So Left 4 Dead has been out for a few weeks and is just so much fun. However, there are many problems that can be had with the community as with dumb players in general to bad teniques. I decided to write a little blurb on how to survive Left 4 Dead's campaign mode.

1. Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork. I can not stress this enough. This means don't wander ahead, don't leave someone behind, and use a microphone if you have one (this makes teamwork even easier, with letting everyone know what you're doing). If you don't have a microphone, just simply turn the volume up on your TV so you can hear what other people are doing. While not playing Left 4 Dead, simply get a job or steal money from your moms purse to purchase the microphone.

2. Closeting. This is a useful technique that seems to becoming more wide spread every time I play a match. The basic idea is to use a closet if necessary. Closets can be found at every player triggered event. They provide enough room for four people with enough safety from behind as well as on the sides. The closet also provides a cushion for the players to be pushed backwards, if need be; however, if you set up a closet correctly you shouldn't have this problem. To set-up a great working closet team, have one to two(depending on people playing or A.I.) people crouched in front that use the melee to push back the oncoming zombies, they also may fire if necessary. The other two people should remain behind the "pushers" and fire. This technique is especially useful on the final levels of a campaign. For tanks, simply move into the area surrounding the closet, providing enough room for people to maneuver around the attacking tank. WARNING: Do not always use a closet. It is quite useful, but other areas have their advantages. Most places have only four-six enterances. Which include windows. Good players can handle their own as long as everyone else pulls their share of the load. Shooting backs facing each other can be a useful technique as well. High up places work nicely as well!



3. Kill the witch as fast as possible. If you're going to take on a witch do it properly. By this, I mean don't throw Molotov cotails at the witch. One person should be enough to kill a witch, however, there should be others there for back-up just in case. To kill the witch efficiently, use a shotgun (preferably the automatic shotgun) and walk up behind her. Then aim just below her head just above the neck; if executed correctly the witches head will explode. If the head doesn't explode don't worry as this is a hard technique and two to three more shots to the same spot should do the trick. If done correctly she will be dead before she can turn around.

4. Friends. This is an extremely important idea that must be done especially in the early months of Left 4 Dead's release. Why, might you ask? Well, until all the Halo players and Call of Duty players return to what they covet most closely, the game will be plagued with players trying to play the game as a run 'n' gun game. With no regard for teammates what so ever. Having a sturdy friend list of good players can make your gaming session that much better. If all else fails, play with the A.I. as it is quite intelligent...most of the time.

5. Melee! Just learning to use this button can save your health meter from plummeting. This technique buys you time and works great when you need to clean up zombie hordes. If your surrounded by zombies, use the quick turn button in conjunction with the melee button to bounce zombies off you faster. A good team will help each other when surrounded by hordes. This technique can help them from hitting you with bullets.

6. Watch that fire! Learning to aim and keeping bullets away from other people can be critical (especially when playing on expert). Sometimes you accidentally fire at one another, but that's half the battle! Keeping your eyes pealed as to what is happening both in the game as to where people are currently and where they are health-wise as well. Yes that's right, some times you have to give up a health pack or some pills.



7. Zero Tolerance. This policy must be put into effect as if someone is being a jackass, then take it out on their gamertag or just return the favor. Feel free to vote them out of the game as well as submit the player review. Did someone leave you to die outside of the safe room? Well then don't ever heal them when they need it. A definite no-no is to start shooting at the other teammates and kill them. Many a time have I been in a game where someone starts shooting frantically and thinking they are funny or talking like they live in the southern U.S. in the 1800's. It might be hilarious offline, but you are ruining other peoples fun.

8. Improve. If you love Left 4 Dead a lot, then there maybe a time when you feel the desire to move to expert. However, the expert difficulty setting is a whole new ball game. Aim and timing have a whole new art of precision. However, I have found that the Uzi works best as a beginner weapon. As for advanced weapons, feel free to experiment. They all have there advantages. However, the machine guns and rifles have a faster reload.

9. Know your weapons. Yes, knowing how each weapon works can be critical (not only in expert) as things to consider are reload times, distance damage, and ammo usage (use automatics with care). Also, do not undermine the power of your pistols. If you don't have enough time to reload that auto-shotty, those double pistols do come in handy.

10. Remember its just a game. If you are having a bad time, take a break or find a new session. Don't be a dick just to be a dick. Have fun.