Left 4 Dead Tips (Split Screen, Controllers, Local Server)


Left 4 Dead 2 is a first-person shooter game developed and published in 2009 by Valve as the sequel to the Left 4 Dead video game. It has five regular game modes; one mode is for a single player while the other four are multiplayer. One method of playing multiplayer in a video game is using a split screen, and you might be wondering if Left 4 Dead 2 supports split screen on a gaming PC.

So, is Left 4 Dead 2 split screen on PC? Left 4 Dead 2 does have a split screen on PC, and there are two methods of setting it up. One method is easy and involves downloading an add-on, while the other method involves keying in commands if you want to use one console controller and keyboard. You then need to access the developer console to execute specific commands in order to activate the split screen feature on your PC. The split screen feature works for all the game modes, which includes mutations and add-on maps.

The split screen feature is commonly used by players that prefer couch co-op gaming. Instead of each player using a different console or PC to play the same game, they use the same gaming system where the game is displayed on two equally sized areas.

Before online gaming became widespread, playing video games on a split screen was one of the popular methods of multiplayer gaming. Some gamers still prefer playing multiplayer games with their friends using the split screen feature. When you are playing Left 4 Dead 2 and a friend or relative visits you, you might be wondering whether you can play the game using the split screen feature on your PC.

Left 4 Dead 2 has a split screen feature integrated into the game that you can play with another on your gaming PC. However, the split screen feature is hidden in the game, and you need to enable the developer console and execute specific commands before you can use it. There are two methods for playing Left 4 Dead 2 on a split screen.

The easiest method is having two console controllers, while the complicated method is only having one controller and a keyboard. Once you enable the split screen feature on Left 4 Dead 2, you can play all the game modes, mutations, and add-ons.

The easiest method of setting up the split feature on Left 4 Dead 2 on your gaming PC requires two Xbox 360 controllers or any other console controllers that are x-input compatible. Connect the two controllers to your gaming PC and open your browser.

Download the split screen add-on from the Steam Community website. Launch the game after the add-on is completely downloaded, and on the main menu, you will see a new mode called “Split-screen”.

To start playing using the split screen feature, click on the split screen mode, and select which game mode you want to play using split screen. You can also select the map and other settings before playing the game.

If you only have one console controller and want to play Left 4 Dead 2 on a split screen with the other player using a keyboard and mouse, you first need to enable “Developer console.” Launch the game, go to “Option,” and set “Developer console” to enabled.

Go back to your desktop and open “Notepad.” On your browser, go to the Steam community website and on the guide on how to play Left 4 Dead 2 split screen on a PC, copy the code and paste them on the notepad. Save the notepad file with any name you want.

Download the split screen add-on from the Steam Community website, and once it is done, relaunch the game and start playing Left 4 Dead 2 on a split screen. You can now use the console controller and keyboard and mouse to play Left 4 Dead 2 split screen on your gaming PC.

How To Use Controller on Left 4 Dead 2 on PC?

Most gamers who use PCs prefer to use a keyboard and mouse to play video games. However, you can also use console controllers to play some video games on your gaming PC. If you have installed Left 4 Dead 2 on your PC, here is how you use a controller to play it.

First, ensure that the controller is compatible with your gaming PC. You can use the Xbox 360 controllers or any other controller with xinput support. Left 4 Dead 2 already has controller configurations, and you can start playing immediately without any additional software.

You can also change the configurations on your controller to suit your gaming style. However, some gamers suggest that playing Left 4 Dead 2 with a keyboard and mouse is better than a controller. If you prefer to use a controller while gaming, you should use a controller to play Left 4 Dead 2 on your PC.

Not all console controllers in the market are compatible with a gaming PC. If you are using a Windows PC, it is best to use an Xbox controller because they are always compatible since the same company develops them.

However, if you want to use a controller manufactured by another company on your Windows PC game, you need to download recommended software that makes it compatible. For example, if you have a DualShock 4 (PS4) controller, you have to download and install the DS4Windows program for the controller to work on your PC.

Some gamers claim that using a controller to play Left 4 Dead 2 on a PC is not a good idea because the game is optimized to work best with a keyboard and mouse. The Left 4 Dead 2 is available on Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, Mac OS X, and Linux. Each version is developed to function optimally on the recommended operating system.

Therefore, if you use a controller to play a game meant for a windows PC, your gaming might be affected by high latency. If you are playing against another player using a keyboard, you also might be at a disadvantage because the keyboard and mouse have low latency.

However, choosing the type of controller you want to use depends on personal preference. If you like using console controllers, you can still have a great gaming experience using one to play Left 4 Dead 2 on your gaming PC. 

What Is a Local Server in Left 4 Dead 2?

