Types of Zombies

A Zombie, in its broadest sense, is a person who has lost his or her sense of self-awareness and identity, and cares only for the destruction (and often consumption) of any human around, no matter what the circumstances, or cost to his or her self. They make up for this loss of intelligence in sheer numbers, as the state of 'Zombieism' is almost always contagious, and spread virulently, at a devastating cost to surrounding society. Technically speaking, true zombies are always dead, and re-animated.

Listed below are several well known types of Zombies.

The Generic Zombie[]

The Generic Zombie, is a person who has been killed and reanimated by either thaumaturgy or a pathogen, often, but not always due to a virus. They are usually aggressive. They can be curious, but disorientated, and at a loss to fully understand their environment. For the most part, they are usually resistant to damage and rot despite their undead state.

Their most notable trait is their hunger for living flesh.

In some circles, these zombies are known as Walkers. They may not be as immediately threatening as Runners, but they tend to attack in groups, and have astounding durability which makes them a major threat to humans.

Walking zombies can be found in series such as The Walking Dead, Night of the Living Dead, and to a certain extent, World War Z.

See Differences Between Surviving Fast and Slow Zombies

Runners[]

Runner Zombies (sometimes known as The Infected, Sprinters² or Rage Zeds³ ) are Zombies that have the ability to run at a full sprint. This ability separates them (in dealing with them, and in classification) so much, that leading minds disagree whether they should even be considered Zombies at all.

Fast Infected quickly gain ground on survivors and bring them down, attacking them in a frenzied manner. A survivor should never try to outrun the Runners, since they do not tire like humans do. Some theorists propose runners are newly-made zombies that have not begun the process of decaying yet, and therefore still have most human capabilities. The only way to stop them from running is to disable their legs through severing large muscle groups, major bones, or completely severing their legs. Other than that, the only other way is to outright eliminate them. In some zombie settings these guys are the norm, but in other, more traditional settings where slow shambling zombies are the norm these guys are pretty much considered a class of specialized zombie all their own. They aren't as shrewd or cunning as Stalkers, but they make up for it with speed. They are extremely hazardous in typical zombie situations since survivors are frequently caught off guard when one or a pack of them starts sprinting after them when they anticipate zombies to be sluggish moving, interrupting their usual anti-zombie methods developed over years of fighting the undead.

Runners are technically living infected but are still a form of zombies (though the distinction is thought by many^(whom?) to be impractical and antiquated). As such, they are able to run for long duration. What they gain in speed and fervor over their slower cousins, they lose in durability, as they can be killed by wounds to the chest, bleeding out, thirst, starvation, or even the infection itself. But do not count on that, they may still require a head shot just like normal infected. Fast Zombies can be found in the works of World War Z (i.e., the film adaptation, not the original novel), Dawn of the Dead (2004), 28 Days Later, REC 2, the hit video game series Left 4 Dead, Day Z, Zombieland, Z Nation, and many others.

Voodoo Zombie[]

Voodoo Zombies are the resurrected dead, compelled to carry out the commands of a witch doctor. They shouldn't be a threat since they typically do not need to feed on human flesh. They are considered the progenitors of the zombie "species." Under rare circumstances, their condition may be curable, unlike the vast majority of zombies.

Romero Zombies[]

Romero Zombies are the zombies featured in the films of George A. Romero. Romero's vision pioneered modern understanding of a Zombie, and walks hand in hand with a Generic Zombie. Additionally, his works not only catapulted the concept of “zombies” into modern consciousness but also defined the term as we use it today. These Zombies are slow, unintelligent, react to light and sound, harbor an insatiable hunger for living flesh, and are killed by having their brain destroyed.

One difference between the two is the cause of the zombies, which Romero keeps intentionally vague (although a crashed satellite from Venus is alluded to in “Night of the Living Dead”). Perhaps the more notable difference, however, is that in Romero’s fiction, any human who dies is reanimated as a zombie; zombie bites are merely disease-ridden, and hence, kill the victim. But it is death that causes zombification – not the bite. In this way, Kirkman ("Walking Dead") Zombies are similar to Romero Zombies.

Unlike Kirkman Zombies, however, Romero’s zombies are capable of learning, adapting, and perhaps even contemplating the broader implications of their actions. They also have the capacity to remember features of their past life. Examples include the horde coming to the mall out of recalled habit in “Dawn of the Dead”, and Bub remembering how a toothbrush and razor work in Romero’s “Day of the Dead,” and most notably, the Uniontown zombies in Land of the Dead learning to cooperate and use fire in a limited capacity.

Ghouls[]

Ghouls are like zombies, except they spread radiation when attacking. They are victims of nuclear radiation, which rots away their brains to the point of making them feral and only determined to do one thing, attack anyone who is not affected by the radiation. Ghouls are most well known in the Fallout series.

Type A Necro-Mortosis Zombies[]

This type of Zombie is reanimated due to a rare strain, documented by various leading researchers in their field^(whom?). These bodies are re-animated by a mutagenic virus consisting of 7 proteins and eight strands of ribonucleic acid (RNA), which carry the code for making the proteins. The virus then travels quickly throughout the body, reaching all major organs, central nervous system, and brain. The body then goes through a protracted state of shock, followed by a slow and painful onset of mortification and necrosis. However, the brain is still alive. The virus then acts more like a parasitic guest, it needs to gain additional nutrients to continue the feeding of the virus. And so the host impulsively searches for food.The source of nutrition required by the virus, aphion A and betax B, can only be found in warm blood and meat. Hence the cycle begins: The hosts needs to kill to serve the virus to keep the host alive.

Contaminated/The Infected/Carriers[]

Zombies are a potluck of death. A metaphorical walking disease locker (As noted from renown Zombie combatant Marlon from Black Ops II), these types of zombies may be saturated in poisonous liquids, filled with disease-carrying insects, infected by a virus (A plague or viral illness.), or even just doused in infectious slime. These Zombies are walking health risks. Living or dead they can infect you or poison you. While some poisons are not skin absorbed, a survivor encountering this classification of Zombie should take extreme caution with engaging in close combat or even disposing of the bodies. It is recommended that one should wear protective clothing covering eyes, mouth, and nose and wield a long-handled weapon, such as a fire axe or some form of spear. Should one get the substance in question on their person, it is recommended that the residue/insect be removed from the body as soon as possible, as prolonged contact could lead to an insect bite or infection through absorption. If the Zombie is infected by a germ, then it is recommended that survivors wear a hazmat suit. If you can, avoid going near them, as proximity can lead to infection.

Crawlers[]

Also known as Halvers, Chopped, and Ankle Biters, Crawlers are a well known and very annoying type of Zombie. Crawlers are completely disabled in their lower bodies and cannot walk or run like other types of undead. They can be disabled through muscle severing or leg severing; crawlers can also have their legs crushed by a heavy object or car. Crawlers must support their upper torso with their arms and must crawl along on the ground slowly to move to their desired destination. Due to their low profile, they are harder to spot, as well as their low speed makes them a highly dangerous zombie if not paid attention to. The second one neglects to pay attention, they can be taken down by a crawler. This zombie can latch onto the survivor's leg and bite down, infecting as well as maybe disabling their leg. It can also launch at you from a few meters away, aiming for the head or the brain.

Brutes[]

Brutes, the towering monstrosities of the undead horde, strike terror into the hearts of survivors. These lumbering giants often exhibit grotesquely enhanced muscle mass and towering stature, making them imposing figures among the undead hordes. While some Brutes move at a slow and deliberate pace, others defy expectations with surprising bursts of speed, adding an element of unpredictability to their encounters. Their devastating power makes them formidable foes. Brutes can deal far more damage than their lesser kin, making it imperative for survivors to approach them with extreme caution. Engaging Brutes in battle necessitates powerful or automatic firearms, as conventional weapons may prove ineffective. Taking them down swiftly becomes a matter of life and death. Certain Brutes may exhibit unique adaptations, such as reinforced bones or an increased resistance to certain forms of damage. They may also display residual signs of their former lives, like tattered remnants of clothing or insignia, offering a chilling reminder of their human past.

