The much touted main feature in the newly released free DLC for Left 4 Dead is the new Survival Mode. The objective in this mode is to just hold out as long as you can can. It is a timer based mode that ramps up the number of zombies the longer you survive. I’ve had a run in the new mode and here’s my take(and tips) on it.
Survival mode is really, REALLY hard! Most people will probably manage to survive in any one map for not more than 5 minutes if you are lucky. All the finale and crescendo events are included as smaller maps and also a new Last Stand map(which you can see a preview in the new main menu) makes its entry.
The premise is simple. Stay alive as long as possible and if you read the recent blog entry by Valve, you will know that thing ramps up rather quickly. Valve has added a leaderboard in game now that you can use as a motivation to best your friends fastest time(for the competitive minded people).
The skillset required in survival mode is not so much different from the other modes like the campaigns and versus mode. Its still pretty much about staying close together, working together as a team, managing medikits, and using strategic locations to hold out. Survival mode however, puts a lot more emphasis(in fact I would say it is critical) on managing your ammo and timing your reloads.
It definitely seems like people who would like a real challenge will really embrace survival mode. While most people who play casually that do not enjoy getting trounced might find it getting old(or frustrating) quickly. It has to be noted that almost all the maps are redone to discourage camping in small enclosed areas(closet technique).
Each map is a little different and you can’t really employ the same strategy simply because of a multitude of factors like ammo areas, zombie spawn locations etc. There is no one single type of location for all maps rather each map will require its own approach or location to holdout. So be sure to analyse and scout the maps properly and have a good run in them.
I dare say playing survival mode would improve your skill at playing Left 4 Dead as you get more adept to reacting to a situation faster. It’s a blast to play with a friend and hopefully Valve will release new maps and the SDK soon. With that, here are a couple of tips I’ve managed to compile.
Survival Mode Tips
1) Use a mic! It is easier to shout out tank positions than to stop and type it.
2) Save ammo by using your dual pistols. This is key in survival. The last thing you want is to run out of ammo before a tank arrives.
3) If you use the shotgun, use dual pistols when shooting distant zombies. You will be wasting ammo if you use your shotgun for long range.
4) Don’t run away from the tank. This one is a different approach from the other modes but tanks have been slightly balanced to do less damage and die faster(not by much). Stand your ground and fire away. If you run away from your group you just increase the risk of getting pounced by special infected.
5) Use the deployment phase to discuss your plan. Communication is key. Everyone on the team has to understand what to do.
6) Find all petrol cans and gas tanks to place them around the level to be used whenever possible. You don’t want to be doing this once the zombies come pouring in.
7) Stick really close together since the number of zombies have been increased, it will be extra difficult to keep tabs on zombies and the status of your teammates if you are too spread out. By being close by, you can react whenever a teammates gets pounced or dragged by a special infected quicker.
8) Looks for spots close to the ammo area so that you can grab ammo quickly.
9) Take note of areas with collapsible wall and don’t stand with your back facing it.
10) Just melee the teammates that are grabbed by the smokers tongue and then go for the kill.
11) Keep on reloading your shotgun after every round you fire. This keeps your shotgun fully loaded when a tank arrives.
12) Melee fatigue is on. You can only melee for five times in quick succession before you are fatigued so keep count of this.
13) Pipe bombs are your friend. Use them when you need to distract the horde to revive a friend. Do not waste them needlessly!
How do you tackle survival mode?
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