Zombie Wave Shooter Template

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Zombies Walking down the escalator
Close contact with zombies

Inspiration

Retro Zombies is a project I’ve wanted to revisit for a long time. The genre is perfect for experimenting with new maps that can completely change the look and feel of the gameplay. With the release of new tools and features over the years, I saw the chance to bring the classic wave-shooter concept back—this time with modern mechanics layered on top.

What it does

The project provides a working greybox map that demonstrates the core gameplay loop. From there, creators can simply delete the greybox and import their own map to customize the experience.

How we built it

The original Retro Zombies was built in Codeblocks, so I converted the scripts to TypeScript for compatibility with the latest features. I also introduced key design changes: swapping the pistol for an assault rifle (to avoid finger fatigue from constant clicking), adding a knife for melee attacks when ammo runs out, and introducing ammo drops to keep players engaged without overthinking resource math in the middle of action.

Challenges we ran into

One major hurdle was the lack of left-handed grip pose animations in Horizon. Initially, I tried switching the knife to the right hand when the swing button was pressed, but this caused a delay—resulting in awkward bare-fist swings. The solution turned out simpler: in rifle pose, the knife points straight forward in the left hand, allowing players to stab zombies by walking into them. To balance this, I delayed zombie attack timing so players have a fair chance to stab and retreat.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

I’m proud of how fast-paced and fluid the game feels. Switching to an assault rifle and increasing zombie speed each round created an intensity that makes the gameplay engaging and exciting.

What we learned

Throughout the process, I deepened my understanding of nav mesh agents and player animations, both of which were critical in refining gameplay and mechanics.

What's next for Zombie Wave Shooter Template

Looking ahead, I’d like to expand progression systems with unlockable weapons and introduce new zombie types. These additions would enhance variety and replayability, making the template even more versatile for creators.