🧍 Survivors
Survive the Apocalypse — Survivors Guide
Survivors are recruitable NPC companions that fight alongside you or loot your base while you explore. First spawn on Day 6 with more waves on Day 35 and Day 75. See also: Day 6 beginner path and Necromancer class for summoner builds.
🎬 Survivor Video Guides
📋 How Survivors Work
- ▸NPC companions spawn on the map starting Day 6 — additional waves on Day 35 and Day 75.
- ▸Maximum 3 recruited survivors active at once; you cannot recruit more until one dies or is dismissed.
- ▸Map marker: black silhouette with a question mark — interact to recruit if you carry the required item.
- ▸Command survivors to Follow (escort and fight alongside you) or Stay at Base (auto-loot nearby resources during the day).
- ▸You can give armor and weapons to survivors — they use whatever equipment you provide.
🧍 Survivor Roster & Recruit Items
Each survivor requires a specific item to recruit. Carry recruit items before Day 6 — the map marker is a black silhouette with a ? icon.
| Survivor | Recruit Item | Weapon | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survivor | Bandage | Shotgun | B | Balanced starter companion. Shotgun handles early hordes at your funnel entrance. |
| Fighter | Spiked Bat | Melee | C | Cheapest recruit cost but melee-only — dies quickly without armor in late waves. |
| Medic | Medkit | Medic Gun / Uzi | A | Heals you and teammates during day runs. Essential for co-op fuel collection. |
| Soldier | AK-47 | Assault Rifle | S | Highest recruit cost but best late-game companion firepower. |
| Scavenger | Knife | Pistol | B | Low cost; ideal for Stay-at-Base looting duty while you explore. |
| Assassin | Suppressor | Sniper | S | Long-range picks; clears Military Zombies before they acquire target. |
| Policeman | Revolver | Revolver | B | Solid mid-tier ranged companion with piercing revolver shots. |
| Necromancer | Compound I | Pistol + summons walkers | S | OP summons — converts kills into walker allies. Best overall survivor. |
💡 Survivor Tips
First survivor spawns Day 6 — carry a Bandage or cheap recruit item before leaving base.
Set Scavengers to Stay at Base during fuel runs; they collect Scrap and ammo while you're away.
Give surplus armor from Military crates to Soldier or Assassin survivors.
Necromancer survivor summons stack with Necromancer class for overwhelming zombie armies.
Don't recruit Fighter unless you have extra melee gear — tier C falls off after Night 20.
Day 35 and Day 75 spawn additional survivor opportunities — save AK-47 or Compound I for those waves.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When do survivors spawn in Survive the Apocalypse? ▼
First spawn on Day 6, then additional waves on Day 35 and Day 75. Look for the black silhouette with a ? on the map.
How many survivors can I recruit? ▼
Maximum 3 active at once. You need the required recruit item in your inventory to interact with the spawn marker.
What is the best survivor to recruit? ▼
Necromancer (Compound I) is S-Tier for walker summons. Soldier (AK-47) is best pure DPS. Medic is best for co-op healing.
Can I give survivors weapons and armor? ▼
Yes — equip items on them like you would yourself. They fight with whatever weapon and armor you provide.