The fluorescent lights of Checkpoint Alpha hummed as another survivor shuffled forward. His jaw hung slack, a silent question mark etched on his face. It’s easy to assume that these shell-shocked expressions indicate admiration for your inspection skills, but the truth is far more unsettling.
Forced to play gatekeeper at Checkpoint Alpha, you’re surrounded by chain-smokers and the walking wounded, some of whom are exhibiting a concerning “Slack Jaw.” This isn’t some isolated incident in the apocalypse. Is it shock? Is it illness? Is it something far worse lurking beneath the surface? Here’s what you need to know about Slack Jaw in Quarantine Zone: The Last Check.
How to inspect Slack Jaw in Quarantine Zone: The Last Check
Everyone knows that deer-in-the-headlights stare. In Quarantine Zone, that glazed-over look, that open mouth, is one of the first potential infection warnings you’ll encounter within Checkpoint Alpha. Survivors displaying this Slack Jaw (or perpetually open mouth) need a full examination before they’re allowed into The Block because they clearly have some kind of ailment. You absolutely need the Reflex Hammer (acquired on day 5 of the Campaign) when a survivor arrives with an open mouth (when they aren’t speaking).
A Slack Jaw on its own means the survivor needs a reflex test. It is not, by itself, an infection indicator (it’s absent from the symptoms list). The reflex test yields three possible results, each potentially leading to Quarantine or Liquidation. A “Crossed Reflex” means the survivor strikes you with the opposite arm you tested. Treat this as potential evidence of the zombie virus, especially early- to mid-game.
What are the signs of zombie infection in Quarantine Zone: The Last Check?
Send survivors to the Lab if you find an Unknown Symptom alongside the crossed reflex, otherwise it’s straight to Liquidation. Never jump to conclusions that a Slack Jaw automatically equals infection. You have to dig deeper, watch for other signs. An open mouth is about reflexes. No other symptoms besides the Crossed Reflex? Then don’t liquidate. Sometimes, a healthy person can react aggressively to the test. If they are otherwise symptom-free, that survivor goes to The Block. Think of it as a coin flip; Slack Jaw alone tells you very little.
What tools do I need to properly inspect survivors in Quarantine Zone: The Last Check?
Imagine each survivor is a tightly locked safe. Slack Jaw is just one tumbler, and you need more than that to crack the code. To effectively inspect survivors, you’ll need the Reflex Hammer. This is your first line of defense, allowing you to test neurological responses and determine if further investigation is required. The hammer, combined with sharp observation skills to detect other symptoms, makes you the ultimate safeguard against the infected.
What happens if I accidentally liquidate a healthy survivor in Quarantine Zone: The Last Check?
Every choice in Quarantine Zone carries weight. Mistakes echo through the colony. Accidentally liquidating a healthy survivor? That’s not just a statistic; it’s a blow to morale, a drain on resources, and a potential crack in the community’s trust in you. There is no going back. You have to consider that their absence will ripple through the game, impacting resource availability, defense capabilities, and even the narrative itself. The weight of command, wouldn’t you agree?