If you’ve ever played Echoes of the Living, you know what true panic feels like — that moment your gun clicks empty while a zombie lurches closer.
Ammo is precious in this game, and running out mid-fight can turn even the calmest player into a button-mashing mess. After hours of trial (and way too many bites), I found a simple way to stretch my ammo supply — using a combo that barely costs a single bullet.
This is my personal, step-by-step breakdown of how I learned to survive smarter: the gun, kick, and knife combo. It’s not a cheat, it’s not a glitch — just a small mechanic that rewards timing and patience.
Why Ammo Management Changes Everything
In Echoes of the Living, you won’t find ammo scattered everywhere. Every bullet matters. Most new players waste their first few clips on regular zombies, then struggle later when tougher enemies appear.
That’s where this method comes in. By mastering a single close-range move, you’ll handle early fights safely — and keep your bullets for the moments that really matter.
Here’s what you’ll get from this technique:
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A reliable way to handle one zombie at a time.
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Less ammo wasted on easy targets.
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More bullets left for bosses and emergencies.
This approach completely changed how I played the game — and honestly, it made Echoes of the Living more fun.
Start With the Right Weapon Type
The first thing you need to know is that Liam’s kick only works with lightweight weapons.
That includes:
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Handgun
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Early SMG
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Flare gun
You can’t perform the kick with heavier weapons like the shotgun or rifle. So if you’re carrying one of those, switch to something lighter first.
Tip: The lighter your weapon, the easier it is to recover from attacks and reposition after a kick.
The kick will briefly knock the zombie back or stun it. That’s your opening. If you follow up quickly with your knife, you can deal damage without wasting any ammo.
How to Do the Gun-Kick-Knife Combo (PC Controls)
This technique works best on PC. Controller users can try adapting it, but timing may vary slightly.
Here’s the full process:
1. Line Up Your Kick
Aim your weapon at the zombie and make sure you’re close enough.
When ready, press the kick button to knock it backward.
2. Move Forward and Open Inventory
While the zombie is staggering, hold your move-forward key (W) and tap the inventory key quickly. This keeps Liam in motion toward the enemy.
3. Switch to the Combat Knife
In your inventory, equip the combat knife.
This step needs to be fast — the zombie’s stun doesn’t last long.
4. Time the Knife Swing
As soon as you close the inventory, press aim and fire/attack almost simultaneously.
This should trigger a quick knife slash. If you did it right, the knife will connect before the zombie recovers.
5. Back Away Instantly
After your swing, step back. Don’t try to go for a second hit — it’s safer to wait, reset, and repeat the combo.
6. Repeat Until the Zombie Drops
Reequip your handgun and prepare for the next cycle. With good timing, most regular zombies go down in four to five knife hits.
Note: The entire combo relies on rhythm. Once you find the pace that works, it becomes muscle memory.
When It’s Safe to Use This Technique
This trick works perfectly in 1-on-1 encounters. If more than one zombie is nearby, back off first. The combo requires focus and space — it’s not made for crowd fights.
Here’s what I’ve tested it on:
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Regular Zombies: Ideal practice targets.
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Fast Zombies: Works, but requires quick retreating after each hit.
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Armored Zombies: Not worth the risk — use a shotgun or Desert Eagle.
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Licker-like Enemies: Avoid completely. They move too fast.
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Dogs & Birds: Hard to hit, better handled with ranged weapons.
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Spiders: Technically possible, but poison makes it risky.
Tip: Use this combo in hallways, parking areas, or rooms with clear spacing. Avoid tight spots or walls that can shorten the stun duration.
Common Mistakes New Players Make
When I first learned this combo, I failed a lot. The most common mistakes I made — and later fixed — were simple things:
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Kicking zombies into walls. They recover faster.
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Staying too close after a knife hit. Always step back.
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Trying it on multiple zombies. It’s designed for solo encounters.
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Switching weapons too slowly. The timing between kick and knife must be near instant.
Once I corrected these, the combo started working flawlessly. Practice it on slow-moving zombies first before relying on it during tense moments.
A Small Trick That Makes a Big Difference
Mastering the gun-kick-knife combo won’t make you invincible — but it will make you efficient. By saving just a few bullets per fight, you’ll end up with dozens more later on when the game ramps up.
The best part? It feels satisfying. It gives every encounter rhythm, control, and that sense of “I’ve got this” — even when your ammo count says otherwise.
Try practicing it the next time you boot up Echoes of the Living. It might take a few attempts, but once it clicks, you’ll never look at your handgun the same way again.