The Payload update is one of the biggest refreshes Hunty Zombie has received in a long time. It doesn’t just add new content; it redefines how you approach runs, manage your build, and adapt to crowd control. This guide breaks down every major addition while giving you a clear sense of how each new feature affects moment-to-moment gameplay.
This patch introduces a brand-new mode, a pair of aggressive zombie types, a powerful legendary weapon, and long-requested progression systems. If you’ve been looking for more depth and higher difficulty scaling, this update delivers exactly that.
New Weapon – Sledge Hammer (Legendary)
The Sledge Hammer is built for players who enjoy close-range domination and aren’t afraid to push directly into a swarm. It swings slower than most melee options, but each hit lands with overwhelming force and wide impact.
What Makes it Strong
- Hits multiple zombies in a single arc, making it a reliable crowd-breaker.
- Legendary rarity means higher base damage, improved knockback, and better synergy with melee-focused perks.
- Excels when paired with skills that enhance stun, shockwaves, or area damage.
When to Use
Choose this weapon when you expect dense waves or enemies that clump aggressively. It is less suited for high-speed mobility builds, but perfect for holding chokepoints in Payload mode.
New Mode – Payload
Payload introduces a more objective-driven loop instead of the usual survive-and-clear approach. You escort or defend a moving objective as waves of zombies attempt to overwhelm you.
Core Gameplay
- The Payload constantly moves, forcing you to reposition and adapt.
- Zombies spawn in coordinated waves rather than randomized bursts.
- Success depends on spacing, control, and stopping high-threat enemies before they reach the Payload.
Strategy Tips
- Always stay slightly ahead of the Payload to clear lanes before it arrives.
- Use knockback, stuns, and area weapons to maintain breathing room.
- Prioritize utility skills like movement boosts and cooldown reductions to stay mobile.
New Zombies
Two new enemy types shake up the wave structure and require fresh counterplay.
Boombox Zombie
A suicide-style enemy that detonates on contact.
- Approaches quickly and targets the Payload directly.
- Explosion damage forces you to eliminate them before they get close.
Counter: Long-range weapons, traps, and chain-stuns.
Cosplay Zombie
A quirky but deceptive mid-tier zombie.
- Often mixes within standard waves, making it easy to underestimate.
- Has irregular movement patterns that can throw off your positioning.
Counter: Focus fire and controlled pacing. Avoid letting them blend into larger packs.
New Battle Pass – Season 2
Season 2 expands cosmetic progression and adds weapon skins, character items, and boosters.
- Rewards unlock through regular play and Payload missions.
- Several melee-themed cosmetics appear this season, matching the new weapon direction.
If you play consistently, the pass naturally fills without grinding.
Skill Tree System
This is the biggest long-term progression feature added to Hunty Zombie.
The skill tree lets you define your strengths across multiple categories such as offense, mobility, stamina, and utility.
Why It Matters
- Provides permanent power boosts that carry from run to run.
- Enables focus builds such as heavy melee, speedrunner setups, or long-range crit builds.
- Greatly improves replay depth since each point changes how you handle waves.
What to Specialize In
- Payload players: invest in survivability, area control, and cooldown reduction.
- Melee builds: enhance stun duration and damage multipliers.
- Ranged builds: increase projectile speed, crit rate, and handling.
Payload Shop
A new vendor system tied specifically to the Payload mode.
Key Features
- Earn Payload currency by completing objectives.
- Purchase limited-run upgrades, consumables, and unique modifiers.
- Adds strategic decision-making during runs, similar to roguelite mid-shops.
Investing early in damage or crowd-control perks can drastically improve your chances of completing higher tiers.
CODES
SHAMMER = 10 Weapon Lucky Spin
NewZombie1 = 10 Traits
NewZombie2 = 10 Traits
NEWPAYLOAD = 200,000 Coin
TRYNEWGAMEMODE = 10 Perk Lucky Spin
BATTLEPASSRESET = 100,000 Coin
Bug Fixes and Improvements
The update closes out lingering issues, stabilizes performance, and tunes zombie pathing for smoother waves.
While not as flashy as the new content, these fixes help the pacing feel more polished and reliable.
The Payload update pushes Hunty Zombie forward by mixing objective-focused gameplay with permanent progression and high-threat enemy types. Whether you want to experiment with the powerful new Sledge Hammer or master the pacing of Payload escort missions, this patch offers enough depth to keep both casual and daily players engaged.