Stage 1: Plank Country

Setting: Your pilot from Dark Carnival has met a rather unfortunate fate at the hands of the infection, and so had to be executed. Those that have played Crash Course will recognize that particular plot point. Stranded in the middle of a swamp (or bayou), you must make your way across planks set up by the now infected locals to reach the safehouse, which is located inside a drainage pipe. Blocking your way are all sorts of nasties and even a river full of crocs!

Crescendo Event: This Crescendo Event, if done wrong, can lead to the death of your entire team. You must call a ferry from the other side of a dangerous river to cross. Unfortunately, this also calls every Infected in the area to your current position. This in of itself is not an issue, but if you somehow land in the water, you will die instantly with no chance of getting raised through the defibrillator. The is most troublesome with Jockeys or Chargers, as they can (and will) steer or knock you into the water to ruin your team. It is a good idea to hole up in one of the houses instead of standing in the open. You must make it to the ferry can cross to stop the horde from overwhelming you.

General Tips

• All those gore fans will love this campaign, because there are chainsaws everywhere. We do mean everywhere. On average, each stage has two to three chainsaws. That's a lot of Infected-killing machinery.
  
• First aid packs are rare in this stage, but pills and adrenaline are common. Use first aid sparingly, instead opting for temporary health.
  
• Running in water slows you down considerably, so stick to the planks that gives this level its name. You can change this strategy if there is a Witch blocking your way.
• This campaign is prefect for Witch killing thanks to the chainsaws. They rip apart Witches so fast that the Witch normally does not have a chance to respond.

Stage 2: Swamp

Setting: This map is exactly what it says on the tin: a swamp. There's no planks or buildings to really ease up your travel time, so it's up to hoofing it through hellish, grimy water filled with Infected. You'll pass a plane crash, and it's common for a grenade launcher to be found somewhere in this stage. The safe house is located inside of a shanty.

Crescendo Event: Unlike most of the Left 4 Dead 2 Crescendo Events, this one is pure survival. You must release the emergency hatch on the crashed plane, which creates a large explosion to draw Infected. THe best place to defend is immediately through the door on the wing, as Infected take time to get up there. There are a lot of supplies in the plane, including new weapons and medical goodies, but there is no emplaced weapon to commandeer. After a few minutes of fighting, the Infected will lay off on the attack and you can move forward.

General Tips

• As Ellis says fairly often at the beginning of this stage, there are swamp people. In this case, they are mudmen, one of the Uncommon Infected. Mudmen will blind you if they hit, so take them down fast.
  
• This is a great stage for using pipe bombs as a way to clear out static enemies, thanks to the trees and water.
  
• If you see land, always take it, unless there is a Witch sitting on it. Walking in the swamp reduces your movement speed, which hurts a lot, especially if facing down a Tank.
• Molotovs, funnily enough, do burn in water. Throw to your heart's content.
• The abandoned wooden rowboats are more than just show. They also often carry supplies like more weaponry or grenades. Make sure to check them.