Special Attack

Special Attacks are moves designed specifically to knock down multiple zombies or instant-kill a single zombie. They are only available to characters specialized in melee weapons. To acquire a Special Attack, characters must first reach Fighting skill level 4, then choose to specialize in a type of melee weapon (Blunt, Edged or Heavy. See Weapon Specialization). At level 4 of weapon specialization, they can pick one of two special attacks available for that weapon. The choice is permanent.

Blunt Weapons

Uppercut

• A powerful attack that knocks enemies down.

• Hold (LB) and press (X) or hold (Left SHIFT) and press (Left Mouse Button) on PC to launch an attack guaranteed to knock the target down.

Spinning Backhand

• A special attack that hits everything in a large area in front of you.

• Hold (LB) and press (X) or hold (Left SHIFT) and press (Left Mouse Button) on PC for a special attack that hits a large area in front of you. High chance to knock down enemies (but not always guaranteed).

Edged Weapons

Low Slice

• Special attack that dismembers the target's leg. (video)

• Hold (LB) and press (X) or hold (Left SHIFT) and press (Left Mouse Button) on PC to perform a quick attack that slices off the targets' legs. Works against multiple zombies. Armored zombies will not have their legs cut off by this attack because of their armor, but will still be knocked down by the attack. Screamers, Juggernauts and Ferals are immune to this attack.

Decapitate

• Slow attack that automatically decapitates a single target. (video)

• Hold (LB) and press (X) or hold (Left SHIFT) and press (Left Mouse Button) on PC to launch a slow, focused attack guaranteed to decapitate the target. Note that the slow animation can be interrupted by attacking zombies.

Heavy Weapons

Sweep

• A special attack that hits everything in a wide area in front of you, with a chance to trip or dismember.

• Hold (LB) and press (X) or hold (Left SHIFT) and press (Left Mouse Button) on PC to launch an attack that hits a wide area in front of the character. Trip enemies (SWAT zombies) or remove their legs (normal zombies).

Spin

• Slow attack that hits all enemies around you and knocks them down.

• Hold (LB) and press (X) or hold (Left SHIFT) and press (Left Mouse Button) on PC to launch a slow, Stamina-draining spinning attack that knocks down all normal zombies nearby.