Can you cut a smoker's tongue after it wraps around you?
After a smoker catches you with its tongue, you have a couple of seconds before you enter the constriction phase where you're totally helpless. Is it possible to shoot the tongue/cut it with a melee weapon to free yourself? I recall that someone told me that Valve prevents you from cutting yourself free to encourage teamwork, but I haven't been able to confirm this.
Best Answer
There is an achievement in L4D 1 (it might be in L4D 2 as well) for shooting the smoker before you are fully constricted and freeing yourself. You only have a few seconds to do so but it is possible (with ranged weapons at least). I haven't tried doing it by taking out the tongue but I have killed the smoker a few times.
Once you are fully constricted you are helpless (as you say L4D is designed to encourage teamwork which is why so many special attacks incapacitate a single target) but you do have that small window to free yourself.
Pictures about "Can you cut a smoker's tongue after it wraps around you?"



Can you shoot the tongue of a smoker?
If you can't see the Smoker or the tongue, shoot the Smoker through the wall or ceiling (i.e. judge the position of the Smoker relative to the Survivor getting clawed). You can also shoot the tongue through the wall or ceiling.How tall is the smoker from l4d2?
He measures approximately 15 inches tall, including the base.How to Cut a Cigar | Cigar Aficionado
More answers regarding can you cut a smoker's tongue after it wraps around you?
Answer 2
Yes, but you have only a few seconds. The best thing to do is to bash it with your weapon; if you do it fast enough, you'll be free. It also helps if you face the direction of the smoker.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: alleksana, alleksana, Maria Varshavskaya, alleksana
