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Dead Island 2

Dead Island 2 is a huge return for the series. Fans of the first game will find much more to enjoy than just their nostalgia in this new title, and I can see a whole new generation of gamers falling in love with zombie-chopping in Hell-A.
Dead Island 2 Game Cover
75%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
stability, grinding
77% User Score Based on 7,505 reviews
Critic Score 73%Based on 66 reviews

Platforms

Epic GamesPlaystation 5Playstation 4Xbox Cloud GamingXboxWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCXbox Game PassCloudMac OSXbox One
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Dead Island 2 Game Cover

About

Dead Island 2 is a single player and multiplayer open world hack and slash game with horror and comedy themes. It was developed by Dambuster Studios and was released on August 12, 2022. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

In Dead Island 2, Los Angeles is overrun by a zombie outbreak and you are one of the few survivors with resistance to the pathogen. Explore iconic locations, fight hordes of zombies, and evolve into an ultimate zombie slayer in this stylish and gory game. Voice control with Alexa is available for various game actions.

Genres & Tags
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Dead Island 2 screenshot
Dead Island 2 screenshot
Dead Island 2 screenshot
Dead Island 2 screenshot
Dead Island 2 screenshot
Dead Island 2 screenshot
Dead Island 2 screenshot
Dead Island 2 screenshot
Dead Island 2 screenshot
Skip User Reviews

77%
Audience ScoreBased on 7,505 reviews
story630 positive mentions
stability67 negative mentions
  • The game features an impressive gore system, allowing for detailed dismemberment and satisfying combat.
  • The graphics are stunning, with vibrant environments that capture the essence of a zombie-infested Los Angeles.
  • The gameplay is fun and chaotic, especially in co-op mode, making it a great experience when played with friends.
  • The story is weak and ends on a cliffhanger, leaving many plot threads unresolved.
  • The character dialogue can be cringeworthy and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.
  • The game suffers from repetitive gameplay and enemy respawns, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • story
    2,667 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Dead Island 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it lackluster and predictable, often describing it as a typical zombie apocalypse narrative filled with clichés. While some appreciate the humor and quirky characters, others criticize the dialogue as cringeworthy and the plot as shallow, leading to an abrupt ending that leaves many threads unresolved. Overall, the game is primarily enjoyed for its engaging combat and gore mechanics rather than its storytelling, making it more of a fun zombie-slaying experience than a compelling narrative journey.

    • “The story is surprisingly enjoyable.”
    • “The story keeps you invested as you meet various characters and face new challenges, all while evolving and adapting to become the ultimate survivor.”
    • “The story, while being fully voiced, including all side missions, is lacking.”
    • “The missions don’t offer much variety either, so the game starts to drag as you progress.”
    • “I always just lose interest in it simply because the story, the characters none of them bring you in and compel you to beat this game.”
    • “The story is a complete let down since it ends on a cliffhanger where you don’t fight the main villain group like at all and the dlcs only has 1 of the characters from that group be pivotal and it feels like a boner killer since they did create intrigue of your rage mode and there’s no telling if there will be more added on which adds to the let down feel.”
  • gameplay
    1,024 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Dead Island 2" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its satisfying melee combat, impressive gore mechanics, and engaging co-op features. However, several players noted that the gameplay can become repetitive over time, with a lack of innovation compared to previous entries in the series. While the graphics and overall performance are highlighted as strong points, the story and mission structure are often criticized for being forgettable and uninspired.

    • “The gameplay is incredibly engaging, particularly the combat, which features satisfyingly visceral mechanics of dismembering zombies.”
    • “The gameplay loop is addicting, with hacking, slashing, and bashing through hordes of undead feeling tight, responsive, and crunchy.”
    • “The combat mechanics are smooth and engaging, with a diverse range of weapons and crafting options that allow for creative combat strategies.”
    • “However, the gameplay doesn’t quite live up to the earlier entries in the series.”
    • “The gameplay is a shell of what could have been, offering no value and barely any replayability.”
    • “The gameplay loop is simple - kill zombies, loot the zombies, find keys on the zombies, loot nearby safes, find weapons in the safes/from the zombies and upgrade them.”
  • graphics
    920 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in "Dead Island 2" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual fidelity and attention to detail, with many players noting the lifelike animations and vibrant environments that enhance the overall experience. The game showcases impressive gore effects and a well-optimized performance, even on lower-end systems, making it visually appealing across