Back 4 Blood card system guide: How it works, all cards and effects

Back 4 Blood is a brand new zombie co-op game from Turtle Rock Studios who created the classic co-op horror Left 4 Dead franchise. The game officially launches on 12th October 2021 but has already garnered favourable attention ahead of its Early Access and Open Beta launches. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the Back 4 Blood intricate Card System, detailing how it works, the cards available and their effects.

What is the Back 4 Blood Card System?

The Back 4 Blood "roguelike" card system is a gameplay feature in the game. The card system enhances the gameplay experience for players by creating unique experiences each and every time.

This is accomplished by giving players the ability to craft custom decks, roll different builds and undertake more demanding fights in the game.

The game also utilizes a system of advanced AI known as the Game Director, which will play a selection of cards in response to player actions, health and choices.

There are corruption cards chosen by the Director and active cards that offer the player an opportunity to pick some useful special perks, which we have detailed in the sections to follow.

All Back 4 Blood Corruption cards and effects

Corruption cards are unique cards part of the "roguelike" card system. These cards are drawn by the Game Director AI at the outset of every level and apply randomized game parameters related to the game.

These could include changes to the Ridden, the weather or stack additional dangers for players as they progress through the levels and are intended to enhance the replayability experience.

After the Director picks their cards, players will draw three cards, of which one can be a Corruption card. The other cards must be Active cards (learn more about this in the next section).

There are a total of 10 Corruption cards available to the Game Director. We've indicated all of the Corruption cards below and their effects, per the Back 4 Blood Fandom Wiki.

All Back 4 Blood Active cards and effects

Active cards basically allow players to acquire special perks and can be used to counter Corruption cards picked by the Game Director, thus allowing players a greater chance to win.

They are categorized into four types, which can also be associated by colour:

• Reflex cards (Blue)
• Discipline cards (Red)
• Brawn cards (Green)
• Fortune cards (Yellow)

At the start of each campaign, players begin with 1 loadout card and then select an additional 4 cards by the time they leave the safe house

Players can also find other Active cards scattered across the levels but will need to purchase these using Copper (the in-game currency).

In total, there are currently 61 Active cards available to players in Back 4 Blood. We've indicated all of the Active cards below and their effects, per the Back 4 Blood Fandom Wiki.

Back 4 Blood is expected to be a hit amongst Left 4 Dead fans and will officially release on the 12th of October 2021 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X /S and on Microsoft Windows PC platforms.

Looking for early access? Then learn how to join the Back 4 Blood Open Beta in our previous article!

• Read more: Back 4 Blood character guide: All cleaners, skills, and passives

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Header image via Turtle Rock Studios.