Often seen in Left 4 Dead, these zombies are mutated (possibly through steroids or a bodybuilding regimen during life) and are strong enough to throw cars and even rip chunks of concrete out of the ground to kill survivors. If one decides to battle these zombies, proceed with either powerful or automatic firearms because they will take them out faster. Similar zombies called Rams are featured in Dead Island, as extremely muscular zombies who have been restrained in straightjackets and bite restraint by World Health Organization and Australian military personnel before exhibiting symptoms.

Armored[]

Armored Zombies are the remnants of once-disciplined soldiers and SWAT officers who now shamble forth clad in their old protective gear. These undead soldiers possess a level of resilience that sets them apart from regular zombies, particularly when it comes to withstanding firearm attacks. Frequently, they serve inadvertently or intentionally as shields to shield more fragile zombies situated behind them, creating a formidable barrier for survivors to breach. Survivors find themselves confronted with a grim choice when facing Armored Zombies: expend precious ammunition to pierce their formidable defenses or devise alternative strategies to navigate around these walking fortresses. These zombies serve as grim reminders of the futile struggle for order in a world succumbed to chaos. The armor on these zombies may bear evidence of wear and tear, reflecting the relentless nature of their existence. Some might even carry remnants of tactical gear or weaponry, offering a grim glimpse into their past roles.

The most common source would be military, police, and some civilians.

Hazmat[]

Hazmat suit-wearing zombies are commonly former doctors and scientists who got turned into members of zombie horde when the apocalypse struck. They are usually distinguished from other zombie variants by the fact that they typically wear remnants of their protective suits left over their bodies, which protects them from environmental hazards, most notably fire. Their immunity from fire-based attacks makes flamethrowers and Molotov cocktails ineffective and useless when killing off these zombies. Sometimes, they can be seen having gas tanks attached to their backs, which would explode if shot, making somewhat of a variant to the Exploders. Due to the fact the suit completely covered their face, they cannot see everything well or even bite a survivor upon lunging at them, but will instead rely on their headbutting attacks and various punches to kill a survivor.

Stalkers[]

A certain type of zombie called Stalkers, also known as Ferals or Hunters, embody the zombie's predatory instincts to a chilling degree. These agile and quick-witted undead creatures love to lurk in the shadows, setting ambushes and pouncing on unsuspecting survivors with ruthless efficiency. Their movements are more akin to bestial predators, often seen stalking on all fours, but the reason for this behavior is still unclear. Some speculate that their brains have degraded so much that they have reverted to animal-like movement. These zombies are challenging to hit with ballistic weapons, faster than typical Walkers but slower than Runners. Their low profile makes them difficult to spot in tall grass or dark areas, and their reduced intelligence causes them to attack any living creature they see, except for other zombies of their kind.

Their heightened predatory nature grants them a modicum of intelligence, allowing them to strategize and adapt, making them a perpetual threat to survivors. Sharp claws and teeth mutations, while not universal, further accentuate their lethal capabilities. In some cases, Ferals display the unnerving ability to crawl on walls and ceilings, effectively turning the world into their hunting ground. Stalkers also exhibit predator-like behavior and have been observed ambushing and pouncing on unsuspecting survivors. They are more agile and faster than other types of zombies. Some Stalkers may have sharp claws and fangs, and they often act in a bestial manner, even climbing on walls and ceilings at times.

Stalkers appeared in Land of the Dead: Road to Fiddler's Green (where they also exhibited short bursts of very rapid movement,) and as the Hunter from Left 4 Dead

Animal Zombies[]

Animal Zombies are nonhuman victims of the zombie virus, appearing in many forms based on their species. They help human zombies spread the disease, and more intelligent undead may keep them a pets and mounts. Since their type widely varies, they have abilities akin to their living form, as well as the typical zombie powers. Typically restricted to domestic animals like dogs and cats, these zombified creatures evoke memories of beloved pets now twisted into nightmarish horrors. Occasionally, household rodents join their ranks, rendering even the smallest creatures a source of dread. It's worth noting that this version tends to be limited to animals found about the house, so you're more likely to come across a zombified dog than a zombified chimp.

Notably, these zombie animals tend to mirror species commonly found around homes, meaning that encounters with zombified pets are more likely than encountering larger, exotic animals. However, when exceptions arise, expect to confront predatory or scavenger species like wolves, bears, or carrion birds, each presenting unique challenges and horrors. For instance, you might encounter a Spitter hawk, or a Screamer rhino. Zombified animals may retain vestiges of their former behavior and instincts. For instance, a zombified wolf might exhibit both predatory and pack-oriented behavior, while a zombified bear could be a hulking force akin to the Brute archetype.

A good example of zombie animal is Oscar, the elephant boss of Resident Evil Outbreak

Screamers[]

Screamers rarely engage in direct combat, but rather make an ear-piercing wail that can attract the attention of other nearby zombies. Their specialization is to call out to any other zombies in the vicinity, usually by screaming or screeching. They are usually less physically menacing than other zombies since they have disabilities such as a lack of limbs or arms that are tied (usually by a straitjacket), leaving them to rely on their calls to defend themselves. As well as this, the scream will often stun survivors, leaving a ringing sensation in the survivor's ears for hours to come. They may also shriek upon injury, alerting other zombies of potential threats and will often let out a ‘death-scream’ further alerting zombies. The cacophonous wails of Screamers may vary in intensity, potentially causing auditory discomfort or even physical harm to survivors in close proximity. Their presence poses a unique tactical challenge, as eliminating them swiftly becomes crucial to preventing hordes from converging.

While less physically threatening, the sheer nuisance and potential for overwhelming numbers that Screamers represent cannot be underestimated. Survivors must exercise caution when dealing with them, as their screams can occasionally inflict psychological damage, eroding the morale of even the most seasoned adventurers. They also rarely respond to noises and other stimuli like other zombies, but instead choose to wait.

For example, according to the 2017 French-Canadian film, Ravenous, its zombies, in fact, feel pain and can scream whenever they are attacked, calling for backup in the process.

Bonies[]

Bonies are what a zombie becomes when most of the flesh has rotted from the initial corpse, leaving only heavily blackened, necrotic skin and limited tendons. They are the final stage of zombification and often do absolutely nothing unless a human or zombie gains their attention through interaction.

They have no eyes but would seem to have a form of echolocation; a deep humming can often be heard in their presence. They are not clumsy or shambling, but slow and deliberate in their actions unless motivated to move more quickly.

Bonies are rarely seen by survivors. They most typically reside in large Zombie nests, like airports or shopping centers, and don't tend to have much motivation to leave. They don't appear to attack out of bloodlust, but rather out of the will to make more zombies. They are arguably the elders or alphas of any zombie pack or nest in which they reside; other zombies follow their lead unless the hunger takes over and they become ravenous and savage.

This type of zombie was illustrated in movies such as "Warm bodies"

Similar zombies appear in Land of the Dead: Road to Fiddler's Green, Army of Darkness (although the undead depicted in the Evil Dead franchise are arguably not zombies in the strictest sense, see Deadites, below,) and The Blind Dead franchise.

Pukers/Vomiters[]

Vomiters or Pukers are related to Spitters in that they are one of the few zombies with a ranged attack: in this case, vomiting. The range of the vomit depends on the type of zombie, from just being able to vomit off a roof below to massive range. They rely on their stomach secretions as weapons. Other fluids that they occasionally release can have a different impact, such as slowing down survivors, making them more vulnerable to assault, or drawing additional zombies to them. They typically have inflated bodies and/or mouths that have been altered. Sometimes they can spread the zombie virus swiftly and are also exceedingly contagious. Post-"death," the remains of Vomit Zombies may exhibit highly corrosive or toxic properties, posing an additional hazard to survivors. Destruction of these creatures can result in the release of noxious clouds, further endangering those in close proximity.

