Across campus, students sporting multicolored bandanas on their arms and carrying bulky Nerf blasters hope to avoid zombie attacks by creeping around the back entrances of University buildings.

Students acting as zombies in the campus-wide Humans v. Zombies this week use Nerf guns to tag "humans" in the game. AJ REYNOLDS/Staff

Humans vs. Zombies, the ongoing campus-wide game that has hundreds of students on edge this week, can certainly be a challenge.

But what is the best way to avoid joining the growing crowd of zombies?

Tyler Gagat, a junior wildlife major from Marietta and operational director of Humans vs. Zombies at the University, said anyone who knows anything about staying alive will avoid major intersections on campus during class change. He also said it’s smart to plan your strategy based on the weapon you’re using.

“If you’ve got a big Nerf blaster and you’re ready to take on zombies, then a group [of humans] is actually a really good option,” Gagat said. “But if you’re going with light load — maybe two socks hidden in your pocket — you’re a lot less noticeable and it’s easier to blend into a crowd.”

Gagat’s weapon of choice is a Nerf Alpha Trooper — a reliable, non-battery powered long-range cannon. Another popular and effective weapon is the Stampede — a fast-firing electric blaster that can take on at least six zombies, according to Gagat.

But others prefer to use socks instead of toy guns to fend off hoards of zombies. Alex Cox, a freshman biology major from Snellville, said she thinks socks work better because they are harder to swat away. She recommends being stealthy and watchful and avoiding the outside of dining halls and large lecture classes at all costs.

“You need to be really vigilant,” she said. “Pay attention to all of your surroundings and just make sure you’re watching everything at all times.”

Stephanie Chacon, a freshman intended art major from Kennesaw, said she tried to find alternative routes to most of her classes, especially during busy class changes.

Gagat also said the scenic route is the way to go if you want to stay alive.

“If you take the roads less traveled, it might be a longer way to class, but you’re going to be out of sight from zombies,” he said.

But sometimes, no matter how careful, prudent and prepared you are, zombies find a way to push you into an inescapable corner. Chacon said she became a zombie recently and has enjoyed it more than being human.

“There is lots of paranoia while you’re still human, but once you’re a zombie I think it’s more fun,” she said.