(Note: Some said here may not be within your country's laws on FPS limits for airsoft guns). As much as we hate to admit it, “zombies” are staple topics in most airsoft-related conversations. Eavesdrop on any airsofters gabfest and you’re likely to hear players lamenting. Often, you’ll hear players helplessly rant about this so-and-so player: how in hell was he able to survive that barrage of BBs, how come he ignores the hit even if it was right smack on his face, and why the f*** did he still shoot me? Since this type of players often leaves us in such a tizzy, I couldn’t help but wonder: Why the hell bother with them if they can cause us so much stress?

I just had a short chat with a dear friend of mine who had just reentered the airsoft scene after about a five-year hiatus. While he was going through the bittersweet process of reacquainting himself with the weekend airsoft gaming routine, he suddenly called me up for an “emergency” coffee date. “Nakaka-walang gana na ‘to (This has become too disappointing),” he instantly blurted out upon seeing me. Then he relayed how frazzled he was over getting set up for a game, brushing up on “tactics and strategies”, only to be peppered by a hale of BBs by  some guy he had already tagged! Exasperated by his whining, I gave him a very jaded piece of advice: “Just keep away from zombies.” To this, he replied, “But, nakakaaliw silang kalaro (They’re amusing to play with).”

That reply made me thinking…. After years of playing, here’s what I have ultimately found out about airsoft zombies: they are one of airsoft’s most addicting mysteries. My friend was right. Despite the headaches and stress they may cause, they still are nakakaaliw. Or, are they?

Here’s how some of us deal with this “undead” menace:

“They use to say gloves come off. For me it’s silencer off and that is extra 20FPS. All the “zombies” will give up after 600 BBs at 400FPS especially when I aim for the legs (usually no one protects their thighs) or call my teammates to help me give a shower for the dude. It is a great chance for Dead8 (my teammate) to practice with his M249. We just walk out when we run out of ammo and we either pack and leave or wait until “zombie” goes home to mama. At least we can eat sandwich or two in the meantime. You don’t want to be a “zombie” in our neighborhood because pretty soon you end up playing alone and that is not by Brahma a great fun.” – DOM

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“I’d say it depends… If I’m in a particularly good mood, I’d probably chuckle from where i am and continue shooting until he acknowledges the hit (I fire three consecutive shots and rarely fire short bursts). If at some point he still doesn’t want to acknowledge the hit, I’d look for another target, no point getting all worked up over nothing. If I’m not in a good mood, I’d walk back to the safe zone and cool down, I’d also call the attention of the marshal and let them handle it. It’s their site, they should be able to kick out erring players.

If I’m in a particular nasty mood, I’d maneuver to where the player is, switch to full-auto and shoot until he acknowledges the hit.

If he still wouldn’t acknowledge the hit, I’d aim for soft spots... they had it coming.” – Ogre

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Zombies? Ha!

Simple rule for me. IGNORE THEM. I don’t want to waste my precious BBs when shooting at zombies since I’m the stingiest player (as far as my mates are concerned). I hate hit calling (and hit callers) so what else do I have to do? Move on! Let the next
player do the shooting at the zombie since he/she may need some target practice at a steady position.

I don’t condone high FPS when taking out zombies, for safety’s sake. At the end of the day, I try to enjoy the game by playing by the rules. Let the marshals also do the calling of hits, that’s what they’re there for. And by the way, zombies are not the norm at games I play in. There are more honorable players out there than there are zombies. Just by that thought, you’ll enjoy the game.

Will zombies be eliminated soon? I doubt it... highly doubt it. But then, George Romero will have a good time selecting them when they audition for another run of the “Night of the Living Dead”. That’s where they belong.— OptimusPrime

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“I’d rather hit them where they would feel it, if that will make them call themselves out. Personally, I’d rather play with an “alleged zombie” than playing with a whiner and a complainer who feels he has super-accurate aim that his BBs NEVER miss a target.” – Krasny

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As long as one does not use them (“zombies”) as a reason to break more rules, like trying to hit them where it hurts ‘up close’. One way to address this is to simply let them know how others think of them, like calling a medic and have them check the “zombie” in front of everybody--he might not have a pulse or heartbeat already!” – Limar

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“Two wrongs don’t make it right. Violence will only beget more violence and the vicious cycle will contribute to airsoft’s decay. And while we’re on the subject, only in airsoft are there “zombies”. May “zombie” ba kayong nakita sa badminton? (Have you seen a “zombie” in badminton?) Which is my way of saying that this situation is unique to airsoft... That’s why it will require a solution that is also unique to airsoft. Bring them to the marshal’s or site host’s attention. Shame the hell out of them.” – Tungstent3