Infected and behavior

The most common infected. Slow, predictable and dangerous only in groups. A single Walker is easy to avoid. Ten of them can block a street.

Common

Quieter and more persistent than a Walker. Stalkers close distance while the player is distracted. Often the first sign of trouble is a bite from behind.

Uncommon

Fast and aggressive, but has poor stamina. A Runner closes distance quickly but can be outrun over longer distances. Forces immediate decisions.

Uncommon

Erratic and unstable. Shamblers have unpredictable movement patterns, making them hard to hit and harder to ignore. A wildcard in any engagement.

Rare

Heavy infected with increased health and damage. A Brute hit carries higher infection and injury risk. Engagements should be planned, not reactive.

Rare

Gunfire, engine revving, rushed movement and even shouting in voice chat (proximity) can draw infected toward a player's position. Suppressed weapons help but do not guarantee silence.

A car is not a safe room. Infected can surround a vehicle, and a stranded driver with a broken engine has limited options. Moving vehicles attract attention at range.

Players inside a shelter perimeter are not valid targets for infected. However, infected outside are not despawned when someone enters safety. The horde stays where it formed.

Not every hit causes infection, but every hit rolls the dice. A single bite from a Brute carries higher risk than a Walker scratch. Treat wounds early, or carry the consequences.