Left 4 Dead 2 Guide

Many games have envisioned a zombie apocalypse, but few agree on the genesis of humanity's reanimated scourge: sometimes the recently deceased are resuscitated by radiation from space, or mutated by a biological experiment gone awry -- sometimes its mind-controlling space crabs. Left 4 Dead 2 doesn't concern itself with the details, but suffice it to say that there are zombies, they greatly outnumber the survivors and they are hungry.

They are also fast, which, to some, precludes them from classification as traditional zombies. But modern zombiefiles who lean towards a more liberal interpretation of brain-fancying nightwalkers know that zombies come in all shapes and sizes. Left 4 Dead 2 introduces some of the most dangerous yet -- the battering ram-like Chargers pin their prey to the wall and pummel them, the diminutive Jockey has a knack for attaching to the nearest face and the acid spewing Spitters can fry a group of unsuspecting saps in their tracks.

The zombies have more tricks up their putrid sleeves than ever, but so do the survivors. But new gadgets like grenade launchers, laser sites, adrenaline shots and defibrillator kits will only hold off the horde for so long. As the game often advises, you need to stay together to survive, so let IGN Guides be the fifth member of your party. We'll hold our own and keep the bad jokes to a minimum.

Left 4 Dead 2 strategy guide, you'll find:

• WALKTHROUGH // It's time to leave Louisiana. We'll show you how to get out.
• SURVIVOR'S HANDBOOK // Learn the tools of the zombie massacring trade.
• INFECTED EATER'S GUIDE // Let's face it, no matter what kind of zombie you are, survivors are tasty. Here's how to catch one.
• ACHIEVEMENTS // Strategies, videos and more for some of the toughest Achievements.
• Q & A // Send us a question and we'll answer it here.

Guide by: Samuel Claiborn