Talk:Mutations

Did I do good?
This was my first time creating an article, and I knew we would need it in the future, so I made it. There's not much on it, but as more info comes out, I (and hopefully others) will add more. I made it after reading through the blog post on the L4D website, so please add anything I missed, and I take constructive critisism well, so please help me. Thanks! ~PileOPapers 03:07, April 21, 2010 (UTC)


 * It was some good forsight to create the article, as we're sure to want more in-depth coverage of the different gamemodes provided. However you're original article was, kind of inaccurate (Mutations isn't a game mode, but rather a term for the weekly cycled gamemodes), and it definitely will only be available to those who have "The Passing" DLC, so that's everyone on PC, and whoever on Xbox 360 purchases it (likely to be a lot). We'll basically just wait until the update is actually out, or for tomorrow's blog post, and post more information as it becomes available.NatedogXVI 04:50, April 21, 2010 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the feedback! I read through your changes, and that has helped me realize that I need to read more clearly. :P ~PileOPapers  05:44, April 21, 2010 (UTC)

Possibility of More to come?
So we've got these 20 Mutations coming out, but I can't help but wonder: this opens up a new window of creativity. Do you think in more DLC we will be getting even more Mutations to play? I hope they add more as time goes on, and I hope that you get to play all of them whenever you want at some point in time. Log Out 01:21, April 22, 2010 (UTC)

I hope they put Infected's mutations too. Would you like that?  LaZa 01:24, April 22, 2010 (UTC)

I don't even know what they could do for that, but Valve is pretty good at coming up with this stuff. Here's hoping that there are Mutations for all, even the ones that are already mutants! Log Out 01:26, April 22, 2010 (UTC)

I wish the time on Wiki was the same in real life.. It says its the 22end, The Passing would be released but no it has to be 8:26 where I live. Only 4 more hours.. And yes I would like that! Haha Smoker+Boomer? Smoker pulls and when he has you, he pukes on you?♥Boomette♥ 01:28, April 22, 2010 (UTC)

I need to ask one thing... Blog says you can play one Mutation for one week. I really hope this doesn't mean that, one week Realism versus, next week other one, and you can't play realism versus ever again. Does anyone know are these playable forever? 84.249.233.167 12:11, April 22, 2010 (UTC)

No you can't play them forever but popular ones (decided by a vote) with be put back into circulation so you can play them again at later date, for one week.

Why is Realism Versus ending date unknown?
If these modes last a week, why the article says: 04-22-10 to ?? ?? ???? It should be 04-22-10 to 04-29-10. ŊυĐε 06:42, April 24, 2010 (UTC)
 * We don't really know exactly when the Mutation switches. It could be midnight, noon, 6am, etc.

''' ARE THEY PERMANENT? '''

I need to know this as it will take me a few months to download the passing as I don't have a network adapter yet. If you know any thing please don't hesitate to answer thank you Tongue guy 12:21, April 24, 2010 (UTC)

What I mean is will they be in a continous cycle or after the 20th will they be taken away by Valve? Tongue guy 12:26, April 24, 2010 (UTC)

If you'd read the article more carefully, you'd see they are NOT getting rid of Mutation after all of them have been released. They'll do polls to bring back certain mutations and it'll continue as such, for some time. T3h Rid3r 21:15, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Thank you, hopefully by then I will have accquried all achievements for it by that time.Tongue guy 20:33, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Separate articles
Just my opinion, but I think it would be really worth it to make a separate article for each mutation. Keep the single line you have now as some short description, then link to the article, where you can include lots more information, like the full description from the blog, strategies (may be useful for a recurring mutation), dates it has been on, votes (from the monthly polls) etc. etc. You can put it all in this article, but with the number of mutation and the amount of possible information, separate articles seems the best. Desertfighter777 17:09, April 24, 2010 (UTC)


 * I think it's probably a good idea down the road, once, say, the third mutation is underway. Gives us ample time to come up with a good template for a Mutation page.

Info for as yet unreleased Mutations
I feel like we are creating unnecessary clutter by having stuff up for Mutations that not only haven't been released yet, but aren't even dated yet.


