They Are Billions: Surviving The Zombie Apocalypse
Hey guys! Ready to dive into the intense world of They Are Billions? This game throws you right into the thick of a zombie apocalypse, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking swarms, hordes, legions – basically, all the zombies you can imagine, and then some! If you're looking for a strategy game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then you've come to the right place. Let's break down what makes this game so addictive and how you can survive when they are billions.
What is They Are Billions?
They Are Billions is a real-time strategy (RTS) and city-building game set in a grim, post-apocalyptic world overrun by billions of zombies. Unlike your typical zombie game where you're just trying to survive, here you're tasked with building and managing a colony to protect it from the relentless waves of the undead. The game uniquely blends RTS mechanics with survival elements, creating a challenging and engaging experience.
Think of it as a base-building game where your base is constantly under threat. You need to manage resources, construct buildings, recruit and train soldiers, and strategically defend your colony against increasingly massive zombie hordes. The game features a campaign mode with a compelling storyline and a survival mode where you can test your skills against endless waves of zombies on randomly generated maps. The blend of strategic planning, resource management, and frantic defense makes They Are Billions a standout title in the strategy genre. The challenge ramps up quickly, so be prepared to adapt and refine your strategies as you progress.
Key Features That Make It Stand Out
- Pause-and-Play: One of the coolest features is the ability to pause the game at any time. This lets you assess the situation, issue orders, and plan your next move without the pressure of real-time decision-making. Trust me; you'll be using this feature a lot when the hordes start pouring in.
- Massive Zombie Hordes: Forget a few zombies here and there. We're talking thousands, even millions, of zombies flooding your defenses. The sheer scale of the hordes is both terrifying and exhilarating.
- Base Building and Resource Management: You'll need to carefully manage your resources – like wood, stone, iron, and gold – to build and expand your colony. Balancing resource production with defense is key to survival.
- Technology Tree: Researching new technologies is crucial for unlocking advanced buildings, units, and defenses. This adds a layer of strategic depth, as you need to prioritize which technologies to research based on your current needs.
- Campaign and Survival Modes: Whether you prefer a story-driven experience or endless challenges, They Are Billions has you covered. The campaign mode offers a narrative with unique missions, while the survival mode lets you test your skills on randomly generated maps.
Why So Many Zombies?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: why are they are billions? The game's premise is that a mysterious event has caused a massive zombie outbreak, turning most of the world's population into the undead. The few remaining humans are scattered and struggling to survive. The sheer number of zombies isn't just for show; it's a core part of the gameplay experience. It forces you to think strategically, build strong defenses, and manage your resources effectively.
Imagine trying to hold back a tsunami of rotting flesh – that's the kind of pressure you'll be under. The game's title isn't just a catchy name; it's a constant reminder of the overwhelming odds you face. This sense of desperation and the need to constantly adapt is what makes They Are Billions so engaging and rewarding. Each wave of zombies feels like a true test of your skills, and successfully defending your colony against impossible odds is incredibly satisfying.
Basic Survival Tips and Tricks
So, you're ready to jump in and face the zombie hordes? Awesome! Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you survive your first few colonies:
Early Game: Securing Your Foundation
- Prioritize Resource Production: Start by building tents to generate income and then focus on gathering wood and stone. These are essential for constructing basic defenses and expanding your colony.
- Early Defenses: Build wooden walls around your colony's perimeter as soon as possible. These won't hold back massive hordes, but they'll buy you precious time to react to early threats. Also, invest in a few Rangers to patrol the area and take out lone zombies.
- Expand Carefully: Don't expand too quickly! Each new building increases your energy consumption, and attracting too many zombies early on can overwhelm your defenses. Slowly and methodically expand while ensuring you have adequate defenses in place.
- Scout the Area: Use your Rangers to scout the surrounding area and identify potential threats and resource locations. Knowing what's coming will help you prepare your defenses accordingly.
Mid Game: Expanding and Fortifying
- Upgrade Your Defenses: Replace your wooden walls with stone walls and build towers to provide fire support. Train more soldiers, such as Soldiers and Snipers, to bolster your defenses.
- Optimize Resource Production: Build advanced resource buildings, such as sawmills and quarries, to increase your resource income. This will allow you to expand your colony more quickly and afford better defenses.
- Research Technologies: Focus on researching technologies that improve your resource production, defenses, and military units. Prioritize technologies that address your colony's most pressing needs.
- Clear Nearby Infested Villages: These villages are a constant source of zombies and can quickly overwhelm your defenses if left unchecked. Clear them out to reduce the pressure on your colony.
Late Game: Surviving the Final Wave
- Build Multiple Layers of Defense: By the late game, you should have multiple layers of walls, towers, and units defending your colony. The more layers you have, the more time you'll have to react to breaches in your defenses.
- Use Traps: Traps, such as shock towers and Tesla towers, can be incredibly effective at slowing down and damaging zombie hordes. Place them strategically to maximize their effectiveness.
- Mobile Units: Keep a squad of mobile units, such as Thanatos or Titans, on standby to respond to breaches in your defenses. These units can quickly reinforce vulnerable areas and help hold the line.
- Prepare for the Final Wave: The final wave is massive and will test your defenses to their limits. Make sure you have plenty of resources stockpiled, your defenses are fully upgraded, and your units are well-positioned. Brace yourself – it's going to be a wild ride!
Advanced Strategies for Expert Players
Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to delve into some advanced strategies to truly dominate They Are Billions:
Economy Optimization
- Optimize Building Placement: Place your resource buildings near their respective resource deposits to maximize their efficiency. Also, consider using overlapping influence ranges from your command center and markets to boost production.
- Balance Economy and Military: Striking the right balance between economy and military is crucial for long-term survival. Don't neglect your economy in favor of military units, and vice versa. A well-rounded colony is a resilient colony.
Defense Strategies
- Choke Points: Funnel zombie hordes into narrow choke points where your defenses can focus their fire. Use walls and terrain to create these choke points and maximize your defensive capabilities.
- Kiting: Use fast-moving units, such as Rangers or Lucifers, to kite zombie hordes away from your defenses. This can buy you valuable time to repair damaged walls or reposition your units.
- Overlapping Fire: Position your towers and units so that they provide overlapping fire coverage. This will ensure that zombies are constantly under fire and reduce the chances of them breaking through your defenses.
Unit Composition
- Mix and Match: A well-rounded army is more effective than a single type of unit. Combine ranged units, such as Snipers and Titans, with melee units, such as Soldiers and Thanatos, to create a balanced and versatile force.
- Unit Synergies: Take advantage of unit synergies to maximize your army's effectiveness. For example, Soldiers can benefit from the support of Snipers, who can take out high-priority targets from a distance.
Is They Are Billions Worth It?
So, is They Are Billions worth your time and money? Absolutely! If you're a fan of strategy games, zombie games, or challenging gameplay experiences, then you'll love They Are Billions. The game's unique blend of RTS and survival elements, combined with its massive zombie hordes and strategic depth, makes it a standout title in the genre. Yes, it's tough, and you'll probably fail a lot at first, but the sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you finally manage to survive a massive wave of zombies is incredibly rewarding. Plus, the modding community is thriving, so there's always new content to explore.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Apocalypse
They Are Billions is more than just a game; it's a test of your strategic thinking, resource management skills, and ability to adapt under pressure. The relentless zombie hordes will push you to your limits, but with the right strategies and a bit of luck, you can build a thriving colony and survive the apocalypse. So, gather your resources, train your soldiers, and prepare for the onslaught – because they are billions, and they're coming for you! Good luck, and have fun surviving the zombie apocalypse!