The Construction Site

"It figures, the only thing in the damn city not on fire is the one thing we need to burn down!"

- Francis "Hope this isn't the plane we saw..."

- Zoey

The Construction Site is the third chapter of the fourth campaign, Dead Air.

In this chapter, the Survivors exit the safe room and walk down an alleyway to find themselves in an unfinished construction site. The way to the next alley blocked by a barricade which must be removed by destroying attached gas canisters. This sets off an explosion which brings in a horde that must be combated.

Leaving the alleys, the Survivors cross a street to the grounds of a power plant and finally enter the airport's precincts. Unfortunately, this facility has been comprehensively damaged and its forecourt area is littered with crashed aircraft components. The Survivors enter the airport terminal's safe room via the parking garage sky-bridge.

Campaign
When starting from this chapter:
 * Bill will grab a Pump Shotgun.
 * Francis will grab a Pump Shotgun.
 * Louis will grab a Pump Shotgun.
 * Zoey will grab a Pump Shotgun.

When the Tier 2 weapons are found:
 * Bill will grab an Assault Rifle.
 * Francis will grab an Auto Shotgun.
 * Louis will grab an Assault Rifle.
 * Zoey will grab a Hunting Rifle.

Otherwise, they will keep the weapons they from the last chapter (See The Crane for a list of weapons they will grab there).

Players start off in the safe room with health packs and Tier 1 weapons. On leaving the safe room, it is possible either to turn left (the most obvious route) or take a detour to the right and go around the block of storage rooms. Apart from encountering a few stray infected, the only benefit of the latter route is the chance of finding a second pistol in the third corner.

Leaving the safe room area, players follow a right-angled alley to the construction site. On the way, weapons will be found on a walk-up ledge to the right.

The construction site is complex, multi-level map containing numerous passive infected, weapons and explosive supplies. For example, there is a Gas Can on the scaffolding immediately ahead and Molotovs, Pipe bombs and an extra Pistol on the floor above. To the right is a more complete cement structure with an upper floor accessible via a plank or ladder and cable reel. Up here is blanket-covered corpse and Tier 2 weapons, more gas cans and other offensive-defensive supplies: depending on what The Director decides to spawn.

Visible on the far right at ground level is a barricade with some self-evident gas cans. Shooting these cans will destroy the barricade but also attract a horde.

There are many ways of dealing with this challenge:

Once the above phase is complete, players proceed through the removed barricade into a long right-angled alleyway. Doors on both sides open into rooms often containing  Pills, Pipe bombs and Molotovs.
 * 1) Spread the gifted gas cans out strategically, wait up on the floor with the corpse with or without the Tier 2 weapons and fight the horde from there.  Be careful because a Smoker always spawns in the area from which players arrived.  He is very accurate and will drag a player off the building unless either gunned down first or a shooter is smart enough to wait for him, crouched and behind the cover of a cement pillar.
 * 2) Stand on the scaffolding nearest the barricade. As a result of a glitch, Infected will not be able to get close but will instead repetitively run towards the ladder from the second floor, drop down, run a few feet towards the scaffolding, climb back up the ladder, run away in the opposite direction, turn around in an endless cycle. Even Special Infected will have trouble attacking. Only the Smoker really poses a threat, as he can pull a player away from this special area.
 * 3) Stand right in front of the barricade, turn 180° and players will see a small staircase. Bring the entire team up these stairs and into the corner. This position deals with Smokers efficiently because Survivors will only get constricted against the railing which is right beside the group and they can easily be freed.
 * 4) On the ground floor of the concrete structure, there is a rescue closet in the far right. If one or two people head out and destroy the barricade, then immediately run back to regroup at the closet; the entire team can fight from the closet. This provides an excellent choke point for the horde.
 * 5) Find a easily defensible corner and wait out the attack there: the simple solution.
 * 6) Shoot the barricade from the second floor of the semi-constructed building and run back to the safe room.
 * 7) Blow the barricade, rush past it and camp out at the ammo pile down the alley.

An ammo pile and sometimes a spare pistol will be found in the angle of the alley.

At the end of the alley is a wide street which is filled with loitering Common Inflected. From here onward players are entering a dangerous space on account of the extreme likelihood of encountering Special Infected up to, and including, a Tank.

On entering the street, look in the store front on the left as supplies sometimes can be found inside. Opposite is the power plant, again look for weaponry on the ground at the entrance and in the storage room (pills and grenades) on the immediate left behind the crashed truck.

