Damn, Zombies/Closed beta
How to play Damn, Zombies with friends
Damn, Zombies: The Corporate Undead is a round-based zombie FPS for solo play or up to four players in online co-op. This guide gets a group from the free beta download to defending the office together.
Before your squad starts
- Each player creates their own free game account and gets an activation key.
- Download the latest beta for your platform: Windows, macOS or Linux. Everyone should use the same beta version.
- Open the game and enter your key. Your seven days start on first key use, so you can download ahead of the session.
- Keep an internet connection available. It is required for beta access, including solo play.
Keys can be extended on request from your account page. An extension request does not itself extend the timer. See the access-key guide and platform installation instructions if anyone gets stuck.
Use a private lobby for friends
Open Multiplayer and have one player host a private lobby. The host chooses a lobby pass key and receives a two-word lobby name, such as RUSTY-STAPLER. Share the lobby name and pass key privately with your friends so they can join. The host starts the match when the group is ready.
The lobby pass key is separate from each player’s personal activation key. Share the lobby details with your group; keep your account password and activation key private.
Why is quick match waiting?
Quick match waits for the selected team size, from two to four players. A four-player lobby will not start with only two people. Once the lobby fills, a countdown begins; everyone marking Ready shortens it. If someone leaves, the lobby returns to waiting.
For a planned session with a friend, a private lobby gives the host control of the start. You can also choose Single Player to learn the map while waiting for friends; solo uses the same map, economy and escalating rounds.
What to do in the first rounds
- Watch the entrances. Zombies tear down barricades to enter the compound. Call out the busy entrance and repair boards when you have room to do it.
- Spend points deliberately. Kills earn points for weapons, ammunition, doors and upgrades. Discuss which area to open next; opening a door changes where the whole squad can move.
- Read the enemy roles. Managers strengthen nearby zombies, HR adds more undead staff, and executives heal themselves and use scapegoats. Those abilities can make target choice matter as much as aim.
- Compare the run, then try again. The goal is to survive higher rounds. Note where the group lost control: an unattended entrance, running out of ammunition, or an enemy you did not recognise.
For exact weapon, enemy and upgrade details, use the game database. The highscore boards separate solo and squad sizes.
Help shape the beta
A useful playtest report includes your operating system, beta version, player count, round reached and what happened just before a problem. Share the confusing moment rather than your access key. Screenshots and a short recording help show what the squad could see.
The full release is planned for late october 2026. The game uses AI-generated models, some audio/animation assets and AI development assistance.