First Person-Mode to Gain a New Perspective
You can toggle first-person mode at any time and there is a FOV slider (even on consoles!) if you want to adjust it. This is the first time in World War Z franchise history that first-person mode is available, and we’re excited for you to get an even more up close and personal experience as you battle against the zombie apocalypse.
While it may look like a minor change, the first-person mode really changes how the game is played. For veteran World War Z survivors, we definitely recommend trying out a replay of the original World War Z maps with first person mode turned on, because the game experience will be completely different.
- Use Fire and Explosives Against Rats
Flesh-hungry swarms of rats are a new enemy type that can appear in all levels. Hordes of rats are very difficult to take down with normal firearms because there are too many of them and they can feast on the entire team quickly if you’re not careful.
Players need to use explosives, fire or flee from them altogether. Rats are not zombies and are not infected. Character abilities that make you invisible to zombies like the masking vaccine will not work on rats.
- Use the Vanguard Class in Strategic Defensive Locations… Then Charge!
The new Vanguard class is great at both offense and defense. Tap the ability button (LB by default) to deploy a shield. This will protect you from attacks from the front and will also electrocute zombies that come into contact with you. You can create excellent defensive positions with a shield if you stand still in a doorway or a narrow corridor and let your teammates cover you.
Hold down LB to charge forward and knock back enemies in your path. The longer you hold the button, the further you go. The charge maneuver is great if you need to save a teammate who is surrounded by zombies, but it can also be used as a quick escape tool.
- Understand Melee Weapons and Use Signature Strikes
Melee weapons are split into 3 categories: light, medium, and heavy. All light melee weapons are fast – you can swing them many times before getting tired, but they have short reach and can only hit one target at a time. Heavy weapons have a wider hit radius, can hit multiple targets at the same time, but you get tired much faster while using them.
Each melee weapon has its own Signature Strike. Depending on the weapon, it’s a 3rd, 4th or 5th strike in your melee combo. Signature Strikes are very deadly and most melee weapons have unique perks attached to their Signature Strike. Be sure to check out the Weapon Customization screen in the game menu to learn about weapon perks.
My personal favorite is the Heavy Fire Axe. If you use it to kill zombies with its Signature Strike, it will make you invulnerable during the Signature Strike, and allows you to hit one additional target. This makes it the perfect weapon against a big group of zombies, and can save your life when you’re surrounded.
We hope that these tips serve you and your fellow Survivors well!
World War Z: Aftermath is now available for $39.99 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The Aftermath Deluxe Edition, featuring bonus melee weapons and the ornate Explorer Weapons Skins Pack, is also available for $49.99. Veteran WWZ players can upgrade to Aftermath for a discounted price of $19.99 at the Xbox Games Store.
World War Z: Aftermath
Saber Interactive Inc.
$39.99
$23.99
World War Z: Aftermath is the ultimate co-op zombie shooter based on Paramount Pictures’ blockbuster film, and the next evolution of the original hit World War Z that has now captivated over 20 million players. Turn the tide of the zombie apocalypse across consoles and PC with full cross-play. Join up to three friends or play on your own with AI teammates against hordes of ravenous zombies in intense story episodes across new zombie-ravaged locations around the world: Rome, Vatican City and Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula.
World War Z: Aftermath also includes all content from the Game of the Year Edition of World War Z. Players who own the original World War Z or World War Z: GOTY Edition will be able to purchase World War Z: Aftermath at a discounted rate on the same respective platform.
New Stories From a World at War
All-new story episodes in Rome, Vatican City, and the Russian far east at Kamchatka. Play as both new and returning characters as you take the fight to the undead with a brutal new melee system, decimating zekes with unique moves, perks and dual-wield weapon options like the sickle and cleaver. Fend off new undead monstrosities, including swarms of flesh-hungry rats that will unleash total chaos on your team.
The Next Generation of the Zombie Swarm
Play in glorious 4K|60 FPS on Xbox Series XIS. Endure endless waves of increasingly difficult zombies in the new Horde Mode XL game mode on Xbox Series X|S, featuring hundreds more zombies on screen than ever before possible.
