Screamers
Screamers are gaunt female Freakers whose shriek stuns you and calls every Freaker nearby, Hordes included. Kill her first and kill her quietly, because one scream can turn an easy fight into a disaster.
- Threat
- Medium
- Type
- Infected
Good to know
- She is easy to spot: always female, with thin white hair to the shoulders and ribs showing.
- Her hearing is sharper than a Swarmer's, so she often stands still and listens.
- The scream freezes Deacon in place and drains his stamina.
- Her cry carries far and can bring a Horde in within seconds.
- Riding past her is risky, because the scream can throw you off the bike and damage it.
- When she has not noticed you, you can hear her humming.
- Deacon often calls out a Screamer while you ride, even before she is in sight.
- Up close she can pounce and knock you down for a few seconds.
- Screamers and Newts attack each other on sight.
How she behaves
A Screamer has few attacks. Her real weapon is the scream, which locks you in place and calls for help. She relies on hearing more than sight. Moving slowly and staying quiet matters more around her than around Swarmers.
How to beat her
Kill her before she knows you are there. A silenced headshot or crossbow bolt from range, or the Boot Knife from behind, does the job. If a fight has already started, drop her first even with Swarmers closing in. Rocks and distractors can turn her away while you get into position.
Near a Horde
Scout any Horde area with Survival Vision and look for a Screamer before you set traps. If she spots you, the whole Horde comes before you are ready.
Easy to miss
Listen for the humming and for Deacon's callout on the bike. Both warn you before you can see her, which gives you time to stop and go in on foot.
Related enemies
- 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.
Image: Bend Studio / PlayStationInfectedFreakers
Freakers are people and animals turned feral by the Freaker Virus, and they are the main danger on every road in Days Gone. Each type needs a different answer, from a knife for a lone Swarmer to fire for a whole Horde.
Image: Bend Studio / PlayStationInfectedHordes
Hordes are packs of 25 to 500 Swarmers that move, feed and sleep as one, and they are the biggest fights in Days Gone. Each one needs scouting and a plan, but clearing them makes a region safer and pays out in weapons.