Overview
The Caustic-X Walker is a variant of the Walker found all across Los Angeles, most commonly in Santa Monica. They are former CDC personnel who were equipped with portable tanks of Caustic-X for the purpose of disposing of infected corpses. Once part of the CDC’s pandemic response strategy, they were deployed across the outbreak zone to help contain the spread of infection.
Caustic-X itself is an industrial alkali solvent, a Class 8 corrosive hazard manufactured by Dolus Industrial Inc. of Vista, California, designated as capable of causing severe burns, injury, and death. The CDC issued it to field teams as a body disposal agent, but the substance ultimately failed in its purpose: Caustic-X failed to fully destroy the Autophage in infected bodies, and the disease adapted by conglomerating the dissolved remains into a biomass, the highest concentration of which gathered in the Main Septic Tank of the Brentwood Sewer.
Caustic-X Walkers are recognisable by their extensive chemical burns and the pressurised green tank strapped to their back. Their white CDC-issue Level C hazmat suit, gas mask, and black boots are heavily damaged from corrosive exposure, though enough of the suit remains intact to still provide immunity to caustic damage. In behaviour they are identical to standard Walkers – slow, aimless, and grabbing at survivors who stray too close.
The real danger is their tank. When the tank is damaged it will leak Caustic-X and can potentially explode, inflicting caustic damage that can quickly deplete the player’s health. However, the leaking substance can equally be used to the player’s advantage, the Caustic-X will damage and melt any nearby zombies caught in the area. Like other Walker variants, their limbs can be severed easily. Caustic-X puddles created by a destroyed tank can be neutralised with water from a Jerrycan or a Hydration Walker.
Where to Find Them
The first encounter occurs during the story mission Blood Drive at The Pier, where several can be found feasting on a corpse early in the level. For farming, a reliable spawn is in the Brentwood Sewers, in the central room near the Slobber Hotspot.
Notable Caustic-X Walkers
CDC Viscera Cleaner – spawns at the beach, close to the pier after killing Butcho.
Zompedia
| Name | Criteria | Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Blood | Kill 1 Caustic-X Walker | Once part of the CDC’s pandemic strategy, these Walkers wear hazmat suits and carry a pressurized tank of CAUSTIC-X to help dispose of infected corpses. |
| Under The Skin | Kill 10 Caustic-X Walkers | Like all other CDC zombies, Caustic-X Walkers are immune to CAUSTIC damage thanks to their hazmat suits. |
| Sliced To The Bone | Kill 25 Caustic-X Walkers | Damaging the tank on this Zombie’s back will cause it to leak CAUSTIC-X, which can start MELTING other zombies around it. |
| Deep In The Guts | Kill 50 Caustic-X Walkers | Shooting or severely damaging the tank will CAUSTIC EXPLOSION! Fun for all the family. |
Zombie Challenges
| Name | Tier | Description | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk On By | 1 | Kill 50 Walkers | CRITICAL DAMAGE+ (+3%) |
| 2 | Kill 100 Walkers | CRITICAL DAMAGE++ | |
| 3 | Kill 1000 Walkers | CRITICAL DAMAGE+++ | |
| Those Who Melt It | 1 | Slay 10 Caustic-X Walkers or Slobbers, while playing the game as any Slayer | CAUSTIC RESILIENCE+ (+3%) |
| 2 | Slay 50 Caustic-X Walkers or Slobbers, while playing the game as any Slayer | CAUSTIC RESILIENCE++ | |
| 3 | Slay 100 Caustic-X Walkers or Slobbers, while playing the game as any Slayer | CAUSTIC RESILIENCE+++ |
