Explosive Objects
The following three items have special (and spectacular) explosive capabilities and are designed to block pathways you are defending, or to funnel foes into your team’s “meat grinding” personnel.
All three items share the same basic function. They are randomly found, usually near where a large-scale battle is about to take place, and should be picked up and moved to a strategic position beneficial to your team.
The items can be used aggressively when carried (the Melee Shove) but should be dropped in favor of real weapons if combat becomes necessary.
The objects can also be thrown so that they land in the general area you want them to serve as quick defenses before Hordes or Special Infected arrive. You can even try “skeet-shooting”: One player throws an object and another fires at it if you need the explosion as soon as possible.
These items can also be carried from Safe Room to Safe Room if you really want to, and don’t explode if you’re lugging them around. (Any friendly fire strikes you, not the object.)
Fuel Can (AKA Gas Can)
This is a one-use item that sets fire to the ground and any Infected that are on it or passing through the flaming area. The expanse of flames is wider than what a Molotov creates. It is also safer, too, as you can place the Fuel Can in a specific area rather than rely on your or your teammate’s trajectory.
The only downsides to using Fuel Cans are the time required to set up the trap properly and the fact that they don’t burn well in water.
Fuel Cans are used in the refueling of Jimmy Gibbs Jr.’s car during the Dead Center Campaign, and also form the basis of the Scavenge Mode.
Propane Tank
Instead of catching fire, the Propane Tank explodes with considerable force, much like a Pipe Bomb, and this is the key to using it successfully. The Propane Tank can overbalance a Tank (useful when the beast is already ablaze), remove groups of threats (especially if used with a Bile Bomb), clear an exit point of foes, or use it tactically to rupture a Fuel Can.
The downside to using a Propane Tank is having it explode when nothing is nearby, or when a teammate ventures too closely, as the damage is enough to stagger a Witch and cause foes to fall from ledges or cliffs. Don’t overlook this key offensive item, and fire when ready after you set it down in a visible area so you have an easy, clear shot.
Oxygen Tank
Similar to the Propane Tank, hitting an Oxygen Tank results in the pressurized canister exploding after a short delay (and audible hiss), which can be annoying if foes run past before the detonation.
Gauge the time that it will take a distant enemy to reach you and fire on the Oxygen Tank so it detonates as the foes arrive. Or simply lob in a Bile Bomb so foes swarm at the Oxygen Tank and then shoot it.
Just like the Propane Tank, the exploding Oxygen Tank is useful for causing horrific damage to a Tank or Witch and also temporarily stuns them, allowing your team to finish the foes with a little more time to spare.