Molotov Cocktails

In this section we shall look at what a Molotov Cocktail is, how to make when, when and how you can use them effectively and a summary of pros and cons.

What is a Molotov Cocktail?

A Molotov Cocktail is a makeshift incendiary weapon, or a form of grenade. Molotov Cocktails usually consist of little more than a glass bottle, a rag, petrol and a lighter. The bottle is filled with petrol, the rag stuffed down the neck and then lit. The cocktail is then thrown and upon hitting the ground and shattering creates a stream of fire.

NOTE: Molotov Cocktails do NOT explode under normal circumstances. Upon shattering they can create a fireball, but will often just cover an area with burning petrol.

How to make a Molotov Cocktail?

As stated above you only need four basic ingredients to make a delicious and elegant Molotov Cocktail:

• A Glass Bottle- Other containers can work, however glass bottles are breakable, common and easy to throw.
• A Rag- Can be substituted for anything else that could be used as a fuse. Usually soaked in alcohol or kerosene.
• Petrol- Can be substituted for another flammable liquid.
• Lighter- This could be a cigarette lighter, matches etc. Something to light the rag/fuse.
• Tape- This fifth ingredient is optional, however should be used if possible. Tape the rag to the bottle to make sure it won't fall out while also patching up any petrol leaks.

You than mix all these ingredients together as shown in the below, helpful diagram: (Whoo! MS Paint!!)

(*Crap! I forgot the tape! But surely you get the idea)

For a slightly better diagram I suggest typing Molotov Cocktail into Google images.

Storing Molotovs

If in a stationary defence (e.g. a fortified house or other building) you can easily store rows and rows of pre-made Molotovs on a shelf.

If you are on the move it is best to have only one to three cocktails with lids securely on. Either strap the fuses around the bottle or keep them nearby.

Remember: Standard petrol Molotov Cocktails are very stable, shaking them about won't cause them to explode. This can't always be said with other flammable liquids.

Using a Molotov Cocktail

The following four step diagram shows how to use a Molotov cocktail in a Zompocalypse (Because using them any time else WOULD be ILLEGAL).

Whether you should use a Molotov Cocktail you've made depends on three factors:

• Zombie Class
• Zombie Flammability
• Environment

To expand:

Zombie class is very important. Slow zombies will spend more time in the flames than fast ones. Smart ones might avoid the fire altogether.

Zombie Flammability is even more important than class. If the zombies are fire resistant for some reason Molotovs are useless. Some Hollywood zombies explode violently when in contact with flames, why they would do this remains a mystery. It is safest to assume that they will burn at the same rate as a live human.

Now combine this with the above and you’ll realize why this is so important, and remember: What’s worse than a fast zombie running at you? A fast zombie running at you on fire.

Environment is possibly the most important factor you must consider before actually throwing a Molotov. Just ask yourself, would a large stream of unrestrained and probably uncontrollable fire be dangerous in a place like this? If you are in a wooden shack or a fireworks factory the answer is most likely going to be yes.

If you are in an empty parking lot or a quiet street you are probably safe to throw about. Common sense is king here.

Strategies

Molotovs are rarely useful on the attack as the blaze will simply create another obstacle you’ll have to overcome (If thrown in front of you), or will block off your retreat (if thrown behind).

On defence they are more useful. Lob a few of these and make yourself a moat of burning fire! However, be careful that you don’t catch your own defences on fire.

Molotovs really shine while on the run. Being chased out of a shopping centre by a few ghouls? Throw a Molotov into the doorway upon exiting and burn those pursuing zombies! This is probably the best use of Molotovs, using them as area denial at choke points. Remember: Don’t block off a doorway or alley that you might need to go or backtrack through later.

Summary

Pros

• Easy to use
• Easy to make
• Can be highly effective (depends on zombie class)

Cons

• Can be dangerous (depends on environment)
• Can be ineffective (depends on zombies)