They Are Billions: Surviving The Zombie Apocalypse
Hey guys! Let's dive into the thrilling world of They Are Billions, a real-time strategy game that throws you into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by, you guessed it, billions of zombies! This isn't your average zombie game; it's a test of your strategic thinking, resource management, and sheer willpower. Forget casually strolling through a zombie-infested town – here, you're building the last bastion of humanity against a relentless horde.
What Makes They Are Billions So Addictive?
They Are Billions isn't just another zombie game; it's a masterclass in tension and strategic depth. The core gameplay loop revolves around building and defending a colony against increasingly massive waves of zombies. What sets it apart is the sheer scale of the threat. We're talking about billions of undead, all hungry for your colonists' brains. This necessitates careful planning, resource allocation, and a cool head under pressure. One wrong move, and your entire colony can be wiped out in minutes.
The game offers two primary modes: Survival and Campaign. Survival mode is a pure test of your base-building and defensive skills. You start with a small command center and must expand your colony, gather resources, and build defenses to withstand progressively larger and more challenging waves of zombies. The map is procedurally generated, offering a different experience each time you play. Campaign mode, on the other hand, provides a more structured narrative experience. You'll embark on a series of missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. This mode introduces new technologies and units gradually, allowing you to learn the game mechanics at a more manageable pace.
Resource management is absolutely crucial. You'll need to balance your economy, ensuring you have enough food to feed your colonists, energy to power your buildings, and materials to construct defenses. Neglecting any of these areas can quickly lead to disaster. The game also features a robust tech tree, allowing you to research new buildings, units, and upgrades. Deciding which technologies to prioritize is a key strategic decision, as it can significantly impact your ability to survive. The zombies themselves come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own unique abilities and weaknesses. Some are slow and lumbering, while others are fast and agile. Some can infect your colonists, while others can break through walls with ease. Understanding the different types of zombies and how to counter them is essential for survival.
Tips and Tricks for Surviving the Horde
Surviving in They Are Billions requires more than just luck; it demands strategic thinking, careful planning, and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics. Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you keep your colony alive:
- Early Expansion is Key: Don't stay huddled around your command center. Quickly expand outwards to secure valuable resources like wood, stone, and iron. Building resource outposts early on will give you a significant economic advantage.
- Prioritize Defenses: Invest in walls, towers, and units to protect your colony from the relentless zombie waves. Focus on creating chokepoints and funneling the zombies into kill zones.
- Scout, Scout, Scout: Explore the map to identify potential threats and resource locations. Knowing where the zombie swarms are coming from will allow you to prepare your defenses accordingly.
- Tech Wisely: Choose your technologies carefully. Prioritize those that will provide the most immediate benefit to your colony's survival. For example, researching better walls and towers is often a good early investment.
- Manage Noise: Zombies are attracted to noise, so be mindful of the noise level of your buildings and units. Avoid placing noisy structures near your defenses, as this can draw unwanted attention.
- Use Terrain to Your Advantage: Utilize natural terrain features like hills and forests to create defensive positions and funnel the zombies.
- The Pause Button is Your Friend: Don't be afraid to pause the game frequently to assess the situation and issue orders. This will give you more time to think strategically and react to unexpected events.
- Kiting: Rangers can attack zombies at long distances, and they can move fast. Use this to your advantage by kiting zombies into towers and other defensive structures.
- Be Flexible: Don't be afraid to adapt your strategy as the game progresses. The zombie waves will become increasingly challenging, so you'll need to be prepared to adjust your defenses and tactics.
- Plan for the Final Wave: The final wave in Survival mode is a massive onslaught that will test your defenses to the limit. Make sure you have ample resources, strong defenses, and a well-trained army to withstand the attack.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to surviving the zombie apocalypse in They Are Billions. Good luck, Commander!
