Zombie Arena Glitches: Tundra Shelter & Fence Fling
This article explains how the tundra shelter and fence fling spots work in the zombie arena, covering the glitch mechanics, how to use them, and why they sometimes fail. You’ll learn the exact steps to trigger each exploit and how to avoid common mistakes that get you killed.
Background: What Are These Glitches?
In the zombie arena game mode, players have discovered two major exploits that let them survive longer or escape danger. The tundra shelter is a spot in the snow map where you can hide inside a seemingly solid ice wall, making you invisible to zombies. The fence fling is a physics exploit where you use a fence’s collision to launch yourself across the map, often to a safe ledge or out of bounds. Both are unintended by the developers but have become popular among players.
How the Tundra Shelter Glitch Works
The tundra shelter relies on a specific geometry bug in the snow biome. There’s a particular ice formation near the northern edge of the map that has a hollow interior not visible from outside. To use it:
- Approach the ice wall from the west side, where there’s a small crack.
- Crouch and walk into the crack while facing north.
- Once inside, stand up—you’ll be fully hidden from zombie AI.
- Zombies will lose aggro and wander away, even if you shoot them.
The glitch works because the collision mesh for that ice block is missing on one side, but the visual model remains solid. You can shoot out, but zombies can’t pathfind to you.
How the Fence Fling Glitch Works
The fence fling exploit uses the game’s physics engine to launch you into the air. It’s most consistent on the wooden fences near the central barn. Here’s the trigger:
- Stand directly next to a fence post, facing it.
- Jump and immediately melee attack (or use a weapon with a lunge).
- At the peak of your jump, the game registers a collision with the fence’s invisible upper boundary, launching you upward.
The launch can send you high enough to reach rooftops or out-of-bounds ledges. The key is timing—the melee must connect with the fence’s collision box just as you’re moving upward.
How to Choose Which Glitch to Use
Your choice depends on your goal and current situation:
- Tundra shelter: Best for AFK survival or when you need a safe spot to heal. It’s reliable but only exists on the snow map.
- Fence fling: Useful for reaching high ground quickly, escaping a horde, or accessing areas with better loot. It’s riskier—if you mistime, you’re stuck in the open.
If you’re playing solo and just want to survive the night, the shelter is safer. If you’re with a team and need to reposition, the fling is more versatile.
Common Problems and Fixes
Both glitches have known issues:
- Shelter not working: You might be at the wrong ice formation. Only the one with a visible crack works; others are solid. Also, crouch-walk—running in can trigger a different collision.
- Fence fling failing: The most common mistake is using a metal fence instead of wood. The exploit only works on wooden fences. Also, don’t sprint—the extra speed messes up the timing.
- Getting stuck in the shelter: If you stand up too early, you’ll clip into the wall and be unable to move. Crouch again and wiggle sideways to free yourself.
Comparisons: Shelter vs. Fence Fling
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
- Reliability: Shelter is nearly 100% consistent; fence fling works about 70% of the time with practice.
- Risk: Shelter has zero risk once inside; fling can leave you vulnerable if you fail.
- Mobility: Shelter keeps you stationary; fling moves you across the map.
- Map availability: Shelter only on snow map; fling works on any map with wooden fences.
Safety and Fair Play Considerations
Using these glitches is generally considered cheating by the game’s community. Many servers ban players who use them, and you risk being reported. Also, glitches can cause your game to crash or corrupt your save. If you’re playing on a competitive server, avoid them—they’re not worth the ban.
Alternatives to Glitches
If you want to survive without exploits, try these legitimate strategies:
- Build barricades and use choke points to funnel zombies.
- Use decoys (like thrown items) to distract hordes.
- Coordinate with teammates to cover each other’s backs.
- Learn the map’s natural high ground—some ledges are reachable without glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the tundra shelter on any snow map?
No, only on the specific ice formation described. Other ice walls are solid, and the glitch requires that exact missing collision mesh. Check for the visible crack before attempting.
Does the fence fling work on all fences?
No, only on wooden fences. Metal and stone fences have different collision properties and won’t trigger the launch. Also, the fence must be intact—broken fences don’t work.
Will I get banned for using these glitches?
It depends on the server. Official servers often have anti-cheat that detects glitch use, while community servers may have manual moderation. Always check the server rules before exploiting.
Can I use the fence fling to get out of bounds?
Yes, but it’s risky. Out-of-bounds areas may have invisible walls that trap you, or you might fall through the map. If you do get out, you’ll likely be killed by the kill barrier.
Why does my character die when I try the shelter?
You’re probably entering the wrong ice block or running instead of crouching. Also, make sure you’re not being attacked while entering—zombies can interrupt the glitch and cause you to clip into a fatal spot.
Are these glitches present on all platforms?
They’ve been reported on PC and consoles, but the exact behavior may vary due to frame rate differences. On lower-end devices, the physics may not trigger the fling as reliably.
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