Vomit tends not to do any damage, it's primary function is to infect if it is not dealt with quickly. It also has a secondary function, being very irritating if it gets into the eyes or mouth of the survivors. Beware when you look up. The Vomiter Zombies' clothes are usually drenched in vomit and are mutated for the purpose of vomiting, making them weak, slow, and visible. They usually also make belching and vomiting ambient noises when nearby. The Vomiters can also claw if their prey is too close. Beware when battling Vomiters, as although they may take time to vomit, the vomit can serve as a distraction while the other zombies attack. Do not let your guard down, stay focused. Do not let the vomit get inside you, as you could become a zombie too. Their claw attack isn't usually very powerful, so don't worry about that too much.

In many cases, zombies can also vomit blood, and the zombies' blood coming out of their mouths can be lethal enough to turn a victim into one of them. For example, according to the 28 Days Later film series, if a victim strikes back by any chance, a zombie may vomit blood on them in self-defense, and it only takes a few seconds for a victim to turn into a zombie once its blood comes in contact with them.

Exploders[]

Exploders (also called Boomers or Bloaters) are zombies that are characterized by their grotesque bloated forms. Instead of projecting their vomit, they utilize their gastric juices to build up pressure within their bodies. The result is a horrifying living bomb, capable of exploding upon taking sufficient damage or even on contact. These macabre eruptions cover nearby survivors with acid or other foul substances, causing severe harm and chaos. Survivors are urged to maintain a safe distance when confronting Boomers and Bloaters, as their explosive demise can lead to a gruesome and painful end.

A subtype of Vomiters, these guys are typically overweight. Instead of spewing their stomach contents as a projectile (though they may still do so within certain bounds), they build pressure in their stomachs by secreting gastric juices, which turns them into undead acid balloons that explode when they sustain enough damage, occasionally even doing so immediately upon contact or close proximity, dousing anyone nearby in acid or some other vile liquid. When destroyed, these will unquestionably explode. Most Exploders have a build-up of explosive gas in their digestive tract, due to the constant decay of flesh and other body parts. Exploders are especially dangerous at close range because of their ability to send infectious materials and bone fragments in all directions when it's their time to go. Given their explosive nature, caution is paramount when engaging Boomers/Bloaters. Survivors are advised to maintain a safe distance and prioritize their elimination to avoid becoming collateral damage.

It is nearly impossible to tell an Exploder apart from a regular walker, except for the fact that Exploders may be bloated in the abdominal region. Other than that, Exploders are nearly identical to normal zombies, which makes them all the more dangerous. In Dead Island, however, Exploders are very distinct in appearance, being quite bloated and covered with methane filled blisters. The exhibit some semblance of their former self, sometimes pleading with survivors to end their misery.

Spitters[]

Spitters are types of undead that have the ability to launch toxic and caustic liquid out of their mouths to hit unsuspecting targets. The most dangerous part about a Spitter is that they have the capability to perform a ranged attack, which is something that not a lot of other types of zombies can do. Their attacks can severely burn, as well as infect, humans that are unfortunate enough to come face to face with one of these monstrosities. A Spitter's attack is very powerful and unique. Typically, a Spitter uses congealed stomach acid or some other type of acidic liquid to attack at a medium range. Some Spitters can even launch their globs of acid the length of a football field!

The way to differentiate a Spitter from any other type of zombie is that Spitters usually have tattered clothes or burned body parts from a past attack. Spitters may exhibit signs of advanced mutation in their heads, which serve as specialized anatomical structures for projecting their corrosive fluids. They can also make a distinguishable gurgling sound and may have their acid dripping out of their mouths if it is in excess. The safest way to battle a Spitter, as well as any type of zombie for that matter, is to snipe it from a far-away position so that it doesn't have the chance to retaliate. It's best to abstain from fighting at close range with Spitters, since they will undoubtedly have the opportunity to lob a nasty pile of acid right into the face of their attacker. These mutated zombies often employ their unique abilities to create deadly "no-go zones" for survivors. The corrosive nature of their fluids adds another layer of danger, making their encounters a nightmarish test of skill and reflexes.

Regenerators[]

Regenerators are normally as tough as regular zombies, but they recover wounds quickly and regrow limbs. The rate at which they regenerate varies. They must occasionally feed in order to accomplish this. This talent is sometimes shared by other elite zombie types. The longer they survive and eat, the stronger and more dangerous they become, frequently obtaining the qualities of other elite zombie types and more in severe circumstances. This is frequently a hint that these zombies were subjected to experiments.

Smart Zombies[]

While relatively rare, Smart Zombies pose a significant threat due to their heightened problem-solving abilities. They are not easily deterred by simple obstacles like locked doors, and some even demonstrate a rudimentary understanding of tool usage, particularly melee weapons. Incredibly cunning, they occasionally lead the undead horde towards survivor camps and assist in circumventing traps, making them a formidable adversary. The origins of Smart Zombies remain mysterious, and the circumstances leading to their enhanced cognitive abilities often go unexplained. Their tactical acumen and capacity to adapt to survivors' strategies make them a persistent menace in the post-apocalyptic world.

Horde Masters[]

Horde Masters are a rare breed of Smart Zombies that rise to a leadership role within a horde of the undead. Their ascension to this position is shrouded in ambiguity, leaving survivors to wonder how and why they acquired such authority. These enigmatic figures are often seen gesturing, moaning, or groaning to direct the horde's actions, either guiding them towards specific targets or deterring them from certain activities. The presence of a Horde Master within a zombie horde elevates its level of organization and threat. Survivor communities must exercise extreme caution when encountering such hordes, as their coordinated efforts can overwhelm even the most fortified defenses.

Bursters[]

First seen in Charlie Higson's Undead book series, bursters are zombies, or adults who have 'lived' long enough for the infection to completely spread through the zombie's body. Once that happened, if touched they would instantly burst, sending withered internal organs and mushy fat oozing out of its body.

Melting Zombies[]

A Melting Zombie (or Blackrot Zombie), is a zombie whose decomposition cycle is at an advanced state. As a consequence, the skin and flesh start to literally melt away from the bones. Their tend to be considerably slower, but still capable of spreading their condition.

It is notable that Brooks Zombies do not degrade at this rate, they have an, as of yet, unknown defense from micro-organism based cellular degradation, and are extremely durable.

Zombies of Ma[]

In the Zombie Combat Manual, written by Roger Ma, are zombies of unknown origin, similar in many ways to the zombies created by Max Brooks. Notable differences include:

Rapid partial decomposition (which induced intensified rotting stench, also a potent zombie weapon), then a sudden halt in the process (for durability).
No hyper-coagulation as with Solanum. Zombies of Ma splatter when struck, shot, or sliced. Small hand wounds on the zombie continue to stay fairly moist, making their grasp almost as efficient of an infecting method as their bite.
Rapid transformation after bodily fluid contact (from a matter of seconds to a few hours maximum).

Alternative Connotations of "Zombie"[]

The term zombie has various alternate meanings, one notable one being a conformist, a follower, a lemming, or someone who operates at a very low level of alertness and tact (Like people who are always using technology like their mobile phone, and missing what's going on around them). The introduction of the film Shaun of the Dead portrays this connotation satirically.

Zombies of Scientific Origin[]

Zombies of Science are reanimated through a means that can be partially (or superficially) explained by an existing scientific concept. Most frequently, this is by way of a virus. They are the most common types of zombies, featured in many games, movies and novels, such as Max Brooks Zombies and Resident Evil

Brooks Zombies[]

Max Brooks' Zombies are zombies created with the "Solanum" virus featured in the Max Brooks books, The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z. It is noteworthy that the film adaptation of the book will feature fast zombies, instead of the more traditional slow zombies. Most Zombiepedia articles pertain to Zombies of this variety, unless otherwise specified.