The path to take to move on is to the right of this crashed truck. Players can elect either to stay in the open avenues between the banks of electrical transformers or they can take a more protected route through the transformer stations. The former is more open with longer sight lines, whilst the latter is tighter but with better choke points and Smoker tongue-blocking obstacles. Note that the Common Infected in this area are generally more alert and teams must expect at least one hurry-up horde to attack.

In the early part of the route, a large dark double-width opening is worth entering for extra supplies such as a Pistol, Pills and grenades. It is possible, but less likely, that Tier 2 weapons will be in here too.

Care is needed from here on since a Tank has an above average chance of spawning in the transformer park if he has not yet already done so.

At the end of the transformer park, the route takes teams towards two windows (one of which is burning) and a pattern of intensely bright 'come here' lighting which leads players into a large garage containing pressure vessels and a small side door to a control room.

This control room is the last real supply point before the safe room and it is highly advisable to stock on here on the resources available: weaponry, grenades, first aid kits, pills and an ammo pile.

Continuing onward through the building brings players to a room with a broken wall and a set of double doors which both open onto the airport forecourt. Before leaving, it is recommended that a quick search be made of the two bathroom stalls found at the rear of this room; a grenade or pills sometimes spawn in there. At this point too, expect a hurry-up horde to attack; especially from the rear.

Before quitting the building, teams can thin out the number of Common Infected outside by throwing a pipe bomb through the aperture in the broken wall.

"What idiot bombed the airport?" Who indeed, for Metro International has been substantially damaged by high explosives.

Once in the airport forecourt, players must scramble over rubble and smashed aircraft components to reach the airport's front doors. There are numerous relatively alert and aggressive Common Infected in the area. Worse, is the risk posed by Smokers who will lurk high up on the overhead roof beams and road flyovers. A Witch may be encountered as well as a Tank. Players must anticipate at least one horde attack; more if a stray round should strike the alarmed car near the entrance to the parking garage. There is no question about it: this area is one of the most dangerous in the campaign and often times a team will enter the equally risky parking garage low on both health and ammunition.

The airport doors are barricaded and the only way inside is via the sky-bridge from the parking garage. Opposite the garage entrance next to a pile of suitcases will be found at least one grenade and some pills. One of the most important things to avoid at this stage is the aforementioned alarmed car and it will be a distinct relief to get past it and into the parking garage.

The parking garage environment is a mix of light and dark spaces occupied by a significant number of relatively passive Common Infected. Teams must go up the ramps to the third floor. A Witch, Boomer, Hunter, Smoker and, if The Director wills it, a Tank must be anticipated. A Tank spawn is especially dangerous since the spaces are confined, the team may be hurting for health and ammo and the Tank has ready access to cars to throw at his opponents. It is not unknown for an entire team to be taken out by him in this area: thus forcing players to start all over again from the last safe room.

Once clear of the garage, players climb a short flight of stairs to the sky-bridge and can sprint to the safe room on the airport side. From time to time however a Witch may spawn in the sky-bridge and, worst case, right outside the safe room door. More rarely, a Tank has been reported even to spawn in the safe room itself!

The point is thus clear; this is one of the longest and most tricky chapters in the game.

Left 4 Dead 2 Version
In response to player feedback, an update on September 9th, 2011, changed how the survivors approach the crescendo event in the construction site. Players were originally able to exploit the event by throwing a molotov or pipe bomb through one of the wall's "windows" to hit the gas cans on the other side to trigger the event from a distance and run back to the safe room for safety. The windows are now sealed up to prevent this. Fences were also added to create a point of no return; a fence was added in the alleyway to prevent survivors returning to the safe room and a fence was also added on the floor above the closet to block survivors from getting back to the safe room as well.

The Survivors
Now that humans are controlling the Special Infected, things can only get harder. However, they can't spawn until you leave the safe room. That doesn't mean that you should let them have a good chance to find just the right spot, though! Hurry up and get your supplies, and get running!

Exiting the safe room should be done as swiftly as possible especially on this level. Dawdling inside will give the Infected the opportunity to set up deadly ambushes. On this level, there are several potentially excellent ambush positions for the Infected. Head on out, and don't let them get an advantage!

The Crescendo Event at the barricade will be a problem for a badly coordinated team of Survivors. Find a closed off corner and bunker down for a fight. Remember that in Versus, closets and choke points are removed. Also, do not attempt to run back to the safe room for this. The door cannot re-close in Versus.

The Tank has some dangerous spawn points in this level, particularly in the car park where cars are abundant and everyone is already hurt. Watch out for the Tank. Also, to some degree, this applies to the Witch. She can spawn in tight corridors where you cannot get past her. Seeing as Versus is about cooperation and speed, you may be forced to attempt to "cr0wn" her.

