Most of us hate the idea of raiders during any type of post-apocalyptic event and movies make sure to portray them as the baddest baddies out there. But if a zombie apocalypse hits, wouldn’t it be easier and more lucrative for you to become the raider?
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I personally (and unfortunately) know a lot of people who would prefer to be the raiders during a zombie apocalypse and in this article we’ll try to focus on those guys and girls and answer the burning question: should you be the raider during the zombie apocalypse? And especially what should you do to be a successful raider – if there’s such a thing like that. Things like this have to be covered, even though I do this only for fun and would never recommend anybody to go the raider way!
So in case you’re not familiar with the concept, raiding is the stealing and taking of possessions of other survivors. This can be done either by sneaking and stealing or with a more violent approach.
Let’s start with three tips for raiders:
– As a raider, it is always best to be sure you can take on your next objective. Taking over a military base with a lot of loot sounds tempting, but chances are you won’t be able to pull it of. If you get caught, you will die. Thieves are mostly looked down upon, so unless you have a big army of your own, do not engage. Pick your targets to your abilities and capabilities!
– Getting in and getting what you want is easy. Getting out and keeping what you got is hard. If you are taking the stealthy approach, make sure you can get away nice and quick, and be silent! Also have a plan B, make sure you can get away as fast as possible even if it is loud.
– Engage your own terms. Your most successful attack will be when your target is out in the open and vulnerable, away from their refuge. Bases are defended which will lower your chances of success.
Attacking a group of survivors
Once you have maybe tracked down a group of survivors you think you can raid, it is time to make a plan. Ideally the group would be unarmed, highly unlikely though since they have been surviving in a world full of walkers. Information will be very important, with surprise second. So try to get as much information of your prey without giving away your position. Signs to look for are: many children, older people, wounded people, slow moving people and small groups. Even though it’s not a must for this to happen, always consider that there will be some sort of retaliation and remember that a 100-years old grandma can still put a bullet between your eyes if given the chance or forced to!
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Terrain is a very important aspect in an assault. Take this into consideration before going in. When your attack is taking place on the open plains, there is no chance of cover for both positioning or surprise. High grass or trees however can be a great help in closing in to your targets.
If you manage to get close enough to surprise your victims, it can be used in most situations with great effect. An ambush is not always necessary, suddenly popping up around your victims will have a profound psychological effect. You will then demand the victims to surrender and can prevent a fight.
First Shots / Warning Shots
This can be very dangerous as it will have a great emotional affect. There is a chance though that it causes enough fear and confusion that the people will surrender. In case they don’t surrender you will have ensured a fight. People don’t make good decisions under stress and will most likely fight back. Warning shots, even when aimed in the air, can also cause a fight easily. They could start shooting at your position and you will start firing back and a fight is created. It is best to avoid a fight at all times. Try looking intimidating and demand respect of the prey and then ask for surrender instead.
Ask for Surrender
Ask for surrender. Once your group has taken position, reveal yourselves at once and yell at them to drop their weapons. Follow up with an apology that you just want to be safe. It is likely they have met other survivors so this demand is not very strange. If they refuse, try to surround them a bit more with caution. They could fire a warning shot or aimed shot so be very careful. This will not ruin you aspect of surprise, because they did not anticipate you here. If you can take a better position yell at them to drop their weapons one last time, and that you will count to three. Count fast, because it is not used for building tension. You are trying to force them to decide quickly without reason. If they do not drop their weapons, they are never going to and you will have to fight them. Make sure you fire first.
Raid them
Since you’re a raider, this is what you have to do! Raiding others causes high emotional pressure and builds hate so expect the people you raid to look into revenge if given the chance. Make sure you never offer that chance!
Although raiders would be tempted to steal everything – and most will – you should do your best to be a bit thoughtful and leave the survivors enough to get by and hopefully get back on track and rebuild. Leave them some weapons – but lock them in a box or empty the magazines or do anything that would prevent them from getting the weapons as soon as you turn your back to them. Leave them some food and comfort items and never visit them again.
But… could you live with all this on your mind? I personally believe that during an apocalypse, working together is the key to victory. Wars and fighting will only give the zombies the upper hand eventually and lower our numbers unnecessarily more. And look at the history: wars never resulted in great things, it was during the peace times that humanity really progressed and grew and improved!
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