Chainsaws

How to Become a Chainsaw Expert

To many new players, Chainsaws may seem like the ultimate power weapon. To slightly more experienced players, chainsaws are seen as annoying, aggro-increasing weapons that aren't worth it. But neither of these assessments is entirely accurate. Chainsaws have their place, and if you are skilled enough, they can become great weapons in many situations.

Chainsaws are powerful weapons that are often used for power leveling due to their high attack speed and great damage per second. Their aggro raising capability is equal to shotguns, machine guns and explosives.

They are useful in holding off zombies due to the fact their attacks continuously stop zombies' attacks. This feature applies to chainsaws starting from the STEEL MS800, while the previous chainsaws are unable to stop attacks with non-criticals. Be warned though, they can only give you protection if the zombies are in a straight line, and if there's no Irradiated/Special Mutations. If you become surrounded (especially in tight spots), or if a ranged zombie is standing away from your chainsaw's range, they will be able to get at you. With the addition of new types of infected in 3D, you'd best start moving when one of them come by.

Requirements

30 Strength
50 Melee

These are the base requirements for the Dilmar PS, the lowest level chainsaw. In addition, high Critical Hit stat is recommended; the higher your critical, the better your chainsaw will perform. I recommend that you get a better chainsaw as soon as possible.

Combat Outside - Loot/Scout

Not usually the first choice for looting, the chainsaw's tendency to attract nearby zombies combined with limited reach makes it rather inefficient while looting . If you have no better weapon, get acquainted with chainsaw "waving". This is where you sweep the chainsaw back and forth in a tight arc behind you as you run, dealing equal amounts of knockback to your pursuers. Make sure to hit everyone equally.

Conclusion? Stick to blades and blunts when looting outside, and use chainsaws for grinding.

Aggro Combat (Multiplayer)

In 3D, grinding with chainsaws is very hard, not to mention impractical. If you're pro enough to try, here's some tips:

• Make sure you've got plenty of maneuverability room. Unless your crit is super high, you'll want to be circling, to get the zombies to come at you single file. That way, your chainsaw and their lack of enough intelligence to go around the others will keep you relatively safe.

• Find someone with a long-range weapon such as a rifle or pistol and stick with them. Not only will they be happy, as pistols and rifles are not so good in a high-aggro area and they could use the defense, but they can help by hitting the zombies a few times before you have to deal with them.

• Try to ignore Bloats, pay attention to Brutes and Irradiated Zombies at all times. Walk in straight line to shake off the Bloats, then go in circles to avoid the pukes.

• Do not attempt to chainsaw spiders, tendrils, bones and leapers when in a mob. However with Steel MS800 and 112+ crit, it is possible to hit a tendril or leaper continuously without giving it a chance to retaliate. However even the strongest chainsaw with 124 critical hit won't stop a spider's attack.

Advantages and Disadvantages in PvP

Advantages

• They deal twice their normal damage.
• With high enough critical they deal a lot more damage than blades or blunts
• Due to having no ammo requirement , it is possible to keep on using a chainsaw

Disadvantages

• Like most melee weapons, excluding blades, sledge hammer and shovel, they require 112 critical hit rather than 80 to work affectively.
• It takes time to reach a player and hit him, so he/she has the time to shoot at you.
• Chainsaws are useless against survivors faster than you.
• Due to the player constantly moving around, it is very hard to aim the chainsaw.
• Once you reach critical health, they deal mostly non-critical hits.

List of Chainsaws

The Damage values in brackets indicate the averaged damage that can be achieved with the maximum critical hit chance.

