8 Games Like Left 4 Dead | TheReviewGeek Recommends

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Left 4 Dead still remains a classic zombie first-person shooter game that encourages teamwork and cooperation amongst players. It went on to spawn numerous expansions and a sequel that many play today. At the same time, fans have managed to maintain the game’s relevancy by creating intriguing and hilarious mods, memes, videos, etc.

If you’ve finished playing Left 4 Dead and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 8 picks.

Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time with.

So without further ado, we present 8 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Left 4 Dead.

Dead Island

Dead Island is a 4 player zombie shooter game that many argue redefined the zombie genre. It offers incredulous gameplay with enough zombie-bashing fun to keep you at the edge of your seat. It gives off the same vibes as Left 4 Dead because of its compelling co-op gameplay.

However, it offers various RPG-like elements akin to the Borderlands franchise. These elements include skill trees, weapons with different effects and levels attached to them, and a robust character progression system. Like Left 4 Dead, fans can expect a journey with enough thrills and chills to delight.

Dead Island’s set on the island of Banoi where a group of friends is throwing a party at a hotel. However, all that fun will meet its end when the zombies and their infectious plague crash the party. This game offers a small but open-world worth exploring. The world also has side quests that’ll give players some more things to complete.

Although fans are still wondering when it’ll get a sequel, the original Dead Island offers enough terrifying yet engaging content to satisfy.

State of Decay 2

State of Decay 2 takes place in a similar zombie apocalypse setting as Left 4 Dead. Similarly, you’ll find yourself traversing through multiple areas–both dark and bright. However, unlike Left 4 Dead, you don’t play as someone with experience with weaponry or killing.

Instead, you’ll find yourself playing as an ordinary citizen who’s more fragile and meek compared to the colorful and brave beings in Left 4 Dead. Furthermore, the gameplay feels more stealth-like and encourages you to avoid making contact with any zombies you find. However, like Left 4 Dead, it encourages players to scavenge for materials and explore the game’s multiple surroundings.

Each of these areas holds many unique items that the player will want to stock up on. While this does lack some excitement, State of Decay 2 wishes for the players to take in the horrific scenery around them. It’s as if they want you to immerse yourself with the world as you hide and run past the zombies.

The game’s cooperative play is rather basic compared to Left 4 Dead, as your partner’s main task is to assist you with quests. However, having a companion around does slightly loosen the adrenaline you’ll receive by being a lonely and wandering citizen. So, it’s best to play the title alone to gain a proper experience.

Back 4 Blood

Back 4 Blood is another 4-player co-op zombie game that’s developed by the same people who made Left 4 Dead and its sequel. It offers the same gruesome shooter action as Left 4 Dead, but with a new coat of paint. The zombie themselves also receive a massive overhaul in their abilities and visual department.

Unlike Left 4 Dead, Back 4 Blood doesn’t capture the grand sound effects and charming mundane details. The sound effects feel generic in comparison. It doesn’t hit the raw energy felt in Left 4Dead. Also, the game goes for a more “games as a service” approach compared to Left 4 Dead. It isn’t a bad move, but the new abilities the human characters receive take away from the gritty realism Left 4 Dead captured beautifully.

Likewise, the characters do have interesting personalities. None of them feel out of place or in touch with the zombie environment they’re surrounded in. In some instances, the zombies in this game hit harder and are more brutal. There’s also a huge zombie boss that’s as tall as an average building this time around.

Remnant: From The Ashes

Remnant: From The Ashes is a third-person survival shooter game set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with monsters. You play one of the remaining humans on Earth and set off on a journey alone or with friends to take down the monstrous horde that awaits you.

Like Left 4 Dead, this game offers creatures that scale from small to large. Each of them has unique abilities that will cause you and your allies some trouble. To combat this, you’ll be searching your surroundings, looking for any weaponry to subdue them. Although you can only play as a trio in this game, teamwork and cooperation are crucial in helping you claim victory.

