Let me tell you something – when I first encountered zombies in PEAK’s Roots biome, I panicked like crazy. One minute I’m climbing through this beautiful fungal forest, and the next? BAM! I’m face-to-face with a zombie that used to be a fellow scout. Talk about a heart-stopping moment! But you know what? After getting bitten (more times than I’d like to admit), I’ve mastered the art of curing zombie bites and earning that sweet Undead Encounter badge. And today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned so you don’t have to suffer like I did.
What’s the Deal with Zombies in PEAK Anyway?
So, PEAK’s Roots update introduced these terrifying fungi-infected zombies, and let me tell you – they’re not your typical slow-moving undead. These guys are former scouts who got infected with parasitic fungi, and they are NOT happy about it. When I first heard about the update, I thought, “Eh, how bad could they be?” Oh, how wrong I was.
These zombies spawn lying dormant on the ground, looking all innocent and dead. But get within their line of sight? They wake up faster than my cat when I open a can of tuna. And once they’re up, they’re relentless – chasing you, climbing walls, and generally making your life miserable. I’ve learned the hard way that underestimating these fungi-infected scouts is a one-way ticket to becoming one yourself.
Where to Find Zombies in the Roots Biome?
If you’re looking to get bitten (and trust me, you need to for that badge), you’ll want to head to level 02 of the Roots biome. I spent hours wandering around like a lost puppy before I figured this out. The zombies don’t just spawn anywhere – they have specific locations, and they’re not in any other biome (thank goodness for small mercies).
When you’re exploring, keep your eyes peeled for what looks like an orange scout covered in fungus. The community calls them “Lookers,” and let me tell you, the name fits perfectly. They lie there, all still and creepy, just waiting for some unsuspecting scout (like me, repeatedly) to wander too close. I’ve made the mistake of thinking they’re just part of the scenery more times than I can count.
Understanding the Zombie Bite Infection
Okay, so you’ve been bitten. Now what? First, don’t panic like I did the first time (okay, maybe panic a little, but then get it together). When a zombie bites you, you’re going to see your Spores meter start rising next to your stamina bar. This is bad news bears, my friend.
Here’s what happens when you get bitten:
- You take 10 Injury damage right off the bat
- You get hit with 10 Spores damage immediately
- And here’s the kicker – you gain 2.5 Spores every 5 seconds until you cure yourself
I learned this the hard way during one particularly brutal run. I thought I could just power through, but next thing I knew, my Spores meter was through the roof, and I was turning into a zombie myself. Not my finest moment, let me tell you.
All the Ways to Cure a Zombie Bite in PEAK
Alright, here’s the meat and potatoes of what you came for. After countless runs and more zombie bites than I care to admit, I’ve tested every cure method out there. Let me break down all your options:
Medicinal Root – Your Best Friend in the Roots
This is probably the most reliable cure I’ve found. Medicinal Roots spawn all over the Roots biome, and they’re pretty easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for. They look like carrots with green leaves sticking out of the top. I always grab at least two or three when I see them, because you never know when you’ll need them.
When you eat a Medicinal Root, your Spores meter immediately starts dropping, and it stops rising. It’s like a magic reset button for your infection. I’ve saved countless runs by having one of these bad boys in my pocket.
Mandrake – The Screaming Cure
Now, Mandrakes are interesting. They work just as well as Medicinal Roots, but here’s the thing – they scream if you take too long to eat them. I’m not kidding! The first time I used one, I nearly jumped out of my skin when this root started wailing like a banshee. But hey, if you’re looking for a cure with personality, the Mandrake is your plant.
Just like the Medicinal Root, you’ll find these scattered around the Roots biome. They have the same carrot-like appearance, so keep your eyes peeled. And when you grab one, eat it quick unless you want to alert every zombie in the area (which, honestly, might be fun if you’re going for a challenge run).
Antidote – The Classic Cure
Remember those Antidotes you used for poison in other biomes? Well, good news! They work on zombie bites too. The infection acts like a toxin in your system, so Antidotes are super effective. I always try to keep at least one Antidote in my inventory when I’m heading into the Roots biome, just in case.
The nice thing about Antidotes is that they’re lightweight and don’t take up much space. Plus, if you’re like me and constantly forget which items do what, the Antidote is pretty self-explanatory. No screaming, no weird aftertaste (as far as I can tell), just pure cure goodness.
Cure-All – The Miracle Worker
If you’re lucky enough to find a Cure-All, congratulations! You’ve hit the jackpot. Cure-Alls, as the name suggests, cure pretty much everything that ails you in PEAK – including zombie bites. I’ve only found a handful of these in my runs, but when I do, I treasure them like gold.
Cure-Alls instantly heal all your negative afflictions, so not only will they cure your zombie bite, but they’ll also take care of any other nasty effects you might be dealing with. They’re rare, but if you find one, save it for when you really need it (like when you’re trying to get that Undead Encounter badge and don’t want to risk anything).