In the film adaptation of World War Z, the zombies notably differ from Brook's zombies in the book. They furiously and relentlessly pursue non-infected persons demonstrating notable speed and agility combined with complete disregard for self preservation. These zombies do not seek to consume their victims but merely attack them to spread the infection. The infection itself transforms the host from a healthy being to a full fledged undead in 12 seconds, though the incubation period may vary with reports of it taking 10-15 minutes for persons to turn. These zombies are may be true "undead" rather than just "infected" living persons, the disease killing then reanimating the hosts. These zombies are extremely dangerous both individually and nearly unstoppable as a group, but go "dormant" when no uninfected individuals are nearby. They howl, growl, and scream and demonstrate uncoordinated movements when not in relentless pursuit of prey.

Cordyceps Zombies[]

Cordyceps zombies known as the "infected" are human victims of a strain of Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, a parasitic fungus that affects insects, changing their behavior in ways intended to foster the spread of the disease. In the video game and film The Last of Us and The Girl With All The Gifts, a species of cordyceps begins to infect humans changing their behavior and eventually their physiology to spread the fungal infection.

There are six stages of infection. When the host is initially infected from a bite or inhalation of spores, they have days or hours before the first symptoms set in. The first stage of the infection turns the victims into a "runner" as the fungus drives its victim into a homicidal rage, causing them to begin attacking all non-infected persons. At this point the victims still appear fully human but have diminished eyesight as the fungus begins to grow in the ocular cavity. Runners demonstrate jerky, uncoordinated movement and mutter or scream gibberish.

As the disease progresses, the fungus begins growing into more parts of the body, especially the head, by this point, the victim is half blind, and begins using echolocation to find its victims, this one is particularly known for stalking their prey, hence their name, Stalkers, being the fastest of the four, they are able to spot a human before a runner even has the chance, although they are extremely rare.

In stage three, the victim begins growing more of the fungus, eventually becoming blind, these are known as 'clickers' as the sound they make when using echolocation, these clickers are very strong, as their limits have been reduced to nothing, when angered, it will begin screeching and flailing its arms while running at the target, they are known for being able to overpower physically fit adults.

In stage four of the disease results in the body being covered in fungal growths, expanding the host's mass thus turning them into a "bloater". These are terrifying beings and are particularly difficult to kill.

In stage five, the Bloater becomes a "Shambler", a bloater-like Infected that sprays acidic spores onto its victims. They are toughs to kill and explode when they die.

In stage six, which could be considered a stage, when the victim has been exposed for so long, that the fungus combines them with more victims, it becomes "The Rat King", an amalgamation of Infected individuals. It has all the traits of the combined Infected. It's extremely tough to kill.

Once the fungus senses that the host will die, it directs its victims to find a dark and damp place where the fungus will release its spores. Densely populated urban areas are most susceptible to infection with victims either becoming infected through inhalation of the spores or encountering one of the ravenous and violent infected. Cordyceps zombies, while particularly hardy and relentless in their pursuit of prey, are still living beings and are vulnerable to body shots as well as head shots.

Radioactive Zombies[]

Radioactive Zombies are extremely dangerous to all forms of life. Provided that their radioactivity doesn't wreak havoc on their ability to function, they are one of the deadliest members of the undead that a survivor could face. They can carry their radioactivity with them wherever they go and contaminate water sources, cultivatable land, and even humans and animals that come in contact with them. Their aura of death will not affect them, but can be spread to different places, depending on where the zombie wanders off to. The most dangerous factor about radioactive Zombies is that the survivor probably won't be able to notice that they have been contaminated by radioactivity until it is too late.

Radioactive zombies probably died near a nuclear power plant that had melted down or survived a nuclear explosion that had left unstable energy lingering around the blast radius.

It is highly advised to stay away from suspected areas where radioactive zombies could be. If killed, they could also leave a puddle of radioactive liquid behind, so it's generally better if you take them out from afar.

Bebb or KECK Zombies[]

In a series of novels, William Bebb has created a hybrid zombie which takes elements of the infected living zombies AND the generally more accepted undead variety. The novel, Valley of Death Zombie Trailer Park, chronicles events after an accident at Beaumont Biochemical. An employee died at Beaumont and was exposed to something uniquely disturbing. Rather than contact authorities a decision was made to simply get rid of the corpse. When the corpse reanimates it's a traditional slow walker that carries a viral component that later will be named after the biochemical plant manager that started the whole mess- KECK. When regular people are infected with the Keck virus, within a brief span of time, they become the fast type of zombie. Once killed the infected variety reanimate as the undead- unless killed by having the brain destroyed.

Zack Snyder's popular Dawn of the Dead remake includes fast zombies that are quite dead and still require the requisite head shot to put down for good as in the George Romero original film of the same name. Snyder also clearly showed that in his movie that infection caused zombification.

* See Differences Between Surviving Fast and Slow Zombies

Resident Evil Zombies[]

Resident Evil Zombies were zombies created accidentally via the T-Virus and (later) other types of virus, created by the Umbrella Corporation. These zombies vary from other zombies as not just humans become infected, but animals and plants as well.

The human zombies in Resident Evil follow an evolution line which is listed bellow:

Hyper Zombies: These zombies are "new borns" and they tend to sprint fast towards their prey, they're stronger and a bit faster than the common zombies.
Crimson Heads: After suffering a large T-Virus infection, the zombies start to gain a crimson-like skin colour, their fingers turn into claws and they start to exhale a mysterious gas. Not only they become more aggressive but faster and can take more punishment before dying.
Lickers: Is the final evolution of a zombie as the Crimson Head "evolves" into a faster and more deadly predator. They lose the ability to see, but instead they gain a sensitive sense of hearing and to walk on walls (like a bug). Also they look like as they've been skinned or "inside out". They attack their prey with their sharp claws and their long tongue. A licker is "born" from a zombie who spends a long time without eating.

In the spin off "Operation Raccoon City" the Zombies will eat other Zombies if there is no other food source around, however should a human turn up while this is happening the Zombies will instead focus on the human rather than the Zombie they're eating. This shows a preference for fresh human flesh. The same happens in Resident Evil 2 and 3 of PS1

iZOMBiEs[]

iZOMBiE, TV show on CW (2015- ) iZOMBiE Zombies are actually not REAL ZOMBIES as stated in the first season of the show. They are mutated humans, whose attributes remind of zombies.

A person mutates into a "zombie" if one of three scenarios happen: 1) You consume the energy drink "Max Rager" while at the same time being on the designer drug "Utopium" (also called "Lucky-U"), though the Utopium has to be a special version/mix, which apparently only one person knows how to create (who this person is/was no one knows, though it may be possible, it was Gabriel). This special mix of Utopium was only available on the boat party sponsored by Max Rager. The mix of the drug and the energy drink turns you immediately into a "Romero". 2) You get scratched by an already mutated/infected person. The scratch of the fingernails turns you into an average zombie, though you're not really a "zombie". Your heartbeat beats once every six seconds because of which your body loses it's color pigments. 3) Bodily fluids: this includes consuming blood of an infected person, change of saliva or sexual relationships (even wearing condoms)

For some unknown reason iZOMBiE zombies have to eat human brains. When they do, they take on the traits of the person whose brain they ate. They also get "visions", which are memories of the eaten brain. The visions and the adoption of character traits stop as soon as the brain is isn't in the stomach anymore.

There are two different types of zombies in the show: 1) Normal Zombies: They usually have white/colorless skin, hair and eyes, though many zombies dye their hair and wear make-up to look like normal humans. When they get an adrenalin kick, they automatically turn into "Full-On Zombie Mode", meaning their skin becomes a light purple, the veins around their eyes bulb and their eyes turn blood red. In full-on zombie mode, a person usually doesn't have control over itself. In this state it behaves a lot like classic movie zombies. They're also a lot stronger and have a longer durability, though not inhuman-like. It is to note that a zombie can learn how to control itself while in Full-On Zombie Mode, like the character Blaine DeBeers did. When not in Full-On Zombie Mode, they behave like normal humans because, well... Technically they ARE. The only difference in their behavior is, like already stated above, that they take on character traits of the brain they ate and they also consumes much more pepper than normal humans, due to the fact that they can barely feel the taste of anything that they could feel while 100 % alive.