 * You're probably right. Okay, moving data to Talk page so the data is still here. :3 Next time, sign your posts with ~ !


 * Bleed Out - Your health is a ticking away.
 * Chainsaw Massacre - 4 chainsaws, millions of zombies.
 * Follow the Liter - Scavenge one can at a time.
 * Four Swordsmen - Four Swords against plenty of apocalypse!
 * Gib Fest - Blast the infected to shreds with M60s.
 * Hard Eight - Double the specials, quadruple the fun!
 * Headshot! - The only shot that counts is the one in the head.
 * Healthpackalypse! - No health in this versus game.
 * Iron Man - No respawns, no restarts, all tension.
 * Last Gnome On Earth - Protect the gnome at all cost.
 * Realism Versus - You can't see each other but they can see you.
 * Room For One - Only room for one survivor in this rescue vehicle.
 * Ultra Realism - The ultimate realistic challenge.
 * Versus Survival - Can you survive against your friends?
 * Mutation - a Mutation of Campaign mode.
 * Mutation - a Mutation of Versus mode.
 * Mutation - a Mutation of Scavenge mode.

Single-Player only Mutation modes:
 * Last Man on Earth - You will become legend to the infected as the last human left.
 * The Last Samurai – Alone, armed with only a sword you venture forth.
 * Sera404 12:31, April 26, 2010 (UTC)

Darn, beat me to it, but anyway, I updated the Page with this New Information to make it easier on People and used my Gut Feeling to give a Satisfactory Description on each Mutation. Shouldn't there be some sorta warnin' that the Info may Change as we gather more Information on the Mutations? 78.40.239.6 12:22, April 27, 2010 (UTC)


 * I'll add a note. You may want to watch out for your capitalization errors; there was tons of them. :3 Sera404 13:34, April 27, 2010 (UTC)
 * That's probably my only Issue: Unecessary Capitalization. 78.40.232.6 09:03, April 29, 2010 (UTC)
 * Oh, I just got the pun in the "Follow the Liter" mutation. In my head I was pronouncing it as "Follow the Lighter". I'm sure there are more Brits like myself who have made the same mistake and are more accustomed to seeing it spelled "litre". That is all. 80s 11:31, May 4, 2010 (UTC)
 * I thought it was "Follow the Litter" and a "t" had been Missed! 94.195.236.134 19:45, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

Room For One strategy data
Room For One

As the tagline implies, only one Survivor could get on the rescue veichle, so it's an eveybody for themselves scenario. You should carry adrenaline shots so you could outrun people to the veichle. On Expert mode, you could incapacitate people by shooting them, so as soon as the rescue veichle appears, shoot everyone else and run. Also, when Hunters or Smokers attacks other players, you could run away, as less Survivors means less competition, but be sure to watch your back for a Special Infected targetting you. However, it should be suggested to not shoot anyone early on, as if you do, you must fight through the campaign on your own, so you should only shoot at your "frenemys" during the finale.

In Dead Center, the person who puts in the last gascan escapes. So hold on to a gascan until the second to last gascan is put in. Then run to the car and put the gascan in, so you could escape. You could also get some distance from your "Team" and take some Adrenaline, then run and put the last Can in. The Process will be so quick, they won't have time to react, and then you'll be in the Car before they know it.

In The Passing, you must simply run across the bridge when it comes down, so hold on to an adrenaline shot so you could run to the car. If necessary, heal first so that you can make Top Speed and outrun any others below 40 HP.

In Dark Carnival, the helicopter will always come to the left or right side of the stands, so stay in the middle. But be prepared, as you won't have much cover. Preferably by the Tape Deck so you won't be an Open Target.

In Swamp Fever, stay around the gate, but don't stand in front of it, as the gate will blow apart when Virgil arrives. Alternatively, you can also use the Heavy Machinegun and Incapcitate the others, thoguh this is risky as someone might make it through the Gate and to Virgil.

