Back 4 Blood is finally here and it's proving to be a great addition to the "Left 4 Dead universe." Although different in name, the title (from the same developers) feels like Left 4 Dead for a modern age. It's polished (comparatively), has updated visuals, and introduces a small handful of new mechanics. There's enough interesting and engaging content here to keep long-running fans of the series, and franchise newbies coming back for more.
But those that are just starting out may not know how to handle Back 4 Blood's chaotic and interesting style of gameplay. Even on Recruit difficulty, it's easy to be overrun by hordes of undead, and one wrong move can cause a chain reaction that has survivors barely clinging to life. To help new players get a better grip on the release and how it operates, here are some tips.
Start On Recruit Difficulty
Those that are "familiar" with FPS and survival games will be tempted to start the Campaign on Veteran or Nightmare difficulties but it's definitely smartest to play through the title at least once on Recruit. For one, players will unlock necessary Supply Points to get bigger and better cards that can go a long way in higher difficulties.
Back 4 Blood is rather challenging in its own right, even on a Recruit difficulty. Players will likely find themselves surrounded by zombies at all times and clinging to life through some of the wave-heavy fights. It's much easier to transition to the increased difficulty of Veteran and Nightmare when players are actually familiar with the maps and objectives.
Use The Gun Range
This is a general tip for most games but it's doubly important in Back 4 Blood. Players should familiarize themselves with each weapon and how they operate. Although most melee weapons are carbon copies and only change aesthetically, guns have varying fire rates, power, and recoil.
Most weapons in Back 4 Blood will take down lesser zombies with a shot or two, so it's important for players to snag a gun that adheres to their particular playstyle. Practicing with each weapon in the range will give survivors a good look at which weapons they want to carry, so they can be on the lookout for them during a run.
Carry Weapons According To How You Play
Back 4 Blood has a wide array of weapons to choose from but is very limiting when it comes to what players are capable of carrying. Survivors will only be able to tote around one "primary weapon," and can also pick up a melee weapon or a sidearm. Because of the nature in which enemies can swarm the player in Back 4 Blood, it's important to think about what weapons to carry into battle.
Those that have a shotgun with decent spread might opt for a melee weapon to help cleave through the horde, while those that use single-shot rifles and prefer range may want to carry a fast-shooting sidearm to keep zombies at bay. Carrying a melee weapon and a sniper rifle is entirely possible but can put some players who aren't familiar with Back 4 Blood's hectic gameplay at a disadvantage. It's easy to be overwhelmed.
Always Be Moving
Movement is a massive priority in Back 4 Blood. Although players may be tempted to post up in one spot and take potshots at zombies from a "sniper perch" somewhere, it's rarely a good idea to stay still for too long.
The zombie horde in Back 4 Blood is fast, doubly so when players make a mistake and alert the horde. They're capable of climbing, cant vault over objects, and will relentlessly pursue a player when they catch sight of them. Standing atop a vehicle or obstacle and aiming through a scope makes it incredibly easy for a swarm of zombies to sneak up behind a player and overwhelm them. Instead, players should get used to moving, shooting, and repositioning themselves often if they want to take a "sniper role."
Be Careful With Scope Choice
Like most other zombie games on the market, headshots are incredibly valuable. Because of this, it can be tempting for survivors to put effort into finding or buying a high-powered scope. However, for new players, this can be much more of a liability than a help. Those that aren't familiar with the maps or where hordes spawn will find themselves having the same troubles as those that stay stationary for too long.
Aiming through a high-powered scope can greatly increase accuracy at a distance but it severely cuts a player's vision and awareness, making it easier for zombies to cut them down from the sides and behind. A mid or short-range scope is a much better choice for those just starting out until they can learn the maps and levels better.
Always Carry A Tool Kit
Players will have the opportunity to purchase a Tool Kit (or sometimes find them) at the beginning of each level and it's always a good practice to carry one or at least make sure someone on the team is carrying one. Tool Kits take up an inventory slot but its worth it as they are capable of opening locked doors, cases, and accessing otherwise barred areas.
The doors and cases generally contain better weapons, attachments, and piles of copper. It's vitally important on harder difficulties to get the best weapons possible right out of the gate.
Replenish Health Kits
These are arguably much more important than tool kits, especially for new players. Those that are just starting out are definitely going to find themselves missing large chunks of health at times, even on Recruit difficulty. Health Kits can help replace this missing health much better than bandages but players should understand they can only hold one at a time.
Because Health Kits are purchasable at the start of each level, players should not be afraid to use them when they feel like they're in danger.
Identify And Be Aware Of Exploder, Reeker, or Retch
Back 4 Blood introduces a series of new special infected that look somewhat similar to those found in Left 4 Dead but pack a much more powerful punch depending on their "variant." The Exploder acts a lot like the Boomer from the L4D series but depending on what version players encounter they can find themselves quickly overwhelmed.
Exploders will do a large amount of damage and are deceptively speedy, able to close gaps quickly and burst players for large amounts of damage. Reekers will act like signalers for the rest of the horde, with both their projectile attack and their explosion obstructing the player's view and causing the horde to swarm them. Lastly, the Retch are capable of sometimes alerting the horde to a player's presence but will also explode into a pile of damaging acid that coats the ground and can quickly whittle away health.
Knowing how to identify these mobs (and mostly importantly stay away from them) can help beginners stay firmly on their feet.
Don't Be Afraid To Spend Copper
Because of the high-octane danger present in Back 4 Blood, it can be tempting to hold on to Copper to ensure that players always have money on hand to buy Health Kits and other life-saving items. Truthfully, though, Copper is much easier to come by than it seems. Players shouldn't worry so much about spending their money on something that may help them complete a given level.
Buying cards that help the team or Heath Kits to heal teammates (even if a player is at full health themselves) can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Play The Campaign With Others
Unlike Left 4 Dead, Back 4 Blood offers players a tailored Solo Campaign to run through. However, as of writing, players are finding some pretty annoying issues with Solo Play. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer Cleaners any way to obtain Supply Points, Achievements, or complete Challenges.
For now, it's much better for players to join an online group of Cleaners or some friends to tackle the campaign. Not only is it beneficial for rewards, but new players will likely be more comfortable alongside players. If something goes wrong, it's much more likely a player will come to the aid of their Cleaner companion.