Back 4 Blood is a zombie-centric shooter filled with a diverse cast of characters thrown into an undead apocalypse together. While there's no hiding the game's obvious Left 4 Dead inspirations, there are some major differences between the heroes in Back 4 Blood and Valve's iconic franchise. Here are the backstories, stats, and key details for every playable character in Back 4 Blood.
Meet the Cleaners
In Left 4 Dead 1 and 2, Valve did an incredible job delivering a collection of unique characters with distinct personalities and varying motivations. Back 4 Blood takes this established formula to the next level by introducing eight quirky playable characters with their own pools of individual and team buffs. These character-specific perks and stats can completely change your squad's dynamic. This time around, you'll likely be choosing your heroes, or Cleaners, based on more than just who has the funniest lines of dialogue.
Hoffman
Hoffman is Back 4 Blood's quintessential conspiracy theorist. As an enthusiastic prepper, he was more than prepared when the infection hit. Unfortunately, as time went on, his mother passed away and his supplies ran out, forcing him to face the new undead-ruled world. Despite some questionable beliefs, Hoffman is a supportive and resourceful member of the Cleaners.
Character perks: Has a chance to find ammo whenever he kills a Ridden. Has one additional Offensive Inventory slot.
Team effects: Hoffman increases Max Team Ammo Capacity by 10%.
Starting weapon: M1911
Walker
Elijah Walker is a former Army Ranger who is the oldest of five siblings. As someone with a great deal of military training and frontline combat experience, Walker is a valuable member of the Cleaners. He's a man of few words, but his ability to stay cool under pressure is wildly beneficial when it comes to surviving a zombie apocalypse.
Character perks: Precision Kills grant +20% Accuracy for five seconds. Walker deals 10% more Damage.
Team effects: Walker increases Team Health by 10%.
Starting weapon: Glock 23
Mom
Mom seemingly earned her loving nickname by constantly putting the needs of others over her own. She has good intentions and the utmost faith in her fellow cleaners, but often questions other leaders' strategies. After the death of her son, Mom's main objective is simply making the Ridden pay.
Character perks: Can instantly revive an incapacitated teammate once per level. Has one additional Support Inventory Slot.
Team effects: Mom gives +1 Team Extra Life.
Starting weapon: The Belgian
Holly
After losing her family to the Devil Worm, Holly Forrester has channeled all her energy into being a Cleaner. Her trusty nail-spiked bat named "Dottie" is her primary tool of undead destruction and her unwavering optimism despite uncertain odds goes a long way in boosting team morale.
Character perks: Recovers 10 Stamina when she kills a Ridden. Holly has +10% Damage Resistance.
Team effects: Holly offers +25 Team Stamina.
Starting weapon: Bat
Evangelo
Evangelo is the youngest and least experienced Cleaner on the team. Thankfully, this hasn't stopped him from being a remarkably valuable asset. His need to constantly talk when nervous or complain about getting his hair wet might frustrate some, but he's always there when his teammates need him.
Character perks: Can break out of a grab once every 60 seconds. Has +75% Breakout Speed. Has +25% Stamina Regen.
Team effects: Evangelo provides +5% Team Movement Speed.
Starting weapon: Machete
Doc
Doc is a staunchly independent medical expert who sacrificed her social life for her career. While she isn't known for being a great conversationist, her skills have undoubtedly been valuable since the Collapse. There is no better Cleaner to have by your side when it comes to healing or preventing injury.
Character perks: Can heal each teammate for 25 health once per level without healing items. Has +20% Healing Efficiency.
Team effects: Doc offers +25% Team Trauma Resistance.
Starting weapon: Beretta M9
Karlee
Spending a great deal of time alone as an outsider, some originally thought of her as merely a looter or troublemaker. Independent by nature, she isn't willing to officially adopt the Cleaner tile, but she has agreed to join the fight against the hordes of Ridden.
Character perks: Can sense nearby hazards and mutations. Has +1 Quick Inventory.
Team effects: Karlee provides +50% Team Use Speed.
Starting weapon: Tec 9
Jim
From an early age, Jim would head out into the countryside with his father to hunt and trap with the best of them. He briefly joined the military only to return to find his home destroyed by the Collapse. Jim is a dedicated member of the Cleaners and spends his free time taking out Ridden infestations.
Character perks: Precision Kills grant Jim 2.5% stacking Damage until he is hurt. Has +25% Aim Down Sights Speed.
Team effects: Jim delivers +10% Team Weakspot Damage.
Starting weapon: 357 Magnum
More Cleaners on the horizon!
There are currently eight Cleaners in Back 4 Blood, and Turtle Rock Studios aims to deliver new content and characters with future content updates. Now that the wait for Back 4 Blood is finally over, you can jump in with friends right now, but if you're looking for even more to play, be sure to check out our list of the best games on Xbox Game Pass.
Back 4 Blood is out now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S through Xbox Game Pass as well as PC.
Clean the Ridden
Back 4 Blood is a brand-new, cooperative, zombie-slaying, first-person shooter title from Turtle Rock Studios, the creators of the critically acclaimed Left 4 Dead titles. Gather your crew and prepare for blood.
