Witch (Left 4 Dead)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Witch | |
|---|---|
 Witch in Left 4 Dead 2 | |
| First appearance | Left 4 Dead (2008) |
The Witch is a fictional monster in the Left 4 Dead series of video games. She is a particularly powerful zombie in the game, but unless agitated, will not attack the players. She is usually seen crying while sitting, and if approached or bothered by light or sounds, will become more agitated. She chases the agitating character to kill them, fleeing once she succeeds. She also appears in Left 4 Dead 2, gaining a new form during the day that is able to wander around with her eyes covered. When a Witch is present, her crying and a music theme consisting of wailing moans and piano notes can be heard. Left 4 Dead writer Chet Faliszek stated that this was a simpler way to convey "scary, threatening, and cool" despite discouraging players from approaching her.
The Witch has received generally positive reception, praised for how frightening she is. Her theme has also been the subject of discussion by critics, who analyzed both the composition of the song and how players are impacted by it.
The Witch is a type of zombie in the Left 4 Dead games, which center around four survivors attempting to reach safety while fighting zombies.[1] She is thin with a "deadly" appearance,[2] gold/brown eyes,[3] and long, bloody claws.[4] Unlike most zombies in the game, the Witch is particularly powerful, though is usually passive, only attacking the player or their allies if disturbed.[5] They appear occasionally throughout a play session, and can be identified by the sound of crying and a musical sting associated with her.[3] This sting involves multiple elements, including "wailing moans and haunting, operatic screams" and "atrocious piano notes."[6][7] When approached, she becomes agitated,[8] and can also become agitated if light is shined on them or a loud sound is made near her.[3][6] They will eventually attempt to attack the player if agitated enough.[3] The Witch will run after the player that disturbed them; once her target is dead, she will attempt to flee.[9] When asked of the story of the Witch, Left 4 Dead writer Chet Faliszek responded that she is "singular with her obsession."[9]
In Left 4 Dead 2, during the night, she sits and cries;[10] during the day, a new variation is added that walks around, hand held in her hands, growing agitated if anyone is near her.[11] A large number of Witches can also be found at a sugar mill.[12] In the chapter "The Passing," a regular Witch wearing a wedding dress can be found crying at her wedding.[13] A new challenge was added to Left 4 Dead 2 that allows Witches to permanently kill a player's character during a game.[14]
The Witch makes an appearance in the Resident Evil 6/Left 4 Dead crossover on PC.[15]
