Melee Combat

Safety level of engagement: Moderate

Combat skill required at this distance: Moderate

Percent chance of infection at this range: 10-15%

Medium-range or melee combat is defined as engagement with the undead at a distance of two to three feet (.6 and .9 meters) between opponents. For many reasons, including weapon availability, terrain, and combat skill required, this range is the most frequent distance at which combat engagements with the undead take place.  Many of the strategies covered in long-distance combat can be utilized as well for melee range attacks.  There are, however, some specific techniques particular to this range that can prove very useful for fighting the undead.

Although melee-range combat requires the least amount of technical skill than all other ranges, it presents its own unique set of challenges, the greatest being that you will be fighting at a distance where you are vulnerable to a ghoul’s reach.

Because you will be engaging an attacker at medium distance, a zombie will most likely have its arms extended outward, hands grasping for you, and within a conceivable range where it can potentially grab your person. You will learn in the Anatomy section that the grip of the zombie can be as lethal as its bite. Thus, a key strategy for engaging in melee range combat is to not only avoid being bitten, but grabbed as well.