In Hard Rain, Virgil will always come to the dock, so stay near there, but avoid Chargers, as they could run you into the water. You might want to consider throwing a Molotov or Bile Bomb to keep the other Survivors at Bay.

In The Parish, this is basically a race. Take the quickest shortcuts and try your best to run past the Infected to escape. You should also watch out for Smokers and Hunters, as they'll slow you down. Stay to the left as much as possible. If you're feeling Nasty, beat the others off the Bridge and use the Heavy Machinegun to make sure they don't beat you to the Chopper. Watch out for Snipers though.


 * Moving data here for now since it's strategy stuff for a mode not even released yet. Sera404 12:33, April 26, 2010 (UTC)

Made Changes to the Data for other Strategies. 78.40.232.6 10:39, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

SunkenBoat 15:07, April 29, 2010 (UTC) I really advise against putting data like this in strategies. The fact of the matter is, this game mode really isn't much different to any other regular campaign mode, all it does is attempt to destabilize the team at the end to make it harder. What we SHOULD advocate, is picking one person to escape early on and if they die, pick another on the fly. Fighting to be the last one will only hinder game play.

Koopster 64 - Updating strategy.

Put the Data Back
I disagree with moving the data to this page. Not many check the Talk pages, and least for this specific page at the moment. Besides they are in the game files, so technically they are already revealed.Wizkid5000 22:24, April 26, 2010 (UTC)

Bots using chainsaws and M60s
What will happen to bot survivors in the mutations which give chainsaws or M60s with unlimited ammo? In the regular game bot's never take chainsaws or M60s so will the AI be changed or will they just be armed with regular weapons? Since they're campaign mode only it shouldn't cause much problem but there is always a chance of players leaving midway through a campaign.81.153.144.27 20:27, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

No, if they don't have options, they'll probably just stick with their weapons...T3h Rid3r 20:53, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

I played both modes and the bots pick up and use the weapons, well they dont pick up the M60s as they are already on them when the game starts. Idkmybffjil 11:45, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

The Gamemode Pic
I mean, WTF is that?!

It's a Mutation, an Abomination of something Normal, a Change to something, Mutation Mode is a Change to the Normal Game. Seems fitting. And make sure to Sign your Comments! 78.40.232.6 10:32, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

Halo 3 Reference? Anyone agree?
With the new mutation called "Iron Man-No respawns, No restarts, All Tension..." in which you can't respawn, and must start over if everyone dies...Doesn't that sound like the effects if you turn on the "Iron" skull on? And then the game mode is called "Iron Man"? Anyone agree with me?T3h Rid3r 21:08, April 27, 2010 (UTC)
 * Not a Halo reference, it's most likely referring to the new Iron Man movie coming out. GeneralOwnage55 The Message Box
 * It could be a reference to several thing so it is most likely not a refernce to anything just a name Five Star Genral Of The Dead BigDog 18:40, April 28, 2010 (UTC)
 * Most likely, it's referring to the Ironman Triathlon, in terms of how grueling the mode will probably be (Ironman Triathlons have a mantra where "just finishing is a victory"). Sera404 19:29, April 28, 2010 (UTC)
 * Most likely, it's referring to the Ironman Triathlon, in terms of how grueling the mode will probably be (Ironman Triathlons have a mantra where "just finishing is a victory"). Sera404 19:29, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Thoughts about Ultra Realism
Maybe (and only maybe!) you are going to be forced to use the ironsights of your weapons, and no Dual Pistols --Yocapo32 02:41, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

Another thought I've had is if someone dies, they are Dead, even for the next Level when they're supposed to respawn. Chances are Defibrillator Spawn Spots may be much more Common to Compensate for this. 78.40.232.6 10:30, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

Maybe, like the guy above me said, you can't respawn unless Defibbed, and Zombies deal even MORE Damage. (Easy, 5 Front, 2 back, Normal, 10 Damage Front, 5 Back, Advanced, 20 Front, 10 Back, Expert, 30 Front, 20 Back.)

