Developer Turtle Rock Studios have confirmed Back 4 Blood will be always online at launch; even when playing single player with bots.
As previously reported, the game is the latest co-op shooter by the creators of Left 4 Dead, and once again has players shooting their way through a zombie apocalypse as they search for safe zones and scavenge whatever weapons and supplies they can find.
Amid the recent news of its upcoming beta, the game coming to Xbox Game Pass, and PvP gameplay footage; fans have come across one piece of news that could be disappointing.
A Twitter user asked Turtle Rock Studios if the game could be played offline with bots. “Wanted to ask because on the PS store it says online play required. Really would like to know before I make the purchase, please.”
“We’re looking into ways we could support offline for the future but you will need an internet connection to play at launch,” Turtle Rock replied. Many replied in turn; expressing their concerns.
While Back 4 Blood is primarily designed as an online co-op game, there has been a strong push-back by consumers against any single-player experience requiring an always-online connection. This is born of not everyone having a stable internet connection, and as part of push-backs against such systems being used in DRM.
We will keep you informed as we learn more.
You can find the rundown (via Steam) below:
Back 4 Blood is a thrilling cooperative first-person shooter from the creators of the critically acclaimed Left 4 Dead franchise. You are at the center of a war against the Ridden. These once-human hosts of a deadly parasite have turned into terrifying creatures bent on devouring what remains of civilization. With humanity’s extinction on the line, it’s up to you and your friends to take the fight to the enemy, eradicate the Ridden, and reclaim the world.
Cooperative Campaign
Fight your way through a dynamic, perilous world in a 4-player co-op story campaign where you must work together to survive increasingly challenging missions. Play with up to 3 of your friends online or go solo and lead your team in battle.
Choose from 8 customizable Cleaners, one of the immune survivors, and a range of lethal weapons and items. Strategise against an ever-evolving enemy bent on your total destruction.
Competitive Multiplayer
Play with or against friends in PVP. Switch between playing as a Cleaner with special perks and the horrific Ridden. Both sides come with unique weapons, abilities, and specialties.
Extreme Replayability
A new “rogue-lite” Card System creates different experiences each and every time, putting you in control to craft custom decks, roll different builds and undertake more demanding fights.
The Game Director is constantly adjusting to player actions, ensuring exciting fights, extreme gameplay diversity, and tougher legions of Ridden – including mutated boss types up to 20 feet tall.
Back 4 Blood launches October 12th for Windows PC (via Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