It is unknown so far if it's possible to heal the zombie "virus". Many test versions of anti-serums were already tested and some even seemed to work for a while, although only with dramatic consequences like death and complete amnesia.

2) "Romeros": They look like typical zombies as seen in Romeros' movies. They can't remember who they are and behave completely like a wild monster. They attack humans at first sight and eat their brains (ONLY the brains). A Romero can't be cured because it's body is already rotting and falling apart.

Normal zombies that go too long without eating human brains (at most, several months) will degenerate into feral "Romero" zombies. Moreover, this change is irreversible: even if such a zombie is fed fresh human brains again, it won't turn them back into a self-aware zombie.

It is to note that, whatever it is in the combination of Max Rager and Utopium that turns humans into "zombies", can also affect animals since there are/were several rats on the show which got turned into zombies. Also, like stated by Ravi Chackrabat, the virus is not spreaded among the specimen, as he was bitten in his finger by a zombie mouse and didn't transform into a zombie later

iZombie also has a comic book, though it is nothing like the TV show.

White Trash Zombie Series[]

White Trash Zombie series, Book series by Diana Rowland, Published by Penguin starting 2011.

Teenage delinquent Angel Crawford lives with her redneck father in the swamps of southern Louisiana. She's a high school dropout, addicted to drugs and alcohol, and has a police record a mile long. But when she's made into a zombie after a car crash, her addictions disappear, except for her all-consuming need to stay "alive".

(See also Redneck Zombies (Troma film))

The Crazies[]

The Crazies are extremely rare infected who have been infected with a ' Rhabdoviridae Prototype ' Bio-warfare agent called Trixie that drives them murderously insane after catching it. They are unique in that after becoming infected, they gain the homicidal and irrational drive of a Zombie, but do not lose any of their intellect, memories, use of weapons and tools, or coordination - they simply become entirely devoted to killing any non Crazy. It is for this reasons that most Zombie researchers do not classify Crazies as Zombies. The Crazies have been known to stand still like a statue, holding their positions, lying in wait for the uninfected. Trixie kills its host after 48 hours.

Nazi Zombies[]

Nazi Zombies are former Nazi German (Imperial Japanese, Soviet Russian, American and Vietnamese) soldiers/civilian who have been infected with Element 115 (Ununpentium, or now officially named Moscovium, one of the heaviest and most radioactive elements). This specific type of zombies refers to the zombies from Treyarch's Call of Duty:World at War, Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Zombies game mode. Element 115 also seems to infect dogs and it is also observed that this element enables the zombie to mutate and grow stronger than before. There are also Nova 6 crawler zombies that were failed experiments by Doctor Maxis. They explode into a cloud of toxic Nova 6 when shot unless killed with a clean shot to the head or stabbed to death. Also scary looking. Then there are:

Outside of COD, Nazi Zombies, and different variations thereof, appear in a number of films, including:

Dead Snow (Franchise)
Shock Waves
Zombie Lake
Horrors of War
Frankenstein's Army
Oasis of the Zombies
The Frozen Dead

A number of other films feature Nazi zombies with capabilities beyond those of conventional zombies, these include:

Outpost (franchise)
Blood Creek

Zombies from WW I as opposed to WW II appear in:

World War Dead
Revolt of the Zombies

Cybernetic Zombies[]

Cybernetic Zombie (also known as Necroborgs) are corpses reanimated by cybernetic and technological means (such as a Husk from the Mass Effect series), not to be confused with a cyborg. Cyborgs are living beings (like humans) with robot parts.

I am Legend Zombies[]

The creatures featured in "I Am Legend," a popular book and movie, reside in dark buildings and resemble vampires. Although not explicitly labeled zombies, they share many similarities with these undead, including heightened senses, sensitivity to light and odors, increased strength and agility, and an inclination toward aggression. Recent reports indicate that these creatures result from a virus initially designed to cure cancer but mutated instead. The virus can infect almost any living creature, but only a tiny percentage of the population is immune.

[BLACKLIGHT] Zombies[]

These are zombies infected by the [BLACKLIGHT] or "Mercer" virus created and researched by the Gentek Corporation in the [PROTOTYPE] game series. The virus is a fast acting infection that links the infected to a central hive mind. The virus itself is adaptable, and is able to change its genetic structure in order to survive. Infected biomass is also able to meld together to create much larger creatures such as Hunter class infected, and Hydra class infected, which are similar to large gorillas and tentacles respectively. The virus also can mutate hosts with specific genetic sequences to create "runners" or unofficially, "Prototypes"; Infected humans that are able to absorb biomass and use it to morph their body to suit their needs, such as Alex Mercer and James Heller. Also, as stated earlier, a "Hive Mind" links all [BLACKLIGHT] zombies. This "Hive Mind" can be controlled by the aforementioned Prototypes no "call" infected creatures (most notably hunter-classed, hydra-classes, and a few others).

There seems to be very little protection from the [BLACKLIGHT] virus as in [PROTOTYPE 2] Blackwatch (a military group similar to Alpha Squads) members were infected by gas that turned them into Evolved (Infected with powers similar to Heller and Mercer but less powerful) and Zombies even with Gas Masks on.

In [PROTOTYPE 2] if you have a specifc DLC pack, you can use the "Viral Infector Grenade Launcher" to create [BLACKLIGHT] Zombies and cause chaos, even in areas where there is no infection. This works on Blackwatch and Military personnel too.

Also, unlike the Solanum zombies, the zombies have been given increased strength and damage resistance. Although, like the Solanum zombies, these zombies have decreased intelligence level, slow, and almost no sense of touch.

Deadite Zombies[]

Deadites Zombies are zombies animated by an as of yet unclassified source. Any life-force, but any known lifeform (plant, animal, even plant, mold spores) has proven susceptible to infiltration of Demons. They are described as evil demonic zombies and are the main antagonists of the Evil Dead Franchise. Their disembodied forms are rarely shown, notable examples being when the evil was put in the "world of the flesh".

The person possessed by the Deadite is totally overwhelmed by the Kandarian Demon's main consciousness, with the resulting Deadite having access to all the hosts memories and behavior.

The Force and Deadite are connected via hive-mind and support the fact that they are multiple in large but unknown numbers.

DOOM Zombies[]

Zombies in DOOM are not created through infection; rather an exclusive result of demonic reanimation. They fall under the Armed Zombie category; in both classic and new DOOM games, they are characterized by their use of firepower against the player. In classic DOOM, zombies appear to be fairly unintelligent; they will walk around, occasionally stopping to fire off shots against the player, and utilize items such as handguns, shotguns, and even chainguns. In DOOM 3, they are split into more-conventional civilian Zombies, and the tactically-intelligent Z-SEC security zombies, which take cover, use squad tactics, and operate weapons such as pistols, submachine guns, and shotguns. In the DOOM reboot, they are the product of a Lazarus Wave; imbued by Argent Energy, they remain active in an undead state. Standard Possessed are mindless, regular zombies; Possessed Security and Possessed Soldiers are far more intelligent (the former using an arm-meshed plasma shotgun and riot shield, and firing in defilade, and the latter using advanced movement tactics and firing a plasma rifle meshed into their right arm in automatic bursts).

Intelligent Zombies[]

Intelligent Zombies, are zombies that retain their personality and intelligence, such as the zombies in Marvel Zombies, Undead or Alive and the house of night zombies AKA red flegings. Another example would be the Head Zombie in Romero's Land of the Dead. In fact, this can be spread to most if not all the zombies in the film, as they show reasoning skills. These zombies are exceedingly rare. Also, in Resident Evil they show the scientist's test subject proving that zombies (in those movies) can intellectually remember how to use the things that normal people can also use. However, if the zombies get angry they then go back to the barbaric mode of their life as a person (classical zombie mode)

One should never assume a zombie to be intelligent unless there is overwhelming evidence in support of this idea. Countless zombie victims owe their demise to hesitation when they wrongly perceive that some vestige of their transformed loved one remains.