@Above, Valve Stated they don't like the idea of just increasing damage because they feel it just gets frustrating and not fun at all. I feel like they may make it so that tank instant kills, maybe make voice chat a proximity thing, (text too, perhaps). I think the not respawning thing would be interesting. Or maybe remove defibs in that gamemode.. as well as make medkits temp health, because lets be honest, in real life a medkit won't help you a lot.

I got another Idea: You have no HUD! You must use your Instincts to determine when you should reload and/or Heal! Let's Face it, you don't have a Heads-Up Display with your Health on it in Real-Life do ya? 94.195.236.134 20:13, April 30, 2010 (UTC)

What about Boomer Vomit lasts until you walk into water and/or end the chapter. Because in real life vomit doesn't just fall off of you, even though this would cause an infinite horde. And perhaps if this were true Boomers would spawn less and Boomer Bile Bombs would spawn less aswell? -- 09:39, May 15, 2010 (UTC)

Could we remove the speculation from the actual page? Let's admit we don't actually know what it does.86.139.66.244 20:14, May 17, 2010 (UTC)


 * Removed spectulation from Ultra Realism. Let's keep it to the talk page. When it's released, then we can bulk it up a bit. :D Sera404 21:36, May 17, 2010 (UTC)

The Strategies for Realism Versus
No offence to the original creator, but I feel like the Infected Strategies for Realism Versus promotes quite a few bad gameplay habits, and denouncing the spitter and boomer is horrible! I'd be willing to re-write a strategy guide on it, but do you think I should or leave it the way it is? I don't want to completely overhaul it without at least some support. SunkenBoat 15:07, April 29, 2010 (UTC)
 * If you think you can rewrite it better, go for it. This wiki don't belong to just one person. :3 Sera404 15:15, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

Strategies get a new page?
The Strategy page for just a single Mutation is already quite large. The data will be too much to deal with on a single page, perhaps a page should be made for each individual mutation as it comes out and the strategies should be put there, and taken off here?

Sign the Posts, and yes, I think there should be a Page for each Individual Mutation. Plus, a Navigation Button on the Menu (Where you got Home, Featured, etc.) wih "Mutations" and listing all the Mutations Respectively. In fact, you know what? If no-one objects, I might just make an Article Page on the Individual Mutations. One page in reference to Realism Versus, and (After I've played and understood it well enough) one for Bleed Out, and make more for each Released Mutation. Should I make an Article for each Individual Mutation as it's released? 94.195.236.134 20:11, April 30, 2010 (UTC)

I dont think you should. Even if its only one page, it gives the option to show and hide all info, so the page wont be to long, and to be honest i'd prefer it in one page, so i dont have to jump around the wiki to find info on one gamemode.LOLKING 15:08, May 1, 2010 (UTC)

Notes for Mutations
Should there be another subheading detailing notes/info/trivia etc for each mutation?

I noticed some things today while playing Bleed Out and don't know where I could put them.

Such as:
 * Taking Pain Pills removes seeing in black-and-white (Adrenaline doesn't)
 * In The Port, the original Survivors still throw down health-kits, which can be used and function as normal.


 * The first was already covered, the second is a bug which was fixed on PC, but still unpatched on xbox, which is in the notes option. Sera404 12:56, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

There is a slight inaccuracy in the notes section, I wasn't sure if it should be changed or not. The Mutation "The Last Man on Earth" actually takes its name from the first MOVIE based on the book I Am Legend. Here's its Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Man_on_Earth_(1964_film). BoomahBill 05:08, May 5, 2010 (UTC)


 * It's probably a combination of novel and both movies. Honestly speaking, the latter movie brought the novel back in the minds of everyone again. Sera404 10:59, May 5, 2010 (UTC)
 * I know this probably isn't the right place to get off topic but I Am Legend has spawned more than two movies. I con only think of The Omega Man along with the two talked about previously. I think there's more but ican't remember them right now. BoomahBill 04:01, May 11, 2010 (UTC)
 * I know this probably isn't the right place to get off topic but I Am Legend has spawned more than two movies. I con only think of The Omega Man along with the two talked about previously. I think there's more but ican't remember them right now. BoomahBill 04:01, May 11, 2010 (UTC)

