Dead Island 2 is a premium action game developed by Dambuster Studios. It is a first-person survival horror title and is the sequel to the original Dead Island game released back in 2011. It is set months after the events of the original and continues where the story left off.

One of the things that set Dead Island 2 apart from its predecessors, Dead Island and Dead Island Riptide, is that it features multiple locations this time around alongside a number of new playable characters with their own back stories and abilities. 

Tropical zombie paradise

When the original Dead Island game was first released, it received a lukewarm reception, despite being a technically impressive title. It emphasized its brutal and satisfying combat above everything else. However, the lack of a proper narrative and middling performance held it back. After a long time in development hell, the series finally gets its long-overdue sequel with Dead Island 2.

In this sequel, you’ll be navigating a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic landscape across multiple iconic locations in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, now called HELL-A. There are six playable characters, referred to as Slayers, and each boasts unique abilities that you can customize and combine with an arsenal of melee weapons. You’ll need all the help you can get as you face dozens of zombie types throughout the game.

The meat of the Dead Island series lies in its visceral and bloody combat and it has been tweaked more here, boasting an improved dismemberment system. Those who have pre-purchased the title will net the Memories of Banoi pack, which contains two distinct yet powerful weapons, a special weapon perk, and a mystery skill card that can be used in-game.

Look forward to enhanced gameplay

Dead Island 2 improves upon the original gory physics and implements a Flesh system which allows a more lifelike depiction of how certain hits and angles can affect the variety of undead monsters you’ll be going up against. Players can also look forward to a multitude of available weapons in their arsenal that they can easily modify into extreme weapons of destruction at designated crafting benches scattered throughout the city.

Some of the possible weapons you can craft include:

• Flaming katanas
• Electro-charged daggers
• Exploding hammers
• Electrified Wolverine-type claws

Keep in mind that different zombies will have various weak points, so make sure to adjust your battle strategy and skills in order to take them down. In case you run into larger hordes of zombies, you can activate Fury mode, where you can emulate the abilities of one of the undead and quickly go up against monsters surrounding you.

Players also have the ability to equip skill cards that can enhance their battle abilities and other skills. You can mix and match various cards in order to solidify your chosen character’s combat style or you can swap them out quickly to adapt to a variety of situations. Make sure to take into account the abilities of the zombies ahead — especially the mutated ones — as well.

Official Steam release and DLCs

To celebrate its official release on the gaming client Steam, Dead Island 2 arrives with a killer 50 percent discount, ensuring that no survivor misses out on experiencing the adrenaline-fueled action of battling the undead hordes. With cross-play enabled, survivors can join forces with friends who bought their games from Epic Games Store. Gather your crew and prepare to face the apocalypse together in epic multiplayer showdowns that will push your teamwork to the limit.

For those hungry for even more rewards and challenges, Dead Island 2 is introducing exclusive character skins and weapons through the PROS rewards program. From the stylish From Dusk skins to powerful weapons like Fenrir’s Howl and Jacob’s Bo Staff, there’s something for every survivor to sink their teeth into. Plus, don’t miss out on the brand-new “Rise and Shine” Crowbar, a badass addition to any survivor’s arsenal.

However, the real thrill lies in the extra content from the two DLCs, HAUS and SoLA. The former is a twisted dreamscape nestled within the confines of a Malibu villa. Descend through madness and gore as you confront a wave of unexpected horrors lurking around every corner. Plus, you will encounter the Kult, a group of unquestionably committed elitists who believe they hold the key to humanity’s survival. 

Meanwhile, the latter plunges you into the heart of SoLA, a Californian music festival set against the backdrop of ancient grounds. As the night sky ignites with its neon hues and bass drops, a malevolent presence awakens, plunging the festival into chaos. Amid the wreckage, an insatiable hunger lurks in the shadows, and you have to brace yourself to go up against it.

More challenging content in Patch 6

Patch 6 of Dead Island 2 introduces fresh gameplay features, including the Neighborhood Watch mode, where players defend a frat house from waves of zombies. This new horde mode spans five days, involving strategic preparation like setting traps and stockpiling weapons. Players unlock new abilities with each run, adding depth and replayability. Set in the Venice Canals, it offers a thrilling, new environment for battle.

Another major addition is New Game+, which builds on the main story by increasing the level cap and adding new skins, weapons, and tougher enemies. Familiar zombies reappear in new locations, while Apex Zombie variants now surface earlier in the game. Even seasoned players will find this update offers a fresh challenge, pushing their skills to the limit and creating a more intense experience.

The update also introduces Revenants. These enemies are tough to defeat but offer enticing rewards for those skilled enough to take them down. The addition of extra skill slots also allows players to adjust their playstyle and tactics, preventing the gameplay from becoming frustratingly difficult. This ensures that while the challenges increase, players still have plenty of room to explore new strategies and maintain control over their progress.

Undead dismemberment

It was a long time coming, but Dead Island 2 is finally here for players to immerse themselves in. With new locations filled with mutated monsters and sinister secrets, this action game presents a thrilling premise with terrifyingly realistic graphics and even more gory gameplay. Players can choose to play as any of the six playable characters and adjust their skills and strengths in order to easily defeat the numerous zombie types that lurk around each corner.