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Special Infected are the distinctive infected enemies that hunt the Survivors in Left 4 Dead. The original game features five types: Hunter, Smoker, Boomer, Tank, and Witch. Left 4 Dead 2 includes those five and adds the Spitter, Jockey, and Charger, for a roster of eight.
What makes an infected “special”?
Unlike the ordinary common infected, each Special Infected presents a distinct threat. Some can attack or drag an individual Survivor; others can disrupt the group or put pressure on its position. Valve described them as hunting the lone Survivor in its 2010 “Last Man On Earth” mutation.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Left 4 Dead 2 - Xbox 360 (Renewed) | $60.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Left 4 Dead - Xbox 360 | $42.59 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Left 4 Dead 2 | $55.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Left 4 Dead 2 - Xbox 360 | $55.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Which Special Infected appear in each game?
| Special Infected | Game appearance | What the threat does |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter | Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 | Valve discusses its attacks in a December 2009 update. Valve’s update |
| Smoker | Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 | Can drag a Survivor, as described in Valve’s December 2009 update. Valve’s update |
| Boomer | Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 | A member of both games’ Special Infected roster; the cited official material does not detail its mechanics. Valve’s 2010 post |
| Tank | Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 | A large-scale threat; the cited official material does not provide further mechanics. Valve’s 2010 post |
| Witch | Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 | A situational encounter: she sobs as a warning and attacks the Survivor who startles her, according to PC Gamer’s retrospective. |
| Spitter | Left 4 Dead 2 only | A sequel addition; Valve’s update discusses its spit attack. Valve’s update |
| Jockey | Left 4 Dead 2 only | A sequel addition referenced in Valve’s update. Valve’s update |
| Charger | Left 4 Dead 2 only | A sequel addition; Valve’s update references its charge attack. Valve’s update |
How the sequel changes the roster
The three additions in Left 4 Dead 2 are the Spitter, Jockey, and Charger. The distinction matters if you mean the first game specifically: its Special Infected are the Hunter, Smoker, Boomer, Tank, and Witch. Valve’s official 2009 update discusses the sequel’s new types alongside attacks and hit boxes; it is historical context, not a current balance guide.
What Valve’s old poll says—and does not say
In a May 28, 2010 post, Valve published separate favorite-Special-Infected poll results for PC and Xbox 360. The results differed by platform and are historical snapshots, not a measure of current player preferences.
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#1 Best Overall
- On day one, Left 4 Dead 2 features more co operative campaigns, more campaigns and maps for the versus game modes than the original Left 4 Dead did, plus support for Survival Mode right out of the box
- Left 4 Dead 2 features quality next generation co op action gaming from the makers of Half life, Portal, Team Fortress and Counter Strike
- Updated “AI Director 2.0 technology expands players’ ability to customize level layout, world objects, weather, and lighting to reflect different times of day, creating fresh gameplay every time
- Put a whole slew of melee weapons including axes, chainsaws, frying pans and baseball bats to use which allow you to get up close with the zombies
- The game features four different survivors, a new storyline and new dialog
| Type | PC poll (2010) | Xbox 360 poll (2010) |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter | 20% | 22% |
| Smoker | 12% | 14% |
| Boomer | 7% | 5% |
| Tank | 15% | 18% |
| Witch | 11% | 14% |
| Spitter | 13% | 7% |
| Jockey | 5% | 7% |
| Charger | 17% | 13% |
Valve’s post also described the mutation this way: “Special Infected will hunt you down and become close, close friends with you.” In context, the line refers to a mode where the player is the only Survivor. Read Valve’s May 28, 2010 post.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- On day one, Left 4 Dead 2 features more co operative campaigns, more campaigns and maps for the versus game modes than the original Left 4 Dead did, plus support for Survival Mode right out of the box
- Left 4 Dead 2 features quality next generation co op action gaming from the makers of Half life, Portal, Team Fortress and Counter Strike
- Updated “AI Director 2.0 technology expands players’ ability to customize level layout, world objects, weather, and lighting to reflect different times of day, creating fresh gameplay every time
- Put a whole slew of melee weapons including axes, chainsaws, frying pans and baseball bats to use which allow you to get up close with the zombies
- The game features four different survivors, a new storyline and new dialog
Rank #3
- Officially Licensed Product
Rank #2
- Co-operative gameplay in epic struggle between survivors and zombies
- Choose to play as survivor or 4 types of infected mutants
- Set across 4 massive campaigns
- Game creates a unique and dramatic experience based on players' actions
- Multiplayer games for 1-to-8 players
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