You do that again, and I will bury you alive!
More Vandals on this Page, 1 saying that in Hard Eight a Special Infected would be accompanied by 7 other. So 1 Tank would become 8. Restored it for now. Watch out on other Articles though. 94.195.236.134 11:06, May 11, 2010 (UTC)

I have read somewhere that some of the modes for Mutations will become permanent. The only one I have heard is the Realism Vs. mode. If this is true, please add on to this.Tongue guy 08:06, May 15, 2010 (UTC)

Madness Mutation?
What's the official name and tagline for the madness mutation? No SI's appear, but shitloads of CI's will mob the players. O Herman 15:15, May 15, 2010 (UTC)
 * Dunno, but if the Common Infected get Realism resistances, that could be pretty neat. :D But until we know, better to leave it unnamed until there's more info. Sera404 15:20, May 15, 2010 (UTC)
 * Now that you mentioned it, yea, it also has realism, so to kill them requires headshots, the magnum or m60. O Herman 15:27, May 15, 2010 (UTC)

It's on!
I found Info regarding the last Mutations, I can now confirm the Final Mutations VALVe never wanted us to know about yet:

New ones are in Bold: Plus it fits the missing Gaps: 2 Missing Coop Mutations, 1 missing Versus Mutation, and 1 missing Scavenge Mutation! Putting this in right now! Oh, and the Source is right here: http://www.l4dmods.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=320:mutations-now-its-your-choice&catid=2:news&Itemid=13 94.195.236.134 09:31, May 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * Chainsaws (coop) - Everyone starts with a Chainsaw (unlimited fuel) and a pistol (unlimited ammo), there aren't any other kinds of weapons spawning, so it's just what you have at the beginning.
 * Four Swordsmen (coop) - Kinda like Chainsaws, except you start with katanas and no pistols, and there are only S.I., no Commons.
 * Hardcore (coop) -If everyone dies, you have to restart the campaign, so no restarting maps, you have to restart the whole thing!
 * Headshot Only (coop) - Self descriptive, commons only die with headshots.
 * Last Man On Earth (singleplayer) - It's you... against the S.I. (extremely scary)
 * M60s (coop) - Survivors start with only M60s (limited ammo) and a Desert Eagle, once you run out of ammo, you're screwed. 
 * Max Specials (survival) - It's survival, with 8 S.I. at any given time!
 * Bleed Out/Temp Health (coop) - Everyone starts with 100 decaying health (pills-like), there are no medkits, only pills and adrenaline.
 * Protect the VIP aka Gnome (coop, versus) -There is a gnome next to you at the beginning, carry it through the campaign, person carrying the gnome can't use weapons and the gnome attracts infected!
 * Realism Versus (versus) - You already know what this is, versus with realism modifications.
 * Linear Scavenge (scavenge) - 2 Cans spawn, get those 2 in and 2 more spawn, proceed...
 * No Health Versus (versus) - No medkits, no pills, no adrenaline.
 * Versus Survival (survival) - Self Descriptive, it's a lot of fun.
 * Madness (coop) - There are TONS of common infected, they are VERY angry and there are no S.I., you have enough trouble as it is. 
 * Versus Coop (versus) - It's coop, with a twist, you play as the infected as the bots try to make it through the campaign alive. 
 * Realism Scavenge (scavenge) - Self descriptive, scavenge with all the realism twists.

Edit @ 09:56. Done! Also be advised, the Phrases for the new 4 are completely made up and therefore, may change, so be advised.