Dilmar PS
Very Fast Attack Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 30 Strength Required 50 Melee Skill Required Damage per Second: 7.5 (31.5) Damage per hit: 0.88 (3.68) 8.57 Hit(s) per Second Scrap Value: $ 2,550	Real Name: Dolmar PS Rugged and solid, the Dolmar PS is a great all-around saw for ripping logs, limb cutting, brush clearing, and now used to saw the infected as well -- with minimal hassle. Its manufacturer, Dolmar, is one of the oldest chainsaw manufacturers, established in Germany in 1927. This is your run-of-the-mill chainsaw -- no frills or upgrades, unlike the other chainsaws modified by the engineers of Fairview's outposts.
Ronan Pro
Very Fast Attack Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 35 Strength Required 60 Melee Skill Required Damage per Second: 10.71 (45) Damage per hit: 1.25 (5.25) 8.57 Hit(s) per Second Price:The amount of credits required to purchase the item in the Credit Shop, if available. The value in brackets, if added, is the discounted price for Gold Members. 100 (80) Credit(s) Scrap Value: $ 5,450	Real Name: Poulan Pro A powerful electric chainsaw, designed to be used in the middle of winter, cutting down major “obstructions”* with its powerful 4 HP blades. Nastya's engineers have simply reinforced the chain by adding sharper teeth that do more damage to bone and skin. The Poulan company was established in 1946 and merged with the company "Weed Eater" in 1970. A few years later, it was purchased by Electrolux. *"Obstructions" include the shambling undead as well.
STEEL MS800
Very Fast Attack Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 40 Strength Required 80 Melee Skill Required Damage per Second: 19.29 (81) Damage per hit: 2.25 (9.45) 8.57 Hit(s) per Second Scrap Value: $ 9,650	Real Name: STIHL MS880 The STIHL MS880 Magnum chainsaw is heavy duty, designed to saw straight through an oak log like butter. The STIHL company was established in 1926 by Andreas Stihl in Stuttgart, Germany. It’s a professional’s tool, used by fire departments, farmers, and construction crews the world over, and is renowned for its power and durability - something reflected on in its newer modifications. In addition to much sharper teeth and a reinforced sawblade that wouldn't bend or damage itself against mutants, it was given a much faster engine that requires less gas to run and an easy start-up button. In case of undead headache, apply directly to a zombie's forehead-- if symptoms persist, apply again as needed. Many players find themselves content with this chainsaw if they cannot afford a Grinder or other elite/epic-level chainsaws.
Grinder
Very Fast Attack Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 50 Strength Required 100 Melee Skill Required Damage per Second: 27.43 (115.2) Damage per hit: 3.2 (13.44) 8.57 Hit(s) per Second Price:The amount of credits required to purchase the item in the Credit Shop, if available. The value in brackets, if added, is the discounted price for Gold Members. 500 (400) Credit(s) Scrap Value: $ 20,050	No one really knows where this beast came from. Close inspection by experienced outpost Engineers has shown that it has an experimental high power engine (that may run on the souls of slain enemies, or so the rumors say), a chain fitted with razor-sharp diamond-edged teeth, and the word "ASH" emblazoned on the side in flaming crimson letters. It’s a very powerful weapon, and only someone who has considerable experience in melee weapons (and the strength to keep this monster in check) can effectively use it in combat. Tribute to "Army of Darkness".
Steel 090
Very Fast Attack Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 50 Strength Required 110 Melee Skill Required Damage per Second: 33.43 (140.4) Damage per hit: 3.9 (16.38) 8.57 Hit(s) per Second Price:The amount of credits required to purchase the item in the Credit Shop, if available. The value in brackets, if added, is the discounted price for Gold Members. 1500 (1250) Credit(s) Scrap Value: $ 35,085	Real Name: STIHL 090 The STIHL 090 is a vintage model chainsaw of STIHL, which was originally designed for professional heavy duty use. With an engine displacement of 137 ccm, the 090 is very bulky, so if you intend to purchase a chainsaw for small landscapes, just buy a midsize chainsaw -- if you are planning to turn the infected into ground beef, however, this is the chainsaw you'll want. \The Stihl 090 is good for hard core felling, limbing, and milling-- both trees and zombies. With its heavy-duty 13 HP engine, you can cut through wood or flesh with less effort and time. It's the best normal chainsaw available for survivors. Added May 15, 2011.