Deep Progression and a New Perspective
Experience a heart-pounding new perspective with Aftermath’s immersive new First-Person Mode option. Level up eight unique classes — the Gunslinger, Hellraiser, Slasher, Medic, Fixer, Exterminator, Dronemaster, and all-new Vanguard class — each with their own perks and playstyles. Customize your weapons to survive any challenge, and conquer new daily missions with special modifiers for bonus rewards.
World War Z: Aftermath – Deluxe Edition
Saber Interactive Inc.
$49.99
$24.99
Buy World War Z: Aftermath – Deluxe Edition and get:
• Base Game
• Bonus weapons: The Sledgehammer and Dual Cleavers
• The Exxplorer Weapon Skin Pack
World War Z: Aftermath is the ultimate co-op zombie shooter based on Paramount Pictures’ blockbuster film, and the next evolution of the original hit World War Z that has now captivated over 20 million players. Turn the tide of the zombie apocalypse across consoles and PC with full cross-play. Join up to three friends or play on your own with AI teammates against hordes of ravenous zombies in intense story episodes across new zombie-ravaged locations around the world: Rome, Vatican City and Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula.
World War Z: Aftermath also includes all content from the Game of the Year Edition of World War Z. Players who own the original World War Z or World War Z: GOTY Edition will be able to purchase World War Z: Aftermath at a discounted rate on the same respective platform.
New Stories From a World at War
All-new story episodes in Rome, Vatican City, and the Russian far east at Kamchatka. Play as both new and returning characters as you take the fight to the undead with a brutal new melee system, decimating zekes with unique moves, perks and dual-wield weapon options like the sickle and cleaver. Fend off new undead monstrosities, including swarms of flesh-hungry rats that will unleash total chaos on your team.
The Next Generation of the Zombie Swarm
Play in glorious 4K|60 FPS on Xbox Series XIS. Endure endless waves of increasingly difficult zombies in the new Horde Mode XL game mode on Xbox Series X|S, featuring hundreds more zombies on screen than ever before possible.
Deep Progression and a New Perspective
Experience a heart-pounding new perspective with Aftermath’s immersive new First-Person Mode option. Level up eight unique classes — the Gunslinger, Hellraiser, Slasher, Medic, Fixer, Exterminator, Dronemaster, and all-new Vanguard class — each with their own perks and playstyles. Customize your weapons to survive any challenge, and conquer new daily missions with special modifiers for bonus rewards.
WWZ Upgrade to Aftermath
Saber Interactive Inc.
$19.99
$17.99
World War Z: Aftermath is the ultimate co-op zombie shooter inspired by Paramount Pictures’ blockbuster film, and the next evolution of the original hit World War Z that has now captivated over 15 million players. Turn the tide of the zombie apocalypse on consoles and PC with full cross-play. Join up to three friends or play on your own with AI teammates against hordes of ravenous zombies in intense story episodes across new zombie-ravaged locations around the world. Take back Vatican City in an epic confrontation in Rome, and join forces with survivors in Russia’s snowbound Kamchatka peninsula.
New Stories From a World at War
Take back Vatican City in an epic confrontation in Rome, and join forces with survivors in Russia’s snowbound Kamchatka peninsula in all-new story missions. Play as both new and returning characters as you take the fight to the undead with a brutal new melee system, decimating zekes with unique moves, perks and dual-wield weapon options like the sickle and cleaver. Fend off new undead monstrosities, including swarms of flesh-hungry rats that will unleash total chaos on your team.
The Next Generation of the Zombie Swarm
Play in glorious 4K|60 FPS on Xbox Series XIS. Endure endless waves of increasingly difficult zombies in the new Horde Mode XL game mode, featuring hundreds more zombies on screen than ever before possible. Horde Mode XL will arrive in a free post-launch update on Xbox Series XIS.
Deep Progression and a New Perspective
Experience a heart-pounding new perspective with Aftermath’s immersive new First-Person Mode option. Level up eight unique classes — the Gunslinger, Hellraiser, Slasher, Medic, Fixer, Exterminator, Dronemaster, and all-new Vanguard class — each with their own perks and playstyles. Customize your weapons to survive any challenge, and conquer new daily missions with special modifiers for bonus rewards.
