Left 4 Dead 2's Realism mode is for players who really want to test their skills. The first Portal, Left 4 Dead is considered one of Valve's crowning achievements.
Valve isn't exactly known for rushing out sequels or follow-ups, so it came as a pleasant surprise to learn Left 4 Dead 2 would be coming only a year after the original. The sequel gave players a new set of characters while tweaking and refining the zombie blasting gameplay. While Left 4 Dead 3 has reportedly been in various stages of development since the second game's release back in 2009, a new game has yet to appear.
That said, World War Z. While it's possible to play either of the Left 4 Dead games in solo mode with A.I. partners, it was designed and only really works as a multiplayer experience. Left 4 Dead 2 comes with various gameplay modes to switch up the experience, including Versus or Scavenge, but players looking to test their skills with the game should try out the Realism mode.
Left 4 Dead 2's Realism mode can be played on all difficulties and forces players to switch up tactics. Communication is more important than ever since the ever-present auras surrounding other players so they can be tracked through walls is now gone. This applies to weapon or item pick-ups too, and players have to get close to items for the blue outline to appear. Headshots deal the most damage - naturally - but bullets to the body do significantly less damage, especially on higher difficulties. On difficulties higher than easy, The Witch can also kill teammates in only one hit and players can only be revived with a defibrillator.
Left 4 Dead 2's Realism mode isn't intended to be a mega-tough setting only the most skilled can handle, but it's a mode that pushes players to try new methods. Teammates need to work together and communicate and a more cautious playstyle is rewarded. That said, it's not recommended for those who aren't very familiar with the base game.