When you want to play multiplayer mode on Left 4 Dead 2, you either create a server or join one. If you create a server, it gives you the authority to invite other players and allow them to play Left 4 Dead 2 with you and other players. If you are new to the Left 4 Dead 2 game, you might be wondering what local server means in the game. 

A local server in Left 4 Dead 2 means the server created by a player to host multiplayer gaming with other players. You can admit either three or seven players to your server, depending on the game mode you want to play. If you invite three friends, you can play the Survival Mode, where four human players control the survivors to survive attacks from infected.

If you invite seven players, you can play the Scavenge Mode, pitting two teams of four players each fighting against each other. Creating a local host is easy in Left 4 Dead 2 but if you cannot create one, ask a friend to create one and join it after sending you an invite.

To create a server or host a Left 4 Dead 2 local (LAN) game, launch the game and enable “Developer console.” press the “~” key on your keyboard, enter type “sv_lan 1,” and press enter. Type “sv_allow_lobby_connect_only 0” and press enter.

In the console, type “map” and press space. All the playable maps will appear on your screen; use your keyboard arrows to scroll to the map you like and press enter. Other players can now join your server and start playing Left 4 Dead 2 in whichever mode you select.

If you cannot create a server, ask one of your friends to create it, and you can join it by entering the IP address given to you by your friend. You can also join a server by enabling “Automatically Discover LAN Games.” Some LAN games will appear when you browse servers and select the one created by your friend. 

One of the benefits of hosting a Left 4 Dead 2 multiplayer game is the authority to decide who joins the server. If you do not want to play with another player because of their previous conduct, you can simply decline to invite them or kick them out of the server. Hosting a server also gives you control over how many hours you want to spend on gaming.

You can simply close the server when you have spent several hours gaming, and those connected to the server will continue gaming without you by creating their server. Hosting a local server also is safe, has zero corrupt save files, can handle high traffic, and has a lag-free gaming experience.

How To Buy Left 4 Dead 2 on Xbox One?

Left 4 Dead 2 is an exciting game Valve made available on Microsoft Windows in 2009. Valve has continued to release other versions of Left 4 Dead 2 for operating systems like Mac OS X and Linux. If you own an Xbox One console, you might be wondering how you can buy Left 4 Dead 2 on your console.

To buy Left 4 Dead 2 on your Xbox One console, first, you need to log into your Xbox Live account using your Xbox One console. Go to the Microsoft Store app and search Left 4 Dead 2. Click on the purchase price and complete the transaction to start downloading.

Once the game has finished downloading, you can install it immediately by selecting “Install Now.” You can choose to install the game later; the game will be placed in a queue. Go to “My Games and Apps,” select “See all,” select “Full library,” select “All owned games,” and click “Install all” to install all the games on the queue. You also have the option of installing Left 4 Dead 2 remotely on your Xbox One console.

Microsoft included the option of buying games for an Xbox One remotely. This decision helped gamers eliminate the need to purchase video games and apps through the console. You need to set up your Xbox One as your home console to use this method.

On your Xbox One console, go to “My Games and Apps,” select “Apps,” and select “Settings.” On the “Settings” menu, select “My Xbox” and select “My Home Xbox” to make your Xbox One your home console. From this point onwards, any game you purchase remotely will be automatically stored on your Xbox One from this point onwards.  

To buy Left 4 Dead 2 remotely for your Xbox One console, on your computer, open the browser and go to the Xbox.com website. Sign in using the same account on your Xbox One. Search for Left 4 Dead 2 and click on the game’s icon.

You will be taken to a page with information about the game; click on the “Buy Now” and enter your details to confirm the purchase. Left 4 Dead 2 will be in your console by the time you get back home.

You should note that Left 4 Dead 2 is rated “Mature 17+,” you will not purchase the game if your account has age restrictions on purchases. You have to remove the restrictions before you can complete the purchase.  

Wrap Up

Playing Left 4 Dead 2 split screen on your gaming PC is easy and fun. After setting up the split screen feature, you can also play the game using mutations and add-ons. However, you must key in additional commands for the specific add-ons and mutations to continue playing. Left 4 Dead 2 has console controller configurations; therefore, there is no need to download additional drivers if the controller is compatible with your gaming PC.

In Left 4 Dead 2, you can play multiplayer mode online and offline. If you want to play offline, you have to set up a local server using the Local Area Network. Finally, you can purchase Left 4 Dead 2 for your Xbox One console directly in the console or through the Xbox website. However, if you like convenience, you should set up your Xbox One as your home console, allowing you to purchase games from anywhere in the world while your console is at home. 

Bal Kang

Bal Kang is a technology expert based in the UK, with experience across a number of technology areas from phones, tablets, computers to gaming.

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