The safe room, despite being called the "safe room," may not be so "safe." Infected like to hang out in there and wait for the arrival of Survivors, especially lone Survivors. Because of this, do not rush ahead of your teammates when you are close to the safe room. You could end up getting killed. Stick with your team, remain cautious and you should be fine.

The Infected
Boomers: Fat and fragile, you're not ideal for this world. To thrive in this level, you need to keep some things in mind: scaffolding, ledges and high places. These are all key to your success. During the Crescendo Event, make the Survivors' lives miserable. Vomit on them excessively. If they decide to fight from a corner with an overlooking ledge, use that ledge to your advantage. From up there, rain down your thick vomit and watch your bile-followers ravage the Survivors. Work with the other Special Infected by vomiting on them to create a distraction so your fellow Infected can attack easily. Alternatively, when an Infected attacks and causes their own distraction, seize the opportunity and cover them in bile!

Hunters: You are the leader of the Infected waves. You strike with lethal force and rip apart anyone in your way. Fortunately, cities are where you're at your peak. Leap from incredible heights and crush the Survivors. When the Survivors are about to burn the barricade and they are foolish enough to send only one Survivor away from their defensive position to do it, pounce him! You'll be able to do decent damage before his friends can help him. Mainly, do not attack as soon as you spawn, attack at the opportune moment: when a Survivor is alone or a small distance away from the group.

Smokers: This is a fabulous area for you. Scaffolding, high ledges and rooftops. Tug them from far away and separate the group. When the Survivors reach the barricade, grab someone if they go to start it alone. If the Survivors create fire, punish them. Grab a Survivor and drag him through it, the fire will conceal your presence and hurt the Survivor. Keep in mind that your role is not to charge in, but to hang back undetected and snare a lonesome Survivor.

Tanks: Here, the Tank can be strong. His actions can define the outcome of a Versus game easily. However, you lack the rooftops of the previous levels. Don't let this stop you. Improvise! So you can't be rid of them by tossing them over an edge. Why not toss something at them instead? On impact with the Survivors, objects that you can smash in to them instantly incapacitate them. So find something to bash about and go for it! It is also important to remember that once you've incapacitated someone, do not continue to beat that person until they die. If you do, you'll likely be killed first. Your priority are the ones who can still run, can still stand, and can still use their main weapons.

Survival
Scaffolding Method


 * L4d-deadair-rooftopfire.jpg first and often most effective method is to spread the gas cans out strategically, find a nice and safe vantage point on a scaffolding of your choice, and fight the horde from there. Remember that your scaffolding location needs to give you and your team a chance at besting the Tank. At the very least, you need an emergency escape route to avoid him.

Stairs Method


 * Standing right in front of the barricade, turn 180° and you should see a small staircase. Bring the entire team up these stairs and into the corner. You can blow the barricade from there. This tactic deals with Smokers efficiently because Survivors will only get constricted against the railing which is right beside the group; therefore, they can easily be freed. However, this tactic does not deal with Tanks. When a Tank shows up, it is recommended that the entire team moves together and fights it elsewhere.

Window Method


 * Another position for the crescendo event is at the end of the upper floor of the half-finished building, you'll reach a window that is reachable by jumping. It gives a nice vantage point, you can see both sides of the wall. You can also shoot the gas can to start the event. Common Infected cannot reach you in this spot, but getting pounced by a Hunter could be fatal if no one else can get there. Needless to say, Smokers can still get you, too. Another downside: the ledge is very small, so the jump has to be precise.
 * "Back Door" Method
 * If you go back to the other barricade that is near the safe room, there is a area called "the back door deck" area. You can move towards this area and stock explosives (gas cans, propane tanks etc.) behind the damaged car; it will be a safe place to store explosives. Only two narrow ways are infected able to come through, and they usually come through the alley. This does not apply for Tanks and Smokers, as they usually try to attack from the catwalk to your upper right. When Tanks come, go onto the deck to your right and fend him off there, as the Tank cannot throw the Dumpster at you from there. Facing the Tank on the ground can be fatal, as he can hurl the Dumpster and instantly incapacitate you.
 * If you go back to the other barricade that is near the safe room, there is a area called "the back door deck" area. You can move towards this area and stock explosives (gas cans, propane tanks etc.) behind the damaged car; it will be a safe place to store explosives. Only two narrow ways are infected able to come through, and they usually come through the alley. This does not apply for Tanks and Smokers, as they usually try to attack from the catwalk to your upper right. When Tanks come, go onto the deck to your right and fend him off there, as the Tank cannot throw the Dumpster at you from there. Facing the Tank on the ground can be fatal, as he can hurl the Dumpster and instantly incapacitate you.