Back 4 Blood: Deluxe vs. Ultimate – Which Edition Should You Choose?
The undead hordes are relentless, and choosing the right edition of Back 4 Blood can make all the difference in your fight for survival. The primary distinction between the Deluxe Edition and the Ultimate Edition lies in the included content. While the Deluxe Edition typically offers the base game and the Annual Pass, granting access to future DLC releases, the Ultimate Edition builds upon this by including additional cosmetic items, in-game digital bonuses, and the base game itself, as well as the Annual Pass. Think of it as a layered cake of zombie-slaying goodness: the Deluxe Edition gets you the cake and some frosting, while the Ultimate Edition gives you the cake, frosting, sprinkles, and a candle.
Diving Deeper into the Differences
Let’s break down the specific inclusions to help you make an informed decision. Keep in mind that specific contents of each edition could vary slightly depending on where you purchase and any promotions happening. This overview assumes the typical offerings at launch.
Back 4 Blood Deluxe Edition
Generally, the Deluxe Edition focuses on providing the core gameplay experience and future content drops. Expect the following:
- Back 4 Blood Base Game: The foundation of your zombie-slaying adventure.
- Annual Pass: This grants access to all three of the post-launch DLC expansions. These expansions introduced new campaign acts, playable characters, unique enemy types (special mutated Ridden), weapons, and more.
Back 4 Blood Ultimate Edition
The Ultimate Edition is designed for the hardcore fan looking for the most complete experience possible. It typically includes everything from the Deluxe Edition, plus:
- Back 4 Blood Base Game: Same as the Deluxe Edition.
- Annual Pass: Same as the Deluxe Edition.
- 4 Character Battle Hardened Skin Pack: A set of cosmetic skins to customize your Cleaners with a unique, battle-worn aesthetic.
- Additional Digital In-Game Items: These could include things like banners, sprays, or other cosmetic enhancements that allow you to personalize your in-game profile.
In essence, the Ultimate Edition provides a more visually distinct and personalized experience.
Making the Right Choice
The best edition for you depends on your budget and how much you value cosmetic items and future DLC content. If you are simply concerned with playing the base game and getting the upcoming DLC then the Deluxe Edition is enough. However, if you really enjoy the game and want all the skins, extras and future DLC, then the Ultimate Edition is worth it. Also consider whether you have friends also playing Back 4 Blood; coordinating edition purchases could affect multiplayer experiences.
Back 4 Blood FAQs
1. Does the Back 4 Blood Ultimate Edition include all DLC?
Yes, the Back 4 Blood: Ultimate Edition includes the base game and the Annual Pass, which provides access to all three post-launch downloadable content drops. These expansions contain new story campaigns, areas to explore, playable characters, special mutated Ridden, and more.
2. How many DLCs does Back 4 Blood have?
Back 4 Blood received three major DLC expansions as part of the Annual Pass. These are:
- Tunnels of Terror
- Children of the Worm
- River of Blood
3. Does everyone in my party need the Back 4 Blood DLC to play the new content?
Thankfully, the developers at Turtle Rock prioritized community accessibility. Only one person in your group needs to own the DLC for everyone to play the new content together. If the party leader owns the DLC, all party members will have access to the DLC content in that session. This is great for sharing the experience without forcing everyone to purchase it.
4. Is Back 4 Blood still being updated?
No, Turtle Rock Studios has confirmed that they are no longer developing new content for Back 4 Blood. River of Blood was the final DLC for the game, with the studio moving on to new projects.
5. Is Back 4 Blood worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely! While there won’t be any new content, Back 4 Blood offers a fun and challenging cooperative zombie-slaying experience, especially with friends. The existing content provides plenty of replayability, and the community is still active. The question of whether it is worth the purchase is going to come down to the individual.
6. What are the key features of Back 4 Blood’s gameplay?
Back 4 Blood is a cooperative first-person shooter where you play as a Cleaner, tasked with eradicating the Ridden. Key gameplay features include:
- Cooperative Campaign: Team up with up to four players to fight through a story-driven campaign.
- Card System: Customize your gameplay experience with a deck-building system that provides buffs and challenges.
- Variety of Enemies: Face off against a diverse range of Ridden, each with unique abilities and weaknesses.
- Diverse Weaponry: Utilize a wide array of weapons and attachments to slay the undead.
7. Is there a versus mode in Back 4 Blood?
Yes, Back 4 Blood features a versus mode where players can take on the roles of Cleaners or Ridden. The objective for the Ridden is to eliminate the Cleaners as quickly as possible, while the Cleaners must survive for as long as they can.
8. Can you play as a zombie (Ridden) in Back 4 Blood?
Yes, in the versus mode, you can play as one of the different types of Ridden, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.
9. How do you unlock all the characters (Cleaners) in Back 4 Blood?
Unlocking all the Cleaners in Back 4 Blood is relatively straightforward. Simply complete the first four stages of Act 1 in the campaign.
10. Is Back 4 Blood cross-platform?
Back 4 Blood supports cross-platform play, meaning you can team up with friends regardless of whether they are on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.
11. Does Back 4 Blood require an online connection?
An online connection is required to play Back 4 Blood‘s campaign mode, even if you are playing solo.
12. What kind of game is Back 4 Blood?
Back 4 Blood is a cooperative first-person shooter with a strong emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and replayability. The card system adds a unique layer of customization and challenge to the gameplay.
13. What other games are similar to Back 4 Blood?
Back 4 Blood is considered a spiritual successor to the Left 4 Dead series. Other similar games include World War Z, Killing Floor 2, and Vermintide 2.
14. What is the free upgrade for Back 4 Blood?
Players who purchased Back 4 Blood on PlayStation 4 were eligible for a free upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version at no additional cost.
15. What kind of learning happens while gaming?
Gaming offers lots of learning opportunities. Games teach us problem-solving, strategic thinking, and teamwork. They can also help us develop our critical thinking, improve our decision-making abilities, and learn new things. For more in-depth research on gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or at GamesLearningSociety.org.