Mastering the Art of Base Building
Base building in They Are Billions isn't just about plopping down structures; it's about creating a functional and resilient ecosystem that can withstand relentless zombie attacks. Strategic placement, resource optimization, and defensive planning are all critical components of a successful colony. The game really shines when you start to understand the nuances of how different buildings interact and how to maximize their efficiency.
Think of your base as a living organism. The command center is the heart, pumping resources and orders throughout the colony. Resource buildings are the veins, gathering the essential materials needed for growth and survival. Housing provides the lifeblood of your colony – colonists – who work in the resource buildings, power the factories, and man the defenses. Defenses are the immune system, protecting your colony from external threats. Each part must work in harmony to ensure the survival of the whole.
Early game, focus on securing your perimeter. Build a sturdy wall around your base to slow down the initial zombie attacks. Place towers at strategic locations to provide early warning and ranged support. As your colony grows, expand your walls outwards to encompass more resources and create a larger buffer zone. Don't forget to reinforce your walls with gates to allow your units to move freely in and out of the base.
Power is the engine that drives your colony. Without power, your resource buildings will grind to a halt, your defenses will go offline, and your economy will collapse. Invest in power generators early on, and be sure to expand your power grid as your colony grows. Consider building multiple power plants to provide redundancy in case one is damaged or destroyed.
Food is another essential resource. Your colonists need to eat to stay alive, so you'll need to build farms or hunter's huts to provide a steady supply of food. Balance your food production with your population growth to avoid starvation. Store extra food in warehouses to prepare for emergencies.
Understanding Zombie Behavior
To truly conquer They Are Billions, you need to understand your enemy. The zombies in this game aren't just mindless hordes; they have distinct behaviors and weaknesses that you can exploit to your advantage. Learning how they move, attack, and react to different stimuli is crucial for planning your defenses and maximizing your chances of survival. Let's break down some key aspects of zombie behavior:
- Noise Attraction: Zombies are drawn to noise. The louder the noise, the more zombies will be attracted to it. This means you need to be mindful of the noise level of your buildings and units. Avoid placing noisy structures near your defenses, as this can draw unwanted attention. Generators, factories, and even gunfire can attract hordes.
- Pathfinding: Zombies will generally follow the shortest and most direct path to their target. However, they can be easily diverted by obstacles and distractions. Use this to your advantage by creating chokepoints and funneling the zombies into kill zones.
- Herd Mentality: Zombies tend to move in large groups or herds. This can make them difficult to deal with, but it also means that they are predictable. By understanding their herd mentality, you can anticipate their movements and plan your defenses accordingly.
- Special Infected: Not all zombies are created equal. Some zombies have special abilities that make them particularly dangerous. For example, some zombies can infect your colonists, while others can break through walls with ease. Knowing the different types of special infected and how to counter them is essential for survival.
- Day/Night Cycle: Zombies are generally more active at night. During the day, they tend to be slower and less aggressive. Use this to your advantage by conducting reconnaissance missions and building defenses during the day, and hunkering down at night.
By understanding these aspects of zombie behavior, you can create more effective defenses and increase your chances of survival. Experiment with different strategies and tactics to find what works best for you. Remember, knowledge is power – especially when facing billions of undead!
The Thrill of Victory (and the Agony of Defeat)
They Are Billions is a challenging game, and you're going to fail. A lot. But that's part of what makes it so addictive. Each defeat is a learning experience. You'll analyze what went wrong, identify your weaknesses, and come back stronger the next time. The feeling of finally overcoming a seemingly impossible challenge is incredibly rewarding.
The game fosters a strong sense of community. Players share their strategies, tips, and experiences online. You can learn a lot from watching experienced players and reading online guides. Don't be afraid to ask for help or share your own insights. Together, we can conquer the zombie apocalypse!
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of They Are Billions and test your mettle against the undead horde. It's a challenging, rewarding, and ultimately unforgettable experience. Just remember to keep your defenses strong, your resources flowing, and your wits about you. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!