Armed Zombies[]

The armed zombie is a variant of Intelligent Zombie, and extremely dangerous for survivors. It only appears in infections where a zombie retains more than absolute basic motor skills- mostly where repeated memories are retained, or where zombies have limited or full intelligence. The chief feature of an Armed Zombie is that it is packing heat- ranging from former survivors with handguns, to heavily-armored zombie soldiers with automatic assault rifles. Their tactical competence widely varies- most Armed Zombies shamble with the rest of the horde, occasionally stopping to take wild potshots from the hip, never aimed, and may be easily defeatable with the simple expedient of waiting until their firearm is out of ammo. Others are more dangerous; those with some retained tactical skill are often a nightmare to fight, as they will move in groups or even "squads" of sorts, and exercise basic tactics such as taking cover or firing more steady, aimed shots. The most intelligent armed zombies in fiction are a match for a human soldier- in this case, it is nearly impossible to fight one in an open confrontation, and the best choice is to simply disengage or totally avoid them.

Sankarea: Undying Love[]

Sankarea: Undying Love (Japanese: さんかれあ Hepburn: Sankarea) is a romantic comedy manga, written and illustrated by Mitsuru Hattori, about a deceased girl who becomes a zombie. The manga was serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine between December 2009 and September 2014 and compiled in eleven tankōbon volumes. The series has been licensed and is published in North America by Kodansha USA. An anime television adaptation by Studio Deen aired in Japan from April 5 to June 28, 2012. A novel adaptation by Ryō Suzukaze was published by Kodansha in July 2012. Chihiro Furuya is a male high school student with a keen interest in zombies, collecting zombie-related videogames, film and manga, and even to the point of desiring to "kiss a zombie girl". Following the death of his pet cat, Babu, he attempts to revive it using an old manuscript, which describes the process of creating a potion for resurrection. At this time, he encounters a girl named Rea Sanka, who has run away from home. In an attempt to commit suicide, she drinks a sample of the "resurrection" potion which is created from the poisonous Hydrangea macrophylla flower, although this fails to kill her. Following an argument with her father, she falls from a cliff by accident and dies. However, as a result of the potion, she becomes a zombie who eats hydrangea leaves to survive. The story follows the life of Chihiro and his new 'zombie girlfriend'.

The Girl With All The Gifts[]

The Girl With All The Gifts is a film that featured a child who was revealed to be a zombie, while still being able to think and feel for herself like a normal human being.

Giant Zombies/Behemoths[]

Giant Zombies, or Behemoths, are an extremely rare and powerful zombie that have mutated into an extremely gigantic size, ranging from as big as a truck to as big as a small building. While they tend to lack any intelligence, their size and strength make them an extremely deadly opponent, they may also throw heavy objects at human survivors. Examples of Giant Zombies can include the Titans from Dead Frontier, the Demolishers from Dying Light, and the Zombie Hulks from Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead.

Rot and Ruin Zombies[]

Rot and Ruin Zombies are zombies that appear in the Rot and Ruin book series by Jonathon Maberry. Rot and Ruin Zombies are unique, in the fact that they not only reanimate through infection by bite, all humans that die after First Night, or the initial outbreak reanimate as living dead, regardless of any contact with an existing Zombie. Infectious agents only appear to exist in the Zombie's saliva. Scratches do not appear to cause any long term damage.

Attracted by noise, light, and movement, Rot and Ruin Zombies will chase and bite all forms of life, be it human or squirrel, however only appear to be interested in consuming human flesh. Some wild boars can become zombies. Zombies appear to have little to no brain activity, being rarely to open doors, or use weapons except in extraordinarily rare cases where freshly turned Zombies will pick up sticks or rocks to use as weapons. A mutated form of the Reaper Plague makes faster and smarter zombies that can use weapons, run, and open doors. Some can change their gait to that of a slow zombie and hide (One hid behind a car and bit a soldier, and imitated a normal zombie,killing 2 more before it was killed). Zombies treated with Archangel (see below) also gain these abilities.

Since the Zombies do not themselves move for any reason unless they see a stimulus, hordes of Zombies as well as single Zombies will stay in one spot for years without stimulus, even allowing vines to grow over their feet and legs. After a certain point, Rot and Ruin Zombies stop decaying, and will not consume corpses that are already dead. They will stop eating a fresh body after a certain point, are put off by the smell of rotting flesh and will not consume other zombies. It is unclear why, all though if bleach is used, Zombies will attack anything on sight, including other Zombies. making seem as if Zombies can smell the difference between humans and other living things and other Zombies.

Noms, or Nomadic Zombies are extremely rare, but do exist. These are zombies that will move on their own, without any apparent stimulus.

Rot and Ruin Zombies can be put down by any fatal damage to the brain and brain stem. Bashing in the skull or simply cutting the brain stem will do, and it is highly advised that one cut the brain-stem or "quiet" any human immediately upon death, as most humans who die soon reanimate. There is a small (less than 1%) amount of people that will not re-animate, and decay properly upon death.

A special extract of the "juices" created during the rotting of flesh can be created by crushing and filtering corpses and flesh after rotting. This awful smelling liquid called Cadaverine can be sprinkled on clothing and hair to help prevent Zombie attacks. Unless used in huge quantities, which is not recommended, Zombies will not refrain from attacking, but will hesitate in their assault, allowing for quick disposal of the Zed if things get too close for comfort.

The cause of re-animation is a mix of bacteria, viruses and parasites called Reaper.

Reaper has a cure called Archangel. It causes the zombies to degrade in about a week, although the zombies become smarter and nearly as fast as a living human running before they rot. They become runners for 2 or 3 days, then they will slowly down and rot, then they will decompose properly. The living infected will be cured, but must continue taking Archangel or they will revert to a infected state, but if they die, they will not re-animate. If a healthy human is about to die (I.e gunshots, cuts, and other things), then take Archangel, they also will not re-animate.

[•REC] Zombies[]

They are people infected/possesed by a supernatural pathogen which was created when Priest Albelda was trying to cure a child of demonic possession , but something went wrong when the used enzyme has mutated in a virus that was a contagious demonic possession.

Humans are not the only ones that can be infected, animals too can get infected. In the first film, Jennifer's dog was infected by the same virus and caused havoc in a veterinary clinic, and another case from the the third comic entitled "Zoombiii¡" when an infected man made its way to the Zoo of Barcelona and infected all the animals including the albino gorilla named "Snowflake".

The infected's eyes are usually blood red or blank white. And they move very fast. They can only be killed by shooting or destroying the head where the brain is located. And they can be stopped or frozen by reciting prayers or performing an exorcism.

Revived And Revitalized[]

These two zombie types are documented in the book series "Zom-B" by Darren Shan. Revived are fast zombies that eat brains. They have poor vision but a great sense of hearing and smell. However, their good hearing can be used against them with high-pitched and loud noises. They can hear a heart beating, and they hate the sun. This doesn't mean humans are entirely safe, as they will still run through light if needed. Destroying the brain is the only way to kill them. They have large bone-like claws sticking through their fingers and toes and have large, growing teeth. They can live for up to thousands of years.

Revitalized are zombies that were "vaccinated" and given a mark. This means they will regain their senses after a few months of being infected. They will melt if they don't become infected after around 20 years of being vaccinated. There is a much higher chance of revitalizing as a teenager than as an adult. They are required to eat brains. If a Revitalized goes a week or two without feeding on brains, it will become a Revived.

Their features are a lot like Revived. Tear ducts are dry, so crying is not an option; claws in the fingers, toes, and teeth need to be filed back regularly so they don't fill the entire mouth. Notably, their eyelids don't work, so like Revived, they can't sleep. For the first few months before revitalizing, they remain Revived. After the first four weeks of revitalizing, they can form essential words and must have their tongue at the bottom of their mouths when speaking to avoid accidents.

