Noise & Stealth Guide

Every action generates a noise level. Walking is quiet. Running is loud. Breaking objects, fighting, and using ranged weapons create enough sound to attract nearby infected.

Noise management is the single most important survival skill. Players who master stealth survive significantly longer than those who rely on combat alone.

Apply these techniques in every session:

• Walk by default — only sprint in confirmed safe areas
• Crouch (Left Ctrl) when infected are nearby
• Use melee weapons instead of guns when possible
• Close doors behind you to slow infected pursuit
• Throw items to distract enemies away from your path

New players frequently die to these noise mistakes:

• Sprinting through urban areas — infected spawn toward sound
• Breaking windows for loot — loud and attracts hordes
• Firing guns without checking surroundings first
• Fighting every infected instead of avoiding them