I read a lot of guides for Left 4 Dead 2 while I was new to the game... and none of them helped me the way I needed to be helped. So now it's my turn to write a Beginner's Guide, with the right information for people who are new to the game, so there are less awkward and embarrassing mistakes... especially if you're streaming live.

1. Start on single player mode.

At first I wanted to start on single player mode because I was embarrassed that I didn't know how to play the game. Then when I did play online, I realized that people are entering and leaving games so quickly that there's just too much chaos in multiple player mode. If you and your friends are playing together, then sure why not! However, avoid online games with tweens yelling at everyone.

It's also a really nice way to follow the plot of the story. I mean it's not exactly a plot based game... but there is some plot. In the beginning, everyone introduces themselves to each other in the elevator and there is often fun banter between the characters.

2. Start on easy mode.

I promise you there is no shame in this... no matter what crazy video game players will say. There really is no harm in playing the first campaign on easy mode while you are still getting use the controls.

Just... maybe don't show that you are playing on easy mode in your live stream.

3. You can shoot your teammates.

The only reason I really know you know you can shoot their teammates is because they complain about it so heavily when you do. You can also hit them with melee weapons as well.

Oh, and they can shoot you. So don't stand in front of them when there are infected coming and try to avoid walking through lines of fire if you can.

4. Noise attracts the Infected.

This includes gunshots—some guns come with silencers for this exact reason. Which I love! However, the noise doesn't end with gun shots. Some cars have car alarms that can go off if you accidentally hit them, shoot them, and sometimes even if you just touch them. This, of course, attracts a horde. So be careful.

5. Bile attracts the Infected.

I did not know this at first... but it makes a lot of sense now. If a boomer throws up on you or you shoot it too closely, then a whole new horde comes. If you throw a pile of vomit then all of the zombies already in the game go to it.

Fun Fact: you can throw a pile of vomit on a hulk and make the other zombies attack it. It even gives you an achievement if you are playing the Steam version.

6. Flashlights startle the witch.

You will hear the other characters remind you of this almost every time you hear a witch ... but it's still good advice.

You don't always have to turn your flashlight on the second you start to hear a witch because you usually start to hear her from pretty far away. However, it is better safe than sorry when it comes to witches. Not only are they very creepy but the amount of damage they inflict always amazes me.

Pro Tip: Oddly enough, noise and other zombies don't startle the witch. So feel free to clear away all the other zombies before you deal with the witch.

7. Standing around brings a horde.

I have a love/hate relationship with this. The game is designed to be fast paced all the time... and it really brings a certain mood to the game. However, sometimes I want to explore and this game just doesn't allow that. Either way, just know if you stand around instead of moving, you will see more hordes of Infected.

8. If you're lost, there's probably a door you need to go through.

On lots of levels, there is a house you need to go through that takes you to the rest of the map. It's awkward but kinda cool. I have more tips for if you're lost below...

There are actually arrows that help point the way throughout the game.

Or as my boyfriend pointed out, following light sources helps a lot too.

9. Stay with the group! They save you!

This is probably what makes Left 4 Dead so amazing. It forces teamwork. If you get caught by a charger, strapped by a smoker, or even just knocked down, then you need another player to save you. So don't travel too far from one another. Even in single-player mode, it's best to make sure the others aren't too far behind you. Also, when you check back to see if they are still close by, sometimes it helps you catch a hunter before it catches you.

10. Beware of ALL the 'special ability' infected.

I don't want to go into too much detail about the special ability infected because I know that there are hundreds of blogs out there about that. However, here is a brief overview:

Witch: Cries until started. Heavy Damage. Fear her.

Cries until started. Heavy Damage. Fear her. Hunter: Usually doesn't make much sound. Will pounce on you and attack. You will need to be saved by a teammate once a hunter has pinned you.

Usually doesn't make much sound. Will pounce on you and attack. You will need to be saved by a teammate once a hunter has pinned you. Jockey: The most annoying things ever. They will literally jump on you and ride you. You can fight their steering a little, but you need to be saved by a teammate.

The most annoying things ever. They will literally jump on you and ride you. You can fight their steering a little, but you need to be saved by a teammate. Charger: As the name suggests... they charge. What the name doesn't tell you is that they will grab you and smash you into the ground. Each smash takes a nice chunk of life out of you. They awkwardly have one massive arm and one tiny arm—can't miss them.

As the name suggests... they charge. What the name doesn't tell you is that they will grab you and smash you into the ground. Each smash takes a nice chunk of life out of you. They awkwardly have one massive arm and one tiny arm—can't miss them. Hulk: Huge monster like things. They will throw things at you. If a hulk is around, killing it is your first priority.

Huge monster like things. They will throw things at you. If a hulk is around, killing it is your first priority. Smoker: Will grab you will a long tongue... it's terrifying. When they die, a huge cloud of smoke will appear... it's annoying.

Will grab you will a long tongue... it's terrifying. When they die, a huge cloud of smoke will appear... it's annoying. Spitter: They are ugly things... Oh yeah, and they spit acid on you. The longer you stand in a puddle of acid, the more damage gets done per second. They also spit out one last time when killed.

They are ugly things... Oh yeah, and they spit acid on you. The longer you stand in a puddle of acid, the more damage gets done per second. They also spit out one last time when killed. Boomer: They are round, they puke on you, and they explode when killed. Make sure there's a distance when you shoot them. Don't use a melee weapon! If they puke on you, a new horde of infected comes.

Hunter Tips

The Hunter doesn't always make a sound, but when it does, it sounds like a Puma.

The Hunter has several hidden places in the game that are often higher off of the ground. In other words, it can easily show up after the horde.

If a hunter is about to pounce on you, move! Better yet, move back and shoot. Fast!

If there's a hunter in the area, standing in one place looking for it... is not the best idea. Keep moving while searching for it.

Pro Tip!

Pro Tip: If you want a fair warning for almost all incoming special ability infected, all you have to do is turn on the subtitles. It will even tell you which infected is making what noise (Perfect for Beginners)!

11. Don't fall over the edge.

Not only does long falls brings damage—and sometimes a lot—but falling out of the map can sometimes mean game over. It will look just like a normal cliff, or the start of a lake... or even a long fall off of a bridge... but don't be fooled! If a charger comes and pushes you over that edge... Game Over! More specifically, your character will die. If you are on single player mode then yes that means game over. If you are playing with friends, then they can still play without you.

12. If the safe house is nearby... just run for it!

Lots of levels will have an endless horde coming right at the end. In other words, when the safe house is nearby there is no point in trying to kill all the infected... because they will never stop. Just grab a melee weapon and run for it!

Pro Tip: Using the adrenaline shot will help you get through hordes.

Don't play so long that your thumb falls off...

If you look around, sometimes you can find cute and funny little Easter Eggs. I found this in the hospital.

Want to read more?

My blogs and articles can be about anything really... I do write a lot, after all. However, I find myself writing about ADHD, photography, and Self-Help a lot.

To keep updated on my blogs, please feel free to follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

Twitter @BlogsNancy

Facebook @NancyDBlogs