Corpse Grinder (Unique)This item is unique and as such it can only be obtained in special ways and/or is non-transferable. For a full list of such items, visit the Special Gear article
Very Fast Attack Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 50 Strength Required 110 Melee Skill Required Damage per Second: 38.14 (160.2) Damage per hit: 4.45 (18.69) 8.57 Hit(s) per Second Price:The amount of credits required to purchase the item in the Credit Shop, if available. The value in brackets, if added, is the discounted price for Gold Members. 1000 (800) Credit(s) Scrap Value: $ 48,500	A gruesome chainsaw that is constructed of an array of skulls, bones, and other remains of the undead. This hell-spawned machine is the most powerful chainsaw of them all. Many owners claim that its engine (allegedly fueled by the blood of the infected that it dismembers) roars with the echoing shrieks made by the zombies who were sacrificed to create it... coupled with the piercing screams they let out as they were being consumed in their last grisly moments as humans. This weapon can only be bought from the Credit Shop for 1000 credits (800 for Gold Members). It was on sale from November 30th, 2011 until December 31st, 2011. This weapon appears to be skinned after the Steel 090.
Dusk Saw (Unique)This item is unique and as such it can only be obtained in special ways and/or is non-transferable. For a full list of such items, visit the Special Gear article
Very Fast Attack Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 50 Strength Required 110 Melee Skill Required Non-Transferable Damage per Second: 37.71 (158.4) Damage per hit: 4.4 (18.48) 8.57 Hit(s) per Second Scrap Value: $ 40,050	The Dusk Saw is the most powerful chainsaw known to survivors. Forged by AdminPwn for the Top survivors, this beast of a machine can bifurcate any mutant zombie in mere seconds. Equipped with a 16 HP engine, a push-button starter, a motor capable of 500 rpm, and a belt lined with sharp, diamond-edged 1-inch teeth, the Dusk Saw is arguably one of the most powerful chainsaws known to mankind. Such power is obviously not for a novice survivor, and only someone with extensive experience in combat and superhuman strength could possibly use it and not end up impaling him or herself. This weapon cannot be found in the city but is available in the Elite Shop for $700,000. Added May 15, 2011.
Ripsaw G12
Very Fast Attack Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 50 Strength Required 120 Melee Required Damage per Second: 43.71 (183.6) Damage per hit: 5.1 (21.42) 8.57 Hit(s) per Second	Not content to limit themselves to chainsaws as the only power tool-based weapons available, Fairview's engineers have finally begun making forays into other power tools to weaponize for survivors. The Ripsaw G12 is the result of their work so far. Formerly a rescue saw, engineers have stripped the saw of its protective plastic blade cover, and rigged it with a more powerful engine designed to provide much higher torque than what was once considered safe for use. Add to that a blade with sharper teeth, and you have a saw that will cut through zombies (and most other materials) like a knife through butter. You're not in wood shop anymore. Added February 18, 2013.
Buzzblade RN8
Very Fast Attack Speed Average Accuracy High Critical Chance 120 Melee Required Damage per Second: 43.71 (183.6) Damage per hit: 5.1 (21.42) 8.57 Hit(s) per Second	The engineers haven't neglected attention for chainsaws by any means-- the selection of newly-crafted weapons also includes the Buzzblade RN8, a chainsaw that eliminates several of the weaknesses found in pre-existing chainsaws. This chainsaw's primary difference from its predecessors lies in the design of its chain-- the teeth of the Buzzblade have a design similar to that of a circular saw, being slanted and sharpened to fine points, in order to slice through infected much more effectively than would be possible with a conventional chain. There has been some confusion regarding the purpose of the short blade affixed underneath the engine housing of this chainsaw, but it can only be speculated that it serves as a last-ditch defense in case the chainsaw fouls. This has not yet been released.