Zombie Rules Zombies/Evolving Zombies[]

This variety of zombie appear in the Zombie Rules series by David Achord. At the beginning of the series, these zombies are similar to the classic Romero zombie. They are slow moving and unintelligent and seem to have no need for the flesh they consume. However, throughout the series they begin to display characteristics that they are no longer 'classic' zombies and are (at first) healing and then evolving. Some are witnessed scoping down to drink water from puddles, others are shown to be healing from the decomposition they endured.

Investigations carried out by the characters in the series show that the zombies digestive tracts have begun working again, they show signs of a primitive thought pattern, and the zombies actively seek out shelter during cold weather or rain. They begin to communicate again- albeit at a very basic level, consisting mainly of grunts, growls and pointing. At least two of the infected are worthy of note, as they display other characteristics worthy of mention.

1) Big Bastard shows tactical thinking-- being able to plan ambushes and remember faces of people who have 'harmed' him. He is able to "take charge" of other zombies and co-ordinate them in a sneak attack.

2) Peggy shows sign of further thinking. Before being put down she regained the power of speech and was able to recognize, and utter the name of, her husband. She was also able to recognize she was in danger when she had a gun pointed at her and was able to signal other zombies for help. There was speculation among the survivors as to whether this was due to the vocalization she made or whether the theorized mutation of her brain led her to have some level of telepathic link to other infected.

Overall, the infected begin to behave strangely- with it hinted at that some (as indicated above) have some form of telepathic control over others. Also, they begin to show signs of moving as a herd, and not just a random formation. Several thousand are seen using a rail track to evacuate Nashville once that area had become depopulated of food, and several hundred, with no vocal signal or other sign, turn to face several survivors who are hiding, but they do not attack-- further solidifying in the minds of the survivors the theory that the infected share a telepathic link.

One Piece Zombies[]

They are bodies that were prepared by the efforts of Dr. Hogback and revived by the shadows of Gecko Moriah. These zombies, eventhough they all have a disheleved appearance, they all have human personality, except for those who received animal shadows, instead. The newly created zombies will all have personality of the owner of their given shadow, being capable even of betraying their master at first and giving the watcher many comic momments, but as the time passes, traits of such personality disappears, making them totally loyal to their creator. Also, these zombies will have numbers marked on their bodies, according to the order of their creations. Human zombies will have gray skin, while non human zombies may vary on their skin color, such as oarz being red and the cerberus having blue and yellow color, due to the fact that his body was made by the bodies of two dogs and a fox. The zombies will also have stitch marks around their bodies. They can all be killed by consuming salt, and their shadows will return to their respective owners, no matter how far or close they are. Persons who regained their stolen shadows may have some brief memories of his zombies, such as when Lola had the feeling of already knowing Nami when they never met actually. Unlike most of the zombies from popular culture, they have no interest on feeding themselves.

Metal Slug Zombie[]

They are common persons zombified via allien technology. They can zombificate other persons by having their bodily fluids entering in contact with the victims. The victim lies dead on the floor and rises upon being affected by a lightning straight from the sky. The protagonists from the game can also be turned into zombies, but their attacks consists on puking a giant blood geyser that destroys everything on its path. They are also unaffected by the attacks of the Morden's Army, but can die if entering in contact again with the bodily fluids of a zombie or a boss attack. The can become humans again by collecting medical items, usually dropped by doctor zombies.

High School of Dead Zombies[]

The origin of their zombification was never explained on the anime or manga. They have gray skin and an almost invisible or no eye iris at all, making them blind and having to count on their hearing to find their prey. Except for these facts, they will behave like any zombie. Hisashi Igou has named the zombies as "them", and since then, this name was used on the anime. They also have no interest on animals.

According to conspiracy theorist demonstrators, they are created by a bioweapon made inadvertently by a U.S.-Japanese government joint. There is absolutely no cure to this global epidemic, thus uninfected people having sex with people with natural immunity is the only way to repopulate the Earth.

Tokyo Summer of the Dead Zombies[]

The origin of their infection was never revealed and they are slower during night time.

Naruto Zombies[]

These are the three types of zombies found within the Naruto series.

Edo Tensei Zombies[]

They are summoned from the dead by the already quoted jutsu "Edo Tensei" when the users uses an alive person as sacrifice to receive the summoned soul. A DNA sample of the summoned must also be used on the jutsu, so the summoner will mostly violate graves for parts of body. They will have nearly the same appearance they had when alive and will be fully conscious and have memories from their lives. They will also keep their jutsus, being kekkei genkai or not. At first, the summoned zombie can act freely, but if the summoner places in their heads a kunai with a cursed tag, the zombie will be forced to obey him, losing the control of his movements little by little. An unavoidable characteristic of a reincarnated body is the darkened sclerae, with a soul that retains its personality having grey sclerae and a soul with a suppressed personality having black sclerae.

Soil Zombies[]

Summoned by the jutsu Earth Release Resurrection Technique Corpse Soil. The user can summon them in two ways: partial and fully.

Partially: They will behave like any zombie: no intelligence, physical prowess or jutsus. They are easy to destroy and once destroyed they are reduced to dust. They will also be reduced to dust if the summoner is defeated or undo the jutsu. Fully: the summoner resurrects the summoned completely and has full control over them, despite the fact that they are conscious. The summoned also has full access to their tecniques.by performing a Snake hand seal and snapping their fingers, the summoner of this technique releases the resurrected targets, turning them into loose soil

Explosive Zombies[]

Also known as Kibaku Ningen, they are zombies that explodes when wounded.

Yugioh Zombies[]

There is a wide variation on their appearance, varying between mummies, Yokais, vampires, ghosts, skeletons or revived corpses. In some few cases, they will have doll appearance, such as the cases of Necroface and Necro Manequinn. Zombies also have two of their own Structure Decks: Zombie Madness and Undead World/Zombie World. Some of the Synchro Zombie monsters are zombified versions of already existing monsters, requiring the famous Plaguespreader Zombie to Synchro Summon them.

The Evil Within Zombies[]

Even though they're not dressed as zombies on the game, they're basically zombies. See more details in The Haunteds.

Chicken Zombies[]

Chicken Zombies although sounding ridiculous, are the only zombies proven to actually exist. (See CONPLAM 888)

Sleeper Zombies[]

From the zombie survival game Mini Dayz. These are regular zombies that will lie down in cities or roads (to feign Rigor Mortis or something similar) and will usually wake up when provoked by survivors or something else noisy. While it's unlikely you'll find a regular z sleeping, those that do will usually retain some basic motor functions.

Headcrab Zombies[]

Original article: Headcrab Zombies

Headcrab Zombies possess the body of the average human, male or female, with a Headcrab latched to the host's head. Due to the Headcrab's slow adaptation process possessing a human, the host tends to stumble towards their pray slowly, like a typical zombie.

Key characteristics are their incredibly long and sharp claws which cause severe lacerations, incredible strength, as seen when they are able to lift Black Mesa security officers up with ease, and a large chest cavity that is used for feeding.

Despite the Headcrab having complete control over the host's body, the host still remains concious and alive until the Headcrab is detached or the host is killed. In Half-Life, Headcrab Zombies would make alien like groans and grunts, followed by a slight chuckle. In Half-Life 2, however, the host would groan in extreme pain and when set alight, cry. If one were to reverse some of the standard Headcrab Zombie's audio, it would reveal someone shouting "Help, God! Help, help me!" or "It burns!".

After a long period of time, a Headcrab Zombie would evolve and transform into a Gonome. Gonomes were much taller than the average human, standing at atleast six or seven feet tall. They are much faster than the regular zombie, and their chest cavity had mutated across their entire torso with green tumors appearing on the host's body. They could also reach inside of the cavity and throw a poisonous substance at their prey.

There are also two other zombie variants - Fast Zombies and Poison Zombies. Fast Zombies have very little to no skin, along with severely atrophied muscles and exposed bones. They use their sharp, elongated claws to attack their prey and additionally have the ability to pounce. They are the fastest but weakest zombie variant. On the other hand, Poison Zombies are far more durable and stronger, albeit very slow. They uniquely carry multiple Poison Headcrabs on their back and are capable of launching them at their prey.

