"the Walking Dead" Variant(2022) Apr 2026

The term was solidified in the episode titled which premiered on October 16, 2022.

: Aaron and his group initially mistook these walkers for "Whisperers" (humans wearing skin masks) because of their advanced movements, only to discover they were genuine, mutated zombies. The Walking Dead Deluxe (2022 Variant Covers) The Walking Dead review: Episode 1119, “Variant” "The Walking Dead" Variant(2022)

: Survivors encountered walkers that could climb walls , open doors , and even pick up objects to use as weapons, such as rocks. The term was solidified in the episode titled

: This development bridged a long-standing gap by acknowledging the "smart" walkers from Season 1 (who also turned doorknobs and used rocks) as regional variants rather than production inconsistencies. only to discover they were genuine