 * Removed fake taglines and excessive tips; tips should go into strategy section, but only when the mutation is actually released. :o Sera404 12:20, May 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * "Everyone starts with a Chainsaw (unlimited fuel) and a pistol (unlimited ammo)" are you sure? They occupy the same slot (except when you're incapped)86.139.66.244 20:17, May 17, 2010 (UTC)
 * Madness, VS Coop, and Realism Scavenge are not official mutations. They are custom gamemodes that were created by the guy who made the Mutation Mod (http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=928958).
 * Post Sign please. And in referrence to 86, you can either use Pistols or Chainsaws. Natural instinct would be to use Chainsaws only, but that can make Boomers, Spitters, and Tanks difficult. Personal Experience taught me that. 94.195.236.134 12:56, May 20, 2010 (UTC)
 * Post Sign please. And in referrence to 86, you can either use Pistols or Chainsaws. Natural instinct would be to use Chainsaws only, but that can make Boomers, Spitters, and Tanks difficult. Personal Experience taught me that. 94.195.236.134 12:56, May 20, 2010 (UTC)

Just a Thought
Whenever the returning mutation is announced, it should be specially colored or have some notation of the fact that it was voted back into rotation. There should also be something signifying Realism Versus's perminent status other than just saying it (like a special color or something).BoomahBill 00:50, May 19, 2010 (UTC)


 * Could add extra columns or something showing dates when first availavle and when voted back into play? Sera404 01:05, May 19, 2010 (UTC)

What the hell kinda sign of the Apocalypse is THAT!?!
89.207.208.7 <-- Vandal remove all of the Info on this Article (Minus the Mutation Pic and Quote). Reverted it back; someone keep an Eye on him! May also use 89.207.208.9 as well. 94.195.236.134 12:52, May 20, 2010 (UTC)

Next mutation
Got word it will be chainsaw massacre. 168.99.91.146 16:26, June 3, 2010 (UTC)

Sorry, that's me above. Forgot to log in. NoBackTalkin 16:28, June 3, 2010 (UTC)


 * It was in the Blog Post ingame, which was shown last Friday, so you're a little late with your info. But thanks anyway. :D Sera404 18:55, June 3, 2010 (UTC)
 * Extremely new to this, I don't know how to make my text big and bold like the others, but I have a question. Why is "Last Man on Earth" a reference to ANY movie? It's quite common. Negative Zone 00:59, June 4, 2010 (UTC)
 * "Last Man on Earth", ALONG with its tagline, You will become legend to the infected as the last human left, are both references to the "I Am Legend" novel. One of the film remakes of "I Am Legend" was even translated into "Last Man on Earth" from Italian. Sera404 01:41, June 4, 2010 (UTC)
 * Extremely new to this, I don't know how to make my text big and bold like the others, but I have a question. Why is "Last Man on Earth" a reference to ANY movie? It's quite common. Negative Zone 00:59, June 4, 2010 (UTC)
 * "Last Man on Earth", ALONG with its tagline, You will become legend to the infected as the last human left, are both references to the "I Am Legend" novel. One of the film remakes of "I Am Legend" was even translated into "Last Man on Earth" from Italian. Sera404 01:41, June 4, 2010 (UTC)

Room for One is a mutation
Just read in the Valve blog that "Room for One" is next week's mutation. I'd fix the page myself, but I haven't figured out how yet... Slycooper112 20:48, June 4, 2010 (UTC)

A Glitch Discovered
So I was playing Chainsaw Massacre and I got to the The Passing's finale and Francis said "Hey, come check this out." So I hent to him thinking I was going to get a health kit and instead I got an M60. I was able to finish a Chainsaw Massacre match with a gun.BoomahBill 08:58, June 5, 2010 (UTC)
 * I'll add it on if it's not been added already. Seems similar to the health pack passing in Bleed Out, haha. Sera404 14:03, June 5, 2010 (UTC)
 * Incidently, was the glitch discovered on PC or Xbox version? Sera404 21:43, June 5, 2010 (UTC)
 * Even if it was found on PC, I could never tell. The Originals rarely throw down a normal Weapon for me, let alone an M60 or F-Aid Kit X_X 94.195.236.134 21:50, June 5, 2010 (UTC)

A Glitch?
I was playing Chainsaw Massacre on Swamp Fever and there were a pair of Magnums lying around. This happen to anyone else?Spy C. Rab 18:37, June 6, 2010 (UTC)
 * Might have been a one-off glitch, since Magnums generally don't spawn in pairs. I'll have a go at Swamp Fever and see if it happens to me.  Sera404 19:03, June 6, 2010 (UTC)