First Aid Kit – The Emergency Option
Here’s one that surprised me – First Aid Kits work on zombie bites too! I discovered this by accident during one run where I was desperate and tried everything in my inventory. Lo and behold, the First Aid Kit cured my infection just as well as any of the specialized items.
First Aid Kits are great because they’re multipurpose. You can use them for regular healing, and they double as zombie bite cures. I always try to grab one if I see it, even if I’m at full health, because you never know when you’ll need that emergency cure.
Red Shroomberries – The Seasonal Cure
Now, this one’s a bit tricky. Red Shroomberries can cure zombie bites, BUT their effects cycle out with maps depending on what the developers have planned. I’ve had runs where the Red Shroomberries worked perfectly, and others where they did nothing for my infection.
If you’re going to rely on Red Shroomberries, make sure to check what effects they have in your current map. When they work, they work great – but when they don’t, you’re left with a mouthful of berries and a rising Spores meter. Not a good combination, trust me.
Remedy Fungus – The Fungal Cure
This one’s a bit ironic when you think about it – using fungus to cure a fungal infection. But hey, if it works, it works! Remedy Fungus is another item that can cure Spores damage, which means it’ll take care of your zombie bite infection.
I don’t see Remedy Fungus as often as some of the other cures, but when I do, I grab it. It’s like the universe’s way of saying, “Here, fight fire with fire.” Or in this case, fight fungus with fungus.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Undead Encounter Badge
Alright, now that you know all the ways to cure a zombie bite, let me walk you through exactly how to get that Undead Encounter badge. I’ve done this enough times to have it down to a science, so follow these steps and you’ll be sporting that badge in no time.
Step 1: Prepare for the Roots Biome
Before you even set foot in the Roots biome, you need to be prepared. I always make sure I have at least two cure items in my inventory – my go-to is usually a Medicinal Root and an Antidote, but you can use whatever combination works for you.
Also, make sure you’re playing on Peak ascent or higher. Zombies don’t spawn on lower difficulties, so you’ll just be wandering around disappointed if you try this on easy mode.
Step 2: Head to Level 02 of the Roots Biome
Once you’re in the Roots biome, you need to make your way to level 02. I know, I know – easier said than done. The Roots biome is no joke, with its wind gusts and pink poison clouds. Take your time, be careful, and try not to die before you even reach the zombies.
Step 3: Find and Provoke a Zombie
Now comes the fun part – finding a zombie and letting it bite you. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but trust me on this. Look for those dormant orange scouts covered in fungus (the “Lookers” I mentioned earlier).
When you spot one, get close enough to wake it up. Don’t attack it – just let it do its thing. It’ll wake up, start chasing you, and eventually, it’ll lunge and bite you. And just like that, congratulations! You’re infected.
Step 4: Watch Your Spores Meter
As soon as you’re bitten, keep an eye on your Spores meter. It’ll start rising, and you’ll see those 2.5 Spores getting added every 5 seconds. Don’t let it get too high – if it reaches over 50%, you’ll temporarily turn into a zombie yourself, and that’s not what we’re going for here.
Step 5: Cure Yourself Quickly
This is the moment of truth. Pull out whatever cure item you brought with you and use it. I usually go for the Medicinal Root first since it’s reliable, but use whatever you have on hand. Once you use the cure, your Spores meter should start dropping and eventually disappear completely.
Step 6: Complete Your Run and Claim Your Badge
Here’s the important part – you need to complete your run after curing the bite to get the badge. Don’t just cure yourself and quit, or you won’t get credit. Finish your ascent, make it to the top, and bask in the glory of your achievement.
When you complete the run, you’ll get the Undead Encounter badge added to your sash, AND you’ll unlock the Pumpkin Hat cosmetic. Let me tell you, that Pumpkin Hat is totally worth the trouble. Nothing says “I survived a zombie bite” quite like a festive pumpkin on your head.
Pro Tips for Zombie Survival
After spending way too much time getting bitten by zombies in PEAK, I’ve picked up some tricks that might help you out. Consider these my hard-earned wisdom:
Always Have Multiple Cure Options
I learned this the hard way during one run where I relied solely on Red Shroomberries, only to discover they weren’t working in that particular map. Now I always carry at least two different types of cure items. Better safe than sorry, right?
Learn Zombie Patterns
Zombies might seem mindless, but they actually have predictable patterns. They target the closest scout every 10 seconds, they can climb surfaces, and they’ll chase you for about 2 minutes before giving up and dying. Knowing this can help you plan your escape routes and bait them into positions where you can safely get bitten.
Use the Environment to Your Advantage
The Roots biome is full of things you can use to your advantage. You can trigger Explosive Bombshrooms to knock zombies back, use mushrooms to jump over them, or even shoot them with a Blowgun if you have one. I once managed to put a zombie to sleep with a Blowgun – talk about a peaceful solution to a zombie problem!
