KF2 Beginner Tour: Perks, ZEDs, Trader and Boss Tips
This is a humorous beginner overview in six steps. It is written for players who just installed Killing Floor 2 and want a quick, friendly orientation: the zombie-like ZEDs, the perk classes, the trader between waves and the end-of-match boss. The jokes are heavy, but the advice is basic and sound. For a more serious starting point see the beginner basics page.
Step 1: pick a perk
Before a match you choose a perk, the game's version of a class. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses and special weapons.
| Perk | Style |
|---|---|
| Berserker | Close combat with chainsaw-style and blade weapons |
| Commando | Ranged shooter with rifles and assault rifles |
| Support | Shotguns, and the best at welding doors |
| Medic | Heals the team and shoots ZEDs with tranquilizer-style darts |
| Firebug | Flamethrowers and incendiary grenades |
| Demolitionist | Grenades, explosives and big blasts; do not blow up the team |
| Sharpshooter | Headshots at long range |
| Gunslinger | Dual revolvers and cowboy style |
| Survivalist | Jack of all trades |
Step 2: know your ZEDs
Common ZEDs
- Clot: weak cannon fodder that grabs and slows you.
- Slasher: a Clot that is faster and sometimes spins.
- Cyst: an old, crude Clot variant; kill it quickly.
- Bloat: a sack of acid that leaves a toxic puddle when it bursts.
- Gorefast: a Clot with a blade arm that sprints at you; keep a couple of shotgun shells for it.
- Husk: a walking flamethrower that fires fireballs; kill it fast.
Special ZEDs
- Siren: screams and damages you; silence it early.
- Scrake: a chainsaw wielder that is calm until angered, then charges; do not make it angry.
- Fleshpound: a giant with spiked arms that will flatten careless players.
- Patriarch and Hans: the bosses. The Patriarch is a mutated experiment; Hans is a German villain who heals himself.
Step 3: load up at the trader
Between waves you visit the trader pod to buy weapons, ammo and armor.
- Prioritize armor: it keeps you alive early on.
- Ammo first, toys later: do not enter a wave with three bullets and a dream.
- Upgrade at the right time: your starting weapon does fine early, but Fleshpounds need something stronger.
Share dosh generously if you have it, but not with the teammate hiding in a corner.
Step 4: kill with flair
- Aim for the head: headshots are the basic rule of ZED slaying.
- Kite: run in circles with the ZEDs behind you while you shoot, but do not corner yourself.
- Use grenades freely, but avoid hitting teammates.
- Stick together: ZEDs love lone targets.
- Weld doors to buy time; ZEDs eventually break through and arrive angrier.
Step 5: survive the boss
- Do not engage alone: tell your squad.
- Learn the boss's patterns and dodge.
- Manage ammo: do not empty it in the first minute, because bosses can heal if given the chance.
- Stay alive: use armor, health packs, and as a Medic, heal everyone.
Step 6: enjoy the chaos
The game is about barely controlled chaos and blood-splattered arenas. Make a mess and have fun, because the trader will always be there to sell you more ammo.
FAQ
- What should I buy first at the trader?
- Armor and ammo before fancy weapons. The guide says armor is essential unless you want to be shredded by wave 3, and that your starting weapon is enough for the first couple of waves.
- Which perks does the guide list?
- Berserker, Commando, Support, Field Medic, Firebug, Demolitionist, Sharpshooter, Gunslinger and Survivalist.
- Who are the bosses?
- Hans Volter or the Patriarch. Learn their attack patterns, do not enter alone, and keep some ammo and armor back.