Moreover, the game offers multiple maps that you can traverse through. Each map has unique routes and monsters that match the tone and theme present in said area. The environment will be grotesquely off-putting but in a great way. It matches the dark tone the game wishes to emulate well.

World War Z: Aftermath

World War Z: Aftermath feels the closest to Left 4 Dead regarding gameplay and level design. The story is inspired by the hit Paramount Film World War Z. It takes place in Vatican City, where you’ll control one of three survivors. You must do whatever it takes to survive through the apocalypse–whether it’s scavenging for supplies or rushing down a vast zombie horde.

The game features online co-op where up to 4 players can join and tackle various story missions. The game features a plethora of super bosses that echo the vile nature of the zombies you’d encounter in Left 4 Dead. As for the player characters, the game introduces new ideas regarding player classes and perks. These mechanics allow the game to remain fresh.

The weapons in the game also vary in power and abilities. As you progress, you’ll be able to unlock many upgrades that’ll help you deal more damage to the zombie hordes you’ll find yourself in. Like Left 4 Dead, World War Z: Aftermath promises to give players a fun-filled zombie slaying experience.

Dying Light

Dying Light is an incredible first-person survival action game. It features a vast open world for players to explore, creative approaches to combat, and a stellar 4-player co-op online campaign. It’s from the same developers who created Dead Island, so expect there to be a lot of carnage and chaos.

Dying Light’s graphics are through the roof. They capture the beauty and horrific nature of its setting relatively well. The game feels freer and vast compared to Left 4 Dead’s linear maps. This works hand in hand with this title’s approach to more action-heavy gameplay. In this game, you’ll find yourself leaping off buildings and walking down remote locations.

The combat is also gorgeous and brutal. This game offers players many ways to handle zombies. You can defeat them from afar or close distance. The option variety in the title far exceeds Left 4 Dead in this aspect, allowing players more freedom to tackle its world at their leisure.

Killing Floor 2

The Killing Floor franchise offers immaculate visuals, astounding shooter gameplay, and an endless amount of content for you and your friends to dive into. Killing Floor 2 ups the ante with its high-resolution imagery and visuals, 6 player co-op options, and its slew of new enemies.

In this game, players will delve into the outbreak occurring in continental Europe caused by an institute’s failed experiment. The story takes place a month after the events of the first game, and everything remains as chaotic as it too. You’ll take control of one of this area’s remaining citizens and combat the dangerous specimens running amok.

Like Left 4 Dead, the gameplay in Killing Floor 2 is exhilarating of full of life. You’ll find yourself shredding and shooting your way through an insane horde of enemies. This game’s high-powered persistent blood system ramps up the game’s gore by allowing you to see limbs and blood fly through the air.

Killing Floor 2 has a fun-filled survival versus mode that mimics the zombies vs humans activity in Left 4 Dead. Essentially, you’ll be placed in a match with 11 other players and split into two teams. These teams consist of humans and Zeds (the specimens you encounter in the main game). You’ll end up on either team, and you’re tasked with helping your allies eradicate the enemy team.

Strange Brigade

Strange Brigade feels like the Egyptian variant of Left 4 Dead. Instead of shooting and fighting zombies, you’ll be encountering swarms of carnivorous mummies who are led by the evil witch queen, Seteki. It’s an exhilarating game full of non-stop action and suspense.

You’ll find yourself exploring ancient ruins, solving puzzles, and uncovering the mystery surrounding Seteki’s tantalizing treasure. Unlike Left 4 Dead, this game’s action is in third-person. However, the game features everything you loved from that title from its chilling campaign and enticing 4 player co-op missions.

Strange Brigade also harbors a Score Attack mode where you must kill enemies fast but in a stylish fashion. This mode helps the game feel fresh and stand out from other 4player party shooters. So if you’re up for the challenge, I suggest that you pick up Strange Brigade today.

So there we have it, our 8 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Left 4 Dead.

What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!