Realism Versus Mode

"You can't see each other, but they can see you."

Realism Versus is a game-mode that combines the competition of Versus with the tension of Realism. It was first released as a Mutation for Left 4 Dead 2 (4/22/10), but due to positive feedback from the community it was made an official game type as of May 21st, 2010.

Realism Versus follows normal rules for Versus in terms of gameplay style and scoring, but makes things harder for the Survivors as they are bound by Realism rules. Common Infected are tougher, there are no glows around Survivors or items, and the Witch can kill in one hit, among others. Though Realism Versus will appear in the main menu, you cannot play it unless you have downloaded the passing.

Realism Basics

 * Common Infected can take more damage, and body shots are less effective. The only weapons that can kill no matter where they hit are the magnum and M60.
 * You cannot see your fellow Survivors when they are in danger (i.e vomited on, smoked, pounced, charged, incapacitated, ect.) so always stay together, and keep your eyes open for Special Infected.


 * Beware the Witch, as she can now kill in one hit, so be evasive.


 * Search carefully: items have no blue glows.


 * Like regular Versus, Survivors will not spawn in closets. Always have at least one Defibrillator, though using it results in a 25 point penalty.


 * Speech bubbles over Survivors heads are disabled, but it will still display above the character's icon on the HUD.

The Hunter
"Then, you were dangerous, now, you are deadly. Your strength has tripled, and you have a larger role. As usual, it is your job to punish the stragglers...now that task has become far more simple. Prepare to spread fear and panic as one o fthe most powerful Infected in this game-mode."

The Smoker
"Pullling a Survivor into danger is your game.You're more then just an annoyance: you set the trap, make the first move, spread the icing on the cake. It hasn't changed. Sure, you're more powerful, like the Hunter now is, but you're still the one to trigger that 'unofficial' panic event."


 * Pulling a Survivor away for a Hunter to deal with them is a deadly tatic.
 * Grab any Survivors that try to help 'pinned' teammates.
 * In some places, it is possible to pull a Survivor off a ledge to severly damage/kill them.
 * Pull Survivors into hazards, such as fire or Spitter acid.
 * The Smoker is usally a tool to start an ambush, so communicate with your teammates.
 * Distract the Survivors. Pull the only green one backwards, a red one into an angry horde, or another into an unsuspecting Witch.
 * Avoid Survivors with Hunting/Sniper Rifles.
 * Pick at the group, and leave stragglers for the Hunter. If there is no Hunter, then grab them before they can catch up.
 * If the Survivors have been attacked by a Boomer, grab the one that did not get vomited on.
 * Protect the Tank and pull an attacking survivor away from him.

The Boomer
'"Your job is simple: vomit on the Survivors to cause confusion and havoc. This never was a mundane attack, but now it's so much more. You;re there as a distraction and to give support - ready to go even kamikaze to give your teammates time."


 * A seen Boomer, is a dead Boomer.
 * When escaping, climb on rooftops or duck into buildings.
 * Try to get as many Survivors as possible covered in bile.
 * However, sometimes it is helpful to ignore the group and vomit on incapacited/pinned ones instead. Be wary, though, if a Survivor shoots you near another Special Infected they will stumble and cancel their pinning attack.
 * Jumping in front of Survivors from rooftops causes panic and they may shoot you immediatly, causing them to get covered in bile.

The Spitter
'"Think of blocking paths and extra damage points. Your role hasn't changed very much, but the confusion you add will have a lot more of an impact. You should not underestimate her abilities."

The Charger
"While playing as this guy, you should have one thought on your mind: do as much damage as possible. Don't think of the consequences. If you time and plan exactly right, there won't be any Survivors to give you any."

The Jockey
"Steer the survivors into danger, whether it be a Witch or puddle of acid. You have a small frame but pack a large punch. Don't be afraid to be malicious like the lauging maniac you are."

The Tank
"Pancakes, mmm. Smash them with a car or two. See how they like you now."