They Are Billions: Surviving The Zombie Apocalypse
They Are Billions plunges you into a grim, steampunk-inspired world overrun by billions of zombies. Forget your typical shambling undead; these hordes are relentless, fast, and incredibly numerous. The game masterfully blends real-time strategy (RTS) with base-building and survival elements, creating a unique and intensely challenging experience. Your primary goal? To establish and defend a colony capable of withstanding the endless waves of the undead. This isn't just about surviving; it's about rebuilding civilization against overwhelming odds. The game's difficulty is notorious, demanding strategic thinking, meticulous planning, and nerves of steel. Every decision matters, from resource allocation to defensive positioning, as a single mistake can lead to the swift and brutal downfall of your colony. Are you ready to face the billions and carve out a future for humanity?
Understanding the Zombie Threat in They Are Billions
In They Are Billions, the zombies aren't just mindless drones; they're a force of nature. Understanding their behavior and characteristics is crucial for survival. Unlike many zombie games where the undead are slow and easily dispatched, the zombies in this game come in various forms, each presenting a unique threat. There are the standard, relatively weak zombies that primarily serve as fodder, overwhelming you with sheer numbers. Then you have the faster, more agile infected who can quickly close the distance and overrun your defenses. And, of course, there are the special infected – the giants, the spitters, and other mutated horrors that can tear through your walls and decimate your units in seconds.
The Swarm Mentality: The zombies operate with a swarm mentality, meaning they're attracted to noise and activity. Unprotected structures and undefended areas will quickly draw their attention, leading to a snowball effect as more and more zombies converge on your colony. This makes noise management a critical aspect of your survival strategy. Loud activities like constructing buildings or engaging in combat can alert nearby hordes, so you need to carefully consider the timing and location of your actions. Scouting is essential; knowing where the hordes are lurking allows you to prepare your defenses and avoid unwanted encounters. Failing to scout effectively can leave you blind to approaching threats, making your colony vulnerable to sudden and devastating attacks.
The Importance of Walls: Walls are your first line of defense, providing a crucial barrier against the relentless horde. But not all walls are created equal. Wooden walls are cheap and quick to build, but they offer minimal protection against larger hordes. Stone walls are much stronger and can withstand significant punishment, but they're more expensive and take longer to construct. You'll need to carefully balance cost and durability when deciding on your wall strategy. Fortifying your walls with towers and traps is also essential. Towers provide ranged support, allowing your units to engage the enemy from a safe distance, while traps can slow down or kill zombies before they even reach your walls. Experiment with different combinations of walls, towers, and traps to create a layered defense that can withstand even the largest hordes. Remember, your walls are not invincible, and they will eventually fall under sustained assault. Regularly repair and reinforce your defenses to ensure they're always ready for the next wave.
Key Strategies for Survival
To survive in They Are Billions, you'll need to master a range of strategies, from resource management to tactical combat. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Resource Management: Resources are the lifeblood of your colony. You'll need to gather wood, stone, iron, and gold to construct buildings, train units, and research new technologies. Efficient resource management is crucial for expanding your colony and keeping your economy afloat. Prioritize resource gathering early on, and expand your production as quickly as possible. Build multiple resource depots near your mines and quarries to maximize efficiency. Be mindful of your resource consumption; avoid overspending on unnecessary buildings or units, and always have a reserve in case of emergencies. Running out of resources at a critical moment can spell disaster for your colony.
Base Expansion: Expanding your base is essential for increasing your resource production and population capacity. However, expanding too quickly can leave you vulnerable to attack. Carefully plan your expansion, and prioritize securing strategic locations that offer access to valuable resources. Build walls and towers around your perimeter to protect your expanding territory. Be aware of the terrain; natural choke points and elevated positions can provide significant defensive advantages. Use the terrain to your advantage when planning your base layout.
Unit Composition: A well-balanced army is essential for defending your colony against the hordes. You'll need a mix of ranged and melee units to effectively engage the enemy. Rangers are excellent for scouting and harassing enemy units, while soldiers provide a solid frontline defense. Snipers are invaluable for taking down special infected, and Thanatos units can mow down large groups of zombies with their powerful miniguns. Experiment with different unit compositions to find what works best for you. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each unit type when deploying your forces.
Technology Research: Researching new technologies is crucial for improving your colony's efficiency and unlocking new units and buildings. Prioritize technologies that enhance your resource production, improve your defenses, and unlock powerful new units. The research center is your key to technological advancement. Invest in research early on, and focus on technologies that provide the greatest benefit to your colony.
Advanced Tactics for Thriving in They Are Billions
Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to delve into some advanced tactics that can give you a significant edge in They Are Billions:
Kiting: Kiting involves using faster units to lure enemies into kill zones or away from your base. This tactic is particularly effective against slow-moving zombies. Use rangers or other fast units to draw the horde into a chokepoint, where your towers and defensive units can unleash devastating fire. Be careful not to overextend your kiting units, as they can easily be overwhelmed if caught alone.
Choke Points: Choke points are natural or artificial constrictions in the terrain that force enemies to funnel through a narrow corridor. These are ideal locations for setting up defenses, as they allow you to concentrate your firepower on a small area. Use walls, towers, and traps to create impenetrable choke points that can decimate even the largest hordes. Be sure to protect your choke points from flanking attacks, as the enemy will often try to bypass your defenses.
Early Warning Systems: Detecting incoming hordes early is crucial for preparing your defenses. Use разведчики and radar towers to scout the surrounding area and provide early warning of approaching threats. Position your scouts in strategic locations to maximize their coverage. Pay attention to the mini-map, as it will show the direction of incoming hordes. The earlier you detect an incoming horde, the more time you have to prepare your defenses.
The Final Wave: The final wave is the ultimate test of your colony's defenses. This massive horde will come from all directions, and it will require every ounce of your skill and strategy to survive. Prepare for the final wave by reinforcing your walls, upgrading your towers, and stockpiling resources. Position your units strategically, and be ready to respond to any breaches in your defenses. The final wave is a true test of your colony's strength and resilience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players can fall victim to common mistakes in They Are Billions. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Neglecting Early Defense: Don't underestimate the importance of early defense. A few well-placed walls and towers can make all the difference in the early game. Failing to secure your perimeter can leave you vulnerable to early attacks, which can quickly snowball into a disaster.
- Over-Expanding Too Quickly: Expanding too quickly can stretch your resources thin and leave you vulnerable to attack. Focus on securing your existing territory before expanding further. A slow and steady expansion is often more sustainable than a rapid one.
- Ignoring разведчики: Scouting is essential for knowing where the hordes are lurking. Ignoring разведчики can leave you blind to approaching threats, making your colony vulnerable to surprise attacks. Regularly scout the surrounding area to stay one step ahead of the zombies.
- Poor Resource Management: Efficient resource management is crucial for sustaining your colony. Avoid overspending on unnecessary buildings or units, and always have a reserve in case of emergencies. Running out of resources at a critical moment can spell disaster for your colony.
Conclusion: Can You Survive the Billions?
They Are Billions is a challenging but rewarding game that will test your strategic thinking and resource management skills. By understanding the zombie threat, mastering key strategies, and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of survival and carve out a future for humanity in this unforgiving world. So, are you ready to face the billions and prove your mettle? Gather your wits, fortify your defenses, and prepare for the ultimate zombie survival challenge!