Don’t Forget About Your Friends
If you’re playing co-op, remember that you can help each other out. If one of your friends gets bitten, you can share your cure items with them. Just make sure everyone has what they need before heading into zombie territory. Teamwork makes the dream work, even when dealing with fungal infections.
Keep Moving, But Don’t Panic
When a zombie is chasing you, it’s tempting to just run like crazy, but that’s how you end up falling off cliffs or into poison clouds. Stay calm, keep moving, but be deliberate about your movements. Use the terrain to your advantage, and remember that zombies can’t charge at you while you’re jumping on mushrooms.
What Happens If You Fail?
Let’s be real here – you’re probably going to fail a few times before you get this right. I know I did. So what happens if things go wrong?
If you die with at least 50 Spores, your body will rise as a new zombie. Yeah, it’s as creepy as it sounds. I’ve had the unfortunate experience of watching my own corpse reanimate and start chasing my friends. Not exactly the legacy I want to leave behind.
If you turn into a zombie temporarily (when your Spores get too high), you’ll stumble around for a bit until the Spores wear off. You can’t cure yourself or anyone else while you’re a zombie, so try to avoid this if possible.
The good news is, failure is just part of the learning process. Each time you get bitten or turn into a zombie, you learn something new about how the mechanics work. And honestly, some of my funniest moments in PEAK have come from these failed attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the zombie infection to kill you?
From my experience, it depends on how high your Spores meter gets. If you don’t cure yourself, you’ll keep gaining 2.5 Spores every 5 seconds. Once your Spores meter maxes out, you’ll turn into a zombie temporarily. It’s not exactly death, but it’s not great either.
Can you cure someone else who’s been bitten?
Absolutely! If you’re playing co-op and one of your friends gets bitten, you can share your cure items with them. I’ve saved my friends more times than I can count, and they’ve returned the favor. It’s all about teamwork out there.
Do you have to get bitten by a specific type of zombie?
As far as I can tell, any zombie bite will count toward the Undead Encounter badge. The “Looker” zombies are the most common type you’ll encounter in the Roots biome, but I think any zombie bite would work. That said, I’ve only ever encountered the Lookers, so I can’t say for sure.
What happens if you cure yourself but don’t complete the run?
You won’t get the badge. I made this mistake early on – I cured myself and then quit the run, thinking I’d completed the requirement. Nope! You have to finish the entire run after curing the bite to get credit for the badge. So don’t get too excited and quit early.
Can you get the badge multiple times?
As far as I know, the badge is a one-time unlock. Once you’ve earned it, it’s yours to keep. The Pumpkin Hat cosmetic is also a one-time unlock, but you can equip it whenever you want after you’ve earned it.
Are there any other rewards besides the badge and Pumpkin Hat?
Not that I’ve discovered. The Undead Encounter badge and Pumpkin Hat seem to be the only rewards for this particular achievement. But honestly, the Pumpkin Hat is pretty awesome, so I’m not complaining.
Why This Badge Is Worth the Trouble?
After all the trouble I went through to get this badge, you might be wondering if it’s actually worth it. Let me tell you – absolutely, 100% yes.
First off, there’s the satisfaction of knowing you can survive a zombie bite in PEAK. That’s no small feat, my friend. Every time I look at that badge on my sash, I remember all the times I got bitten, all the close calls, and all the learning that went into earning it.
Then there’s the Pumpkin Hat. I know it might seem silly, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about climbing to the top of PEAK with a pumpkin on your head. It’s like a constant reminder that you faced down a zombie and won.
But more than that, going through the process of getting this badge teaches you so much about the Roots biome and how to survive in it. I’m a much better PEAK player now than I was before I started hunting for this badge. I know the terrain better, I understand the zombie mechanics, and I’m always prepared with the right cure items.
Final Thoughts
Getting the Undead Encounter badge in PEAK is more than just another achievement to unlock. It’s a rite of passage, really. It proves that you can handle the worst that the Roots biome has to throw at you and come out on top.
I’m not going to lie – it’s challenging. You’ll probably get frustrated, you’ll definitely get bitten more times than you’d like, and you might even turn into a zombie once or twice (or ten times, in my case). But when you finally cure that bite, complete your run, and see that badge pop up on your screen? It’s all worth it.
So grab your cure items, head to the Roots biome, and get ready to face those fungi-infested scouts. With the knowledge I’ve shared with you today, you’re more than prepared to handle whatever those zombies throw at you. And who knows? Maybe I’ll see you up at the top, sporting your very own Pumpkin Hat.
Happy climbing, and watch out for those dormant zombies. They’re sneaky little fellows!
Want more PEAK tips and tricks? Check out our other gaming guides on webcomicsweekend.com for everything you need to dominate the climbing scene. And don’t forget to bookmark this page – you never know when PEAK’s developers might shake things up with new cure methods or zombie behaviors!