Humans are social animals, proven by the existence of villages and societies even since man has invented language. This shouldn't be altered after the apocalypse as a group provides more manpower, security and also helps in keeping one from being insane (unless you learnt how to talk to a ball or mannequins). However keep in mind that a group of people does have its drawbacks, consider the pros and cons for you before grouping up
Common group sizes[]
There are a few common groups in the apocalypse:
| Unit type | Number of personnel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fireteam | 2 to 5 | The basic group consists of only a few people, is portable and easy to maintain, however it lacks in manpower and firepower especially in fights. most of these groups consist of friends and families. |
| Squad | 6 to 14 | A step-up from a Fireteam. Is somewhat maintainable and still retains mobility. it has sufficient manpower in running small farms and secure middle to large bases (schools, malls etc...). Most of these groups consist of friends, families and some trusted survivors |
| Troop/Camp | 15 to 50 | Starting from here it's most likely these group sizes will choose to live long-term in a position. It has more than enough manpower to run farms, hunting squads and even have lookouts (such as snipers and gunners...) |
| Clan/Village | 51 to 100 | This is where it becomes a large group and systems that exist in modern society reappears (power, law, politics, economy, education, etc). It has a very huge amount of manpower and can even transform into a trading group, provided it has enough resources. these groups are mostly impervious to raids but may crumble from the inside due to infights (most likely for power). |
| Society | 101 to 200 | To take on a society, you have to be leading another society or be extremely well planned. These types of groups typically live in parts of reclaimed cities, towns etc. You may find some society's economy run with currency instead of bartering. |
| Population | 200+ | Basically, people who are able to form such groups are highly skilled in leading and dedicated to rebuilding society. They rarely exist during the apocalypse due to the nature of human in fighting for power and others. |
General rules of thumb[]
Some general rules of grouping up:
- Then your manpower increases, the same applies to their needs (foods, water, meds, weapons).
- The more people you have, the more likely want to settle for long term living in a place.
- The more people you have the more attention you draw, and most likely will happen conflicts (bandit raids, sieges, wars). To build good relationships with other groups, always remember your goal is not to kill everyone but to survive.
- Remember to always check on your members, one hidden walker is enough to destroy an entire civilization you built (although the more members you have the harder you can check).
- Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, and the 36 strategem are usually right. Always look out for selfish people in your group, change their minds if you can. If not strike fear into the others who sought to overthrow you by executing them (although Machiavelli points out that pragmatism is needed in order to inspire fear and not hatred).