Deschutes County Militia
The Deschutes County Militia is Colonel Garret's army in the south and the best-trained human force you meet. For much of the second half you work for them at Diamond Lake and Wizard Island. Their soldiers are also the toughest humans in the game to kill.
- Threat
- High
- Type
- Human
Found in
- Crater LakeCrater Lake is the far southern region built around the real lake and Wizard Island, the Militia's headquarters. It opens in the second half of the story and has the most encampment jobs and NERO research sites in the game.
- Diamond LakeDiamond Lake is a Deschutes County Militia forward base in the north of Crater Lake and one of the five main encampments. It is the paymaster for Highway 97, so most southern Hordes, checkpoints and infestations earn Trust here.
- Wizard IslandWizard Island sits in the middle of Crater Lake and is the Deschutes County Militia's main base. You work for Colonel Garret here, with Dee's gun shop and Caleb Tomlinson's garage as the draw.
Good to know
- Garret founded it. The main base is Wizard Island in Crater Lake, with an outpost at Diamond Lake.
- Red armbands show rank.
- A standard soldier takes about 20 Boot Knife stabs on Normal, against 13 for a Ripper and 8 for a Marauder.
- An armored soldier survives a little more damage than a Marauder Tank.
- Soldiers carry US556 rifles, Combat Shotguns, C8 sniper rifles and SAP9 pistols. Armored troops often use the MG45.
- Militia Tanks use flamethrowers or MG45s, with about twice a Marauder Tank's health and armor.
- They clear forests and burn buildings so Freakers cannot nest nearby.
- O'Brian says their outposts use captured RPGs and anti-air rockets.
- Diamond Lake and Wizard Island each have jobs, a mechanic, a gun merchant and a bounty collector.
How they fight
Militia soldiers use teamwork and real tactics. They hold cover, flank and wear armor far better than any bandit's. Their health is also higher, thanks to steady food and medical care.
How to beat them
Stealth is the safest approach. If it turns into a firefight, stay at range with an LMG or sniper rifle. Avoid close quarters, where their armor and weapons give them the edge. Save explosives for armored troops and Tanks.
Working for them
Deacon enlists to get answers in the south, and the Militia camps become your job boards. Kouri runs Diamond Lake, and Garret runs Wizard Island. Trust at each camp unlocks better gear from its merchant and mechanic. Garret's speeches and report-ins pay Wizard Island trust too.
Role in the storySpoilerShow
After Doc Jiminez dies, Garret decides other survivors are a bigger threat than the Freakers and turns the Militia on the northern camps. Skizzo leads an attack on Lost Lake. Deacon answers with a combined assault on Wizard Island. Garret and Skizzo die, the rest surrender, and Weaver takes charge of the island.
You Can't Do This AloneThe final push on Wizard Island. With Lost Lake's fighters behind you, you storm the Militia's stronghold and fight your way into the Ark toward Colonel Garret.- For An Outlaw BikerThe final push into the Ark on Wizard Island. You fight through the Militia inside, save Weaver, settle things with Skizzo and head for the Colonel's chamber.
- A Good SoldierA Good Soldier is the storyline where Deacon signs on with the Deschutes County Militia so he can find out what is going on in the south. It covers his time as a Militia recruit under Captain Kouri and Colonel Garret at Wizard Island.
- Law And DisorderLaw And Disorder is the storyline about Colonel Matthew Garret, leader of the Deschutes County Militia. Deacon plays soldier at Wizard Island while working out what kind of man the Colonel really is.
Related enemies
Image: Bend Studio / PlayStationAnimalRager Bear
Ragers are infected black bears and the toughest animals in the game, with well over twice a normal bear's health. Treat one like a boss fight: keep your distance, set it on fire and pour in shotgun or heavy rifle rounds.
- Infected
Bleacher
Bleachers are pale, shirtless Swarmers with about 50% more health and a harder hit. They are a newer mutation you meet later, and the same tactics as Swarmers work if you bring a few extra rounds.
- Infected
Breaker
Breakers are hulking male Freakers that soak up huge damage and can knock you flat with one swing. Treat each one as a mini-boss: stay at range, lead with explosives and finish with headshots.