Melee weapons are your primary defense against Wanderers in close quarters and are essential for conserving ammunition. They come in various types, each with different attack speeds, damage outputs, and durability. Early game, you'll rely on the Machete (fast, low damage) and Spear (medium speed, good reach, medium damage). As you progress, you'll unlock blueprints for more powerful options like the Katana (fast, high damage), Sledgehammer (slow, very high damage, good for breaking defenses), and Baseball Bat (medium speed, medium damage, good stun chance).
Melee weapons have durability and will break with extended use. Always carry a backup or the materials to repair them at a crafting bench. Upgrading melee weapons increases their damage and durability. Some melee weapons also have special properties, such as increased critical hit chance or the ability to stun enemies. Choose your melee weapon based on your playstyle and the enemies you expect to encounter.