The Left 4 Dead demo has only been out for a few days, but it has made a pretty big impression on the {IC} gamers. The game is fun on the normal and advanced modes, but on expert difficulty, it becomes quite a challenge. The laughter dies down, the adrenaline starts to flow, and the emotions flare up. We realized quickly that in order to succeed at this game on the expert difficulty, you need to get serious. Since we only have access to the demo right now, so this guide is written from that perspective.
Our adventure begins with {IC} Fatcat; not only an excellent FPS player, a Team Icrontic TF2 master, and our Event Coordinator, but also a US Army veteran. In our IRC channel the other day we were all discussing the Left 4 Dead demo and how a team needs real tactics to survive—”Spray n’ Pray” isn’t gonna cut it here.
Fatcat was silent for the most part but he couldn’t take it any more. “The problem is lack of coordination,” he said. “You all need military formations 101.”
Well, as these things go, one thing led to another, and here we are. With that said, I am proud to present our first feature guide on Icrontic Gaming: Left 4 Dead military tactics 101. I now hand the mic over to Fatcat:
Left 4 Dead Military Tactics 101
First, consider one primary fact: You can be hit by friendly fire. This throws a wrench into any Guns a Blazin’ attitude you might have for rushing through the campaign. The limited availability of weapon choices and medpaks also hinders survival.
As an ex-military person, I kept thinking back to formations we trained on for survival; mainly the diamond, wedge (also know as the “V”) and single file formations.
THE DIAMOND:
The diamond formation
This is the “Oh shit, ambush!” formation. It covers all areas with each of the survivors’ backs to each other. It can be hard to coordinate movement in this formation, so this is best utilized when you are surrounded.
THE WEDGE 1:
The Wedge #1
With this formation, 360 degrees are covered, but the group can move slowly with someone watching the back. The rear person needs to do quick glances to his or her right to make sure they are pacing the group.
THE WEDGE 2:
The Wedge #2
This formation allows front and side coverage while moving forward at a constant speed. Your backside is blinded, so one person should be dedicated to quick scans behind. Both wedge formations allow you the ability to quickly get into diamond formation when an ambush arrives.
SINGLE FILE:
Single File
This is for narrow corridors. The persons in front and back should immediately crouch when something attacks from front or behind allowing the two middle persons to engage. If you don’t have tight communication and understanding, this is the worst formation to be in, especially in the train cars. If you are playing with strangers or haven’t discussed and worked out tactics, go around the train, because most of the time people forget to duck and they end up taking friendly fire. But wait, there is one major benefit to the single file formation:
Guns a Blazin! Pew! Pew! (Not an officially sanctioned US Military tactic, by the way)
So you survived the narrow carridor and find yourselves in a big empty room. Congratulations! However, suddenly Francis decides to turn his flashlight on and piss off a shitload of infected. Well get your ass against the walls and open fire! Also a good plan: hug the walls and always spare a glance upwards if you can, because the infected like to drop down on you from above.
These tactics are only as good as your teammates make them. Communication and preparation are critical to success in the expert difficulty. You have to know your teammates, and clearly lay out roles before you embark from the safe rooms. Voice comms are critical, so if you don’t have a headset, don’t bother playing expert; you’ll just be a liability to your team.
If you get stuck on a public server, or get stuck with strangers, you can still try to make use of tactics with quick suggestions such as “GET AGAINST THE WALL, DUMBASS!” or “WHAT THE HELL? STOP RUNNING IN FRONT OF ME WHILE I’M SHOOTING! FIRE OVER MY HEAD!” Just make sure to be polite and respectful.
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