PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR 2026 HOSTS:
BOBCAT
BLASTERS
COME JOIN US AT SURVIVAL FEST 2026 FOR OUR
COMMUNITY EXPO AND 3 DAYS OF CAMPUS-STYLE
HUMANS VS. ZOMBIES GAMEPLAY!
COUNTDOWN TO SURVIVAL FEST 2026:
365d
24h
60m
44
FIRST OFF...
WHAT IS HUMANS VS ZOMBIES?
Founded on October 25th, 2005 by a small group of students at Goucher College in Baltimore, MD, Humans vs. Zombies (HvZ) at it's core is a hybrid between foam flinging games and tag.
The game consists of two teams:
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The Humans whose goal is to complete various mission objectives and tasks.
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The Zombies whose goal is to tag Humans and convert them over to the ever increasing horde.
The twist: Humans can defend themselves with foam dart blasters and throwables.
For over 20 years since, HvZ has spread worldwide primarily through U.S. college and university student life.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT HVZ IS...
WHAT IS SURVIVAL FEST?
Survival Fest originally began as an idea in early Fall 2022 amongst a small group of veteran HvZ players and friends who often traveled to and participated in invitationals together. Their vision: to create a high-quality Humans vs. Zombies event for the community to gather around and enjoy.
After another month of discussion and the addition of more friends they had made in the community, PA Survival Fest was born.
Starting with the 2024 event, we rebranded as simply Survival Fest with the idea in mind of bringing the event to other states outside of Pennsylvania.
Now in 2026, Survival Fest is proud to call itself a recognized 501c(4) non-profit organization.
MEET THE 2026 STAFF
Say hello to the 28 individuals serving as your staff for Survival Fest 2026.
Representing 11 organizations across 7 states, these individuals have brought their unique HvZ cultures together to create one game for you all.
We are looking for new recruits to support our expanding team, including our wider organization beyond just the HvZ moderation. Volunteers can assist in Operations, Marketing, and Community Expo (SFCX) efforts while still being able to play the Survival Fest HvZ game.
Interested in joining our team? Our staff application can be found here.
Michael Lacek
Event Director
HvZ Dev / Marketing / Operations / SFCX
Grove City College UGC
Pennsylvania
Josh Rubin
Operations Manager (Head Medic)
Marketing / Operations / SFCX
NOMAD / GLASS
Wisconsin
Madi Bleau
Volunteer Staff
Marketing
Boiler League of Tag / GLASS
Indiana
Susie Griffin
Game Moderator (Head Medic)
Operations / SFCX
Bobcat Blasters
Ohio
Brian Leonard
Game Moderator
HvZ Dev
Steel City Foam Initiative
Pennsylvania
Zach Mitchell
Volunteer Staff
Marketing / SFCX
Survival Fest
Arkansas
Kyle Mosier
Game Moderator
HvZ Dev / Marketing / Operations
Zombie Intelligence Agency / UMBC HvZ
Maryland
Emily Paskoff
Volunteer Staff
Marketing
Church of the Floor Cult
Indiana
Jenna Stanski
Game Moderator
HvZ Dev / Marketing
Grove City College UGC
Pennsylvania
Andy Williams
Volunteer Staff
Marketing
Bobcat Blasters
Ohio
Kelsey Harman
SFCX Manager
HvZ Dev / Marketing / Operations / SFCX
Penn State UGC
Pennsylvania
Kevin Woodruff
Marketing Manager
Marketing / Operations / SFCX
PTC HvZ
West Virginia
Reed Carter
Volunteer Staff
Marketing / Operations
Bobcat Blasters
Ohio
Cody Herron
Volunteer Staff
Operations
Survival Fest
Ohio
Amanda Lipski
Game Moderator
Operations
Grove City College UGC
Pennsylvania
Justin Mooney
Volunteer Staff
Operations
Bobcat Blasters
Ohio
Ethan Nakoneczny
Volunteer Staff
Marketing / Operations
Bobcat Blasters
Ohio
Derrick Porter
Game Moderator
HvZ Dev / Marketing
PTC HvZ
Pennsylvania
Tyler Toms
Game Moderator
HvZ Dev / SFCX
Grove City College UGC
Pennsylvania
Luke Robertson
HvZ Manager
HvZ Dev
Geneva College UGC
Pennsylvania
Travis Amtower
Game Moderator
HvZ Dev / SFCX
UMBC HvZ
Pennsylvania
Alex Farina
Game Moderator
HvZ Dev / Marketing
MINC / Boiler League of Tag / GLASS
Indiana
Sol Hunicutt
Volunteer Staff
Marketing
Bobcat Blasters
Ohio
Robbie Lively
Game Moderator
HvZ Dev / Operations / SFCX
Survival Fest
Ohio
Jack Moran
Volunteer Staff
SFCX
Boiler League of Tag
Indiana
Shannon Rona
Game Moderator
Marketing / SFCX
PTC HvZ
Pennsylvania
Eric Pronko
Volunteer Staff
SFCX
Steel City Foam Initiative
Pennsylvania
Jordan Weaver
Game Moderator
HvZ Dev / Marketing
Grove City College UGC
Pennsylvania
SURVIVAL FEST
COMMUNITY EXPO 2026
SURVIVAL FEST 2026 IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT OUR FRIDAY EVENT WILL BE EVOLVING FROM A CONVENTION TO COMMUNITY EXPO!
OUR NEW NAME REFLECTS OUR COMMITMENT TO CREATING A MORE OPEN, WELCOMING, AND INTERACTIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERYONE CAN CONNECT, PARTICIPATE, AND FEEL RIGHT AT HOME.
BY FOCUSING ON COMMUNITY FIRST, SFCX AIMS TO ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION, CREATIVITY AND SHARED EXPERIENCES ALLOWING US TO THRIVE AND GROW - TOGETHER.
WE CAN'T WAIT TO EXPERIENCE THE NEW SFCX WITH YOU ALL THIS YEAR!
2026 Host Location
CHARLES J. PING RECREATION CENTER
82 South Green Drive - Athens, OH 45701
Doors Open: 10AM | Doors Close: 4PM
LIST OF 2026 EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
WIN SOME LOOT
PRIZE RAFFLE
10AM-4PM | SF Merch Table
Anyone that attends SFCX can participate and have a chance to win prizes that have been generously donated to us by members of the community.
Everyone will receive an initial ticket as you arrive to the expo, with more available either via purchase or as prizes in the skill challenges.
Like in previous years, prizes vary (merch, blasters, gear, etc.).
MINI GAMES
SKILL CHALLENGES
11AM - 3PM | Gymnasium Area E
Think you have the fastest sidearm draw?
Can you sniff out a hidden MacGuffin from a mile away?
Believe you have what it takes to survive the Thunderdome?
Come put your skills to the test in a series of minigames based on the principles of HvZ gameplay basics.
COMING SOON!
COMING SOON!
MODDING COMPETITION
BLASTER BASH
12PM-3PM | Gymnasium Area D
Blaster Bash is back and even better!
Inspired and with blessings given by Mister Nathan and the Merge Masters competition, this years "Blaster Bash" is the perfect opportunity to show off your fanciest self built blasters.
OBSTACLE COURSE COMPETITIVE TOURNAMENT
PRECISION TARGETING
1PM - 3PM | Gymnasium Area E
Speed. Focus. Accuracy. Test your accuracy as you race through a fast-paced obstacle course, blasting targets along the way. Navigate the course, take your shots, and compete for the fastest time on the leaderboard.
Do you have what it takes to get the fastest time and come out on top?
NOW AVAILABLE!
HVZ GAME 2026 INFO
Taking inspiration from Robots (2005), Terminator, Marvel's Ultron, and other robotic media, players are invited to test their merits against the best machines an A.I. can provide.
In an alternate timeline where Athens, OH's foundational focus was rooted in industry instead of academics, The Factory rose to be the top dog in the corporate robotics field.
However, not everything that comes off the assembly line is what it initially appears to be...
Come see what happens when a lack of corporate oversight meets an overly efficient A.I system and proves why Asimov's Four Laws of Robotics may not always be enough.
MISSION 0
Gameplay begins Friday night with our "zero consequences" mission where players can get a feel for the campus environment and style of game.
MAIN GAME
Standard HvZ gameplay beginning with Missions 1-3 on Saturday and concluding with Missions 4-5 on Sunday.
SIDE MISSIONS AND FREE PLAY
Optional HvZ gameplay for those players who want a full, non-stop experience during the weekend via moderated and unmoderated objectives.
CLOSING REMARKS
Following the main game there will be a celebration of various player achievements during gameplay.
THE FOUR SECTIONS OF
GAME PLAY
BRIEFING BUILDING AND START TIME INFORMATION
BUILDING: MORTON HALL
DOORS OPEN:
FRIDAY | 4:00 PM
SATURDAY | 7:00 AM
SUNDAY | 7:00 AM
MISSION START TIMES:
FRIDAY | 6:30 PM
SATURDAY | 9:30 AM
SUNDAY | 9:30 AM
NOTE: We are playing by World Domination rules, a local tradition/mechanic at Athens. World Domination means that, while specific missions will have boundaries on campus, gameplay DOES NOT STOP when you leave campus boundaries. Roaming the streets of Athens for a meal? You’re in play. Relaxing outside at your Airbnb? Your buddy can tag you! You got your safety briefing and somehow flew across the world? You might avoid the snail, but the zombie can still getcha! With this in mind, there is a lengthy list of no-play zones, such as cemeteries, business & outdoor patios, private property, and more. For the full details on no-play zones and other mechanics, be sure to check out pages 28-30 of the Player Handbook, and brush up on all the other rules & regulations leading up to the game!
SF PLAYER HANDBOOK CHANGELOG
February 11th, 2026 - Player Handbook 2026 v.1 Released
February 11th, 2026 - Player Handbook 2026 v.1.1 Released:
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Following Sections Adjusted/Updated:
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Minor/Guardian-Specific Tag Regulations: Fixed minor wording mistake.
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March 16th, 2026 - Player Handbook 2026 v.2 Released:
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Following Sections Adjusted/Updated:
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Age Restrictions - Adjusted and added additional language to clarify the original intent behind both the "Ages 12-15" and "Ages 16-17" sections and to better adhere to Ohio University Minor Policies.
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Personal Zombie Equipment (PZE) Guidelines - Updated and expanded to allow greater creativity and ingenuity for participants wishing to bring their own personal zombie equipment after additional play testing and review by members of the moderation staff
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May 6th, 2026 - Player Handbook 2026 v.3 Released:
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Following Sections Adjusted/Updated:
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Night Play and Flashlights - Removed the line stating that there would be no exemptions to the flashlight rule during nighttime dart sweeping due to increased care for campus cleanliness and safety of dart-sweeping players.
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HOSPITALITY INFORMATION
STAY WHERE YOU PLAY
ON-CAMPUS HOUSING AND PARKING
Survival Fest 2026 at Ohio University will once again offer on-campus housing and parking for attendees!
Through Ohio University, Survival Fest provides dorm-style accommodations with single or double rooms that can house one or two people. Housing and parking reservations close May 10th, so be sure to secure your spot before the deadline.
RESERVATIONS CLOSE MAY 10TH!