ELID Infected[]

A kind of zombie-like creature that appears in mobile game Girls' Frontline and simulation game Bakery Girl(AKA Reverse Collapse: Code Name Bakery).

Eurosky Low-Emission Infectious Disease, otherwise known as ELID, is an affliction which mutates any living organism that has been exposed to Collapse Fluid (CF) Radiation. Persons who went through complete infection without dying start acting similar to zombies, and are called “ELID Infected” or “ELIDs” (“ED Infected”). Not only humans, animals can be transferred to ELIDs as well.

ELIDs will be attracted by any noises and movement which is not produced by the infected and they tend to attack everything but one of them. Their muscle level seems to be enhanced and a few of them will turn into giant creature called Smasher. They seems to retain some kind of muscle memory, as soldiers who turned into ELIDs will sometimes aimlessly but haphazardly firing their rifle. Infected are hard to kill due to the layer of hard silicon formed over their skin. Tests conducted on an ELID Boar revealed that 9mm bullets were ineffectual and 5.56mm caliber ammunition posed little threat to the hardened hide.

It should be noted that ELIDs are not living dead. They're basically still living creature.

In 2030s, the once heavily popularized area in southeast China, the West Coast of United States and the North Europe are all heavily suffered from CF Radiation. It could be estimated that by the time of 2060s, hundreds of millions of ELIDs are still wandering on earth.

Left 4 Dead Zombies[]

L4D Zombies are living humans infected with the green flu, or "the infection". The aforementioned infection is a rabies-like pathogen which converts living humans into feral zombie-like creatures. It should be noted that they're still alive, although they're constantly pumped full of adrenaline and furious. There are multiple variations of infected and they're divided into three groups: common infected, uncommon infected and special infected.

Common Infected[]

As the name implies, the common infected are the most common zombie variant. Due to reduced skin pigmentation, they always have a pale greyish skin color. They also have yellow glowing eyes, which is likely a symptom of the virus.

Upon spotting anyone who isn't infected, they will become extremely furious and attack them on sight by punching, kicking and clawing at them. Due to constantly being in an adrenaline rush, they tire less easily and are capable of scaling fences or climbable objects with ease. While not attacking, they often can be seen pointlessly roaming around or sitting and sometimes clawing at various objects, vomiting and stumbling around. More rarely, they can be seen fighting with each other.

Uncommon Infected[]

The uncommon infected are rarer variations of the common infected, which are also not to be confused with special infected. They mostly wear unusual outfits, have unique abilities or carry useful equipment.

The most notable uncommon infected is Jimmy Gibbs Junior. He was a famous race car driver before the infection started and he was infected with the virus as well. Due to his racing suit, he is entirely fireproof, very durable and additionally immune to pipe bomb/bile bomb luring. He can also blind his prey with oil.

Other uncommon infected include:

CEDA Worker Infected, who are fireproof and have a chance to drop a bile bomb,
Fallen Survivors, who will drop their equipment upon dying,
Clown Infected, who lure other zombies,
Mudmen, who are capable of blinding their prey with mud,
Worker Infected, who ignore pipe bombs and luring by bile bombs,
Riot Infected, who are greatly resistant and have a chance to drop a nightstick.

Special Infected[]

These zombies are special, further mutated variants of infected who possess unique abilities. They pose a great threat to survivors.

Smoker[]

The Smoker's mutation was most likely caused by throat/tongue cancer (presumably due to continuous smoking, hence the name) which interfered with the infection and resulted in the Smoker's face and neck being overgrown with tumor-like growths. The Smoker has multiple, extremely long tongues sticking out of his head, although only one of them is usable. The mutated tongue is used by the Smoker to tangle up survivors and drag them closer to claw them to death.

Jockey[]

The Jockey is a hunched over zombie whose most prominent ability is to pounce on his prey and squirm on them while clawing at their face, overbalancing them and either leading them to other infected or making them fall off a high point, which kills the Jockey in the process. Before being infected, the Jockey presumably affected by some kind of a mania or a mental illness, as he can be seen constantly shaking, laughing and gurgling.

Witch[]

The Witch is more similar to common infected compared to the rest of special infected, as she isn't very physically affected by the virus and has about the same greyish skin color. She possesses an unique mutation which is mostly based around emotional instability, as she is always seen crying and sobbing, not bothering to attack the survivors unless she is startled. However, her fingers were notably mutated into long, sharp claws capable of killing survivors with ease.

Boomer[]

The Boomer mainly underwent heavy mutations related to the gastrointestinal system, which hypothetically caused bile overproduction and gave the Boomer the ability to projectile-vomit mutated bile, which attracts most other zombies, although it never affects special infected and most uncommon infected. The Boomer is also covered in growths and is severely bloated. Upon being shot, the Boomer will explode and cover nearby prey in bile.

Charger[]

The Charger is capable of reaching immense speeds, charging into his prey and ramming them away, then grabbing them and smashing them to death. The Charger's right arm is overgrown and lumpy, while the left arm has little to no muscle mass and is unusable. Due to the muscle mass difference in both of the arms, the Charger is always leaning right because of overbalance.

Hunter[]

The Hunter has an ability similar to the Jockey's, except he is capable of pouncing way further and instead of riding his prey, he will pin them down and claw them to death. The Hunter's eyes are hidden under his hood and there's notably blood running from them, which indicates that he uses echolocation due to being blind.

Tank[]

The Tank is a massive mutated infected who developed inhuman strength, being capable of throwing cement chunks many meters away and knocking over cars with ease. The Tank's mutations are most likely caused by the virus somehow interfering with a large intaken quantity of steroids. The Tank's jaw may look like it's missing, although it's actually fused with his torso.

Zombieland Saga Zombies[]

Are zombies that are revived by unknown means. They can be either human or animals. These zombies have two statuses: mindless zombies and the awakened. When a corpse is first revived, it becomes a mindless zombie, but once awakened, it gains the ability of speak, moving on his/her own and memories of when living. It is theorized, however, that the mindless zombie behavior is an emulation of their last moments before dying. After receiving the correct stimulus, a mindless zombie awakens. The zombies will have scars, grey skin and red eyes and several bandages around their neck or limbs and restitched skin, indicating their possible cause of death. So far, only 8 zombies were shown in the series: the Franchouchou members and the dog Romero. Kotaro oftens uses a make-up on the girls so they look as if they were still alive. Curiously he does not do the same to Romero. Also, the zombies does not feed on alive flesh, but they, instead, have their taste for food. Tae Yamada is the only human that still behaves like a zombie.

Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island Zombies[]

The zombies were the cursed victims of the werecats Simone Lenoir, Lena Dupree and Jacques on Moonscar Island. Just like your typical zombie stereotype, they lack eye pupil, only have skin and bones and their clothings are ripped and tattered. They can also have their limbs detached and reattach them, and their body parts can move on their own. The werecats used to drain out the living force of unwary victims at the Moonscar Island to maintain their young appearance as well their immortality, transforming them into skinny zombies. Upon noticing the arrival of new possible victims, the zombies would warn them to get out to avoid sharing the same fate. Amongst the zombies, there were pirates, confederate soldiers, tourists, spice traders, indicating their time of origin. When the 3 villains were finally defeated, the zombies's soul ascended to heaven, finding their eternal rest.

Zombie Land Saga zombies[]

Are 7 fully sentient zombies girls, able to speak, revived by unknown means that remembered the life they had and how they died, however, unlike Sakura Minamoto that apparently was revived already sentient, all the other zombies girls had to take some mind stimulus to recover their sentience, as they were acting like regular zombies. There is also a zombie dog named Romero that died of unknown means. In the tease trailer of Zombie Land Saga Movie: Beyond Revenge, Kunio Murai is killed by Hakuryu and returns as a sentient zombie.