THE XSHARK GUIDE TO SOLO RUNNING L4D2
Left 4 Dead is a game designed to punish you for wandering off alone, so why the hell would anyone want to deliberately kick the bots and run the game alone??
That's really up to you; regardless, this is a comprehensive guide to playing Left 4 Dead 2 solo!
To start off, it's important to remember that Left 4 Dead was never designed with solo play in mind, (except for the Last Man On Earth mutation!) so when you go and kick the bots out of the game and leave yourself to your own devices, the game has no idea you are alone; nor does it care. It will still throw the same amount of common infected and specials at you regardless.
This is where Left 4 Dead becomes strategic; such, in how you defend yourself, choose your equipment, and approach special infected.
To start off, it's important to remember that Left 4 Dead was never designed with solo play in mind, (except for the Last Man On Earth mutation!) so when you go and kick the bots out of the game and leave yourself to your own devices, the game has no idea you are alone; nor does it care. It will still throw the same amount of common infected and specials at you regardless.
This is where Left 4 Dead becomes strategic; such, in how you defend yourself, choose your equipment, and approach special infected
The first thing to do is pick your loadout! Shotgun Shotgun Shotgun! It's the best thing to use solo; despite the short range, you can destroy an entire horde in 5 seconds. Shotguns are great for quick kills and getting things out of your way fast!
Though, of course when faced with a Smoker the short range does you no good. If the smoker is too far away to hit, quickly get behind something, (you may only have a few seconds to react!) The Peekaboo Strat is the best way to deal with smokers in most cases! It is exactly how it sounds; When you hear the Smoker's alert, immediately hide behind something, anything! Then you can make quick strafes in and out of hiding while shooting your shots.
Another good strat for Smokers, (as well as the other special infected), is playing Hide And Seek; basically, running to the nearest closet, bathroom, or room with a single entrance and wait for the special to break the door down. This forces them to not only come to you, but it cripples their attack.