Interference

Zombie Barricade Interference

Barricade Interference (sometimes referred to as Barricade Blocking) was introduced with the January 23, 2008 game update.

With the update, the presence of zombies inside a building now prevents survivors from rebuilding/repairing the barricades. Survivors are still able to barricade with zombies inside, but with a reduced chance of success.

Interference is an entirely passive ability: a zombie does not need to take any action or expend any AP to cause the effect. They need only be standing inside.

It appears that the more zombies that are inside a building, the greater the interference effect is, i.e. the more difficult it is to barricade. Interference, however, does not seem to come into effect unless there are more than two standing zombies inside.

If a survivor successfully adds to the barricade while Interference is in effect, this message come up: "Dragging [an object] past the zombies, you reinforce the barricade. If they fail to add to the 'cades, the message is: "You drag [an object] towards the doors, but the zombies lurch into your way."

Impact

Barricade Interference was introduced during the Second Big Bash's Siege of Giddings Mall. Some players have argued that the update tipped the scales of the siege in the zombies' favour. In any event, 'cade blocking has led to a rethinking of survivor tactics. A breach by only a handful of zombies can now be very difficult to repel as more zombies, often attracted to the initial break-in by feeding groans, pour into the open building.

Reports From the Field

Needed: controlled tests to pin the effect down. Any statistical data from regular play should be compiled here.