Infestation

Infestation, or Infestations, is a form of zombie horde that will swarm any unoccupied structure in State of Decay and State of Decay 2. Normally led by a Screamer, an infestation's population starts from 7 zeds (including the Screamer) constantly increasing if left unchecked, though eventually meeting an upper-threshold

Description[]

Infestations are commonly found in every map of both games. These are randomly generated across the map, always accompanying a Screamer(s). If an infestation wasn't immediately destroyed, it's population would constantly increase from 1-3 Screamers and 6-10 normal zeds. Every map will generate infestations over time but it will never exceed the threshold of 6 infested sites.

Plague Infestations are also a thing in State of Decay 2: Heartland, though this type of infestation is only seen in the Trumbull Valley.

Every time an infestation appears, players will be prompted with a quick message on the upper right side of the screen that says "An infestation has appeared and is available on the map". An infested site's location and current population are also detailed on the map. As the number of infested sites grow and also its population, players will encounter more roaming zombies and hordes. Differed morale will be experienced when this happens, it will also lead to an Infested Site Termination objectives.

Clearing infestations especially on harder modes is a thing because it gives temporary morale boost to a player's community. Take note that destroying every infestation in the map at once would not add more morale boost.

Behaviour[]

Infestations are known to be nuisances and must be dealt with immediately. They are also a noisy bunch of hordes and easily detected. They can be seen inside of their infested site or just walking outside while guarding the Screamer(s).

When an infested site got only one Screamer and was immediately killed, the rest of the zeds will become easier targets of exterminations. But if an infested site got 2 to 3 Screamers, and the player chose to kill them first, the remaining freaks will use it's shout to summon more zombies in the vicinity, and if most unlucky, another type of freak would join it temporarily.

Strategy[]

Spotting Infestations[]

Because of their effect on Morale, it is advisable to regularly keep an eye out for infestations. They can be spotted using survey points, or by moving into close proximity to them. It is also possible to spot an infestation using the map: If previously a known location on the map (e.g. a Resource building, building with Nothing Left or an unlooted House) changes to an unknown location (a grey square), then it is certain that an Infestation has taken place in that location.

State of Decay 2 marks the infestations automatically, and will both exist on the map and notify the player.

Clearing Infestations[]

In order to clear an infestation, the player must kill all Screamers and eliminate or drive all zombies away from the area.

With an inexperienced survivor, it is safest to use a vehicle to lure most of the zombies out of the building and run them over, then head inside and kill the remaining few. Having another survivor for backup is recommended.

Since the zombies stand in close vicinity of each other, grenades and other explosives are quite useful for clearing infestations. A single well-placed grenade is sometimes able to clear an entire house, or at least eliminate most of the zombies. A more economical way is to use a Shotgun, in the hand of a survivor specialized in this weapon. A well-placed blast or two at the zombies closely clumped together usually wipe out most of them.

If the player can spare the Influence, artillery strikes are very useful and fun to watch, as is the Call For Backup support option which evens the odds against the large numbers of zombies.

If the player decides to clear the Infestation on foot, care must be taken to eliminate the Screamer(s) first, as their scream will draw nearby zombies and, more importantly, temporarily paralyze the survivors and drain their stamina, making them vulnerable to the zombie mobs nearby.

In case the infestation is located in one of the storages that can be found next to a house, the player should see if there is a propane tank next to one of the walls of said storage; since storages are small buildings, zombies will be confined inside and the explosion of a propane tank will most likely clear the infestation out, regardless of the zombies being inside or outside the storage. In order to make the propane tank explode the player needs a firearm; it is recommended to shoot at the tank from a safe distance so the survivor doesn't take damage from the explosion, and leave the area quickly, as the explosion will draw nearby zombies.

Bug or Glitch[]

The only letdown on clearing an infested site is the Screamer, especially when the survivor is inside its detection zone even when on stealth. This happens in an occasion when the player approaches a door as the freak itself is also facing it, this triggers its scream eventually.

Trivia[]

Police Cruiser is the most effective vehicle at drawing out zombies thanks to its siren in addition to the horn.
Screamers are known to stray outside of the boundary of an Infestation, not only spawning another in the infestation to take its place, but also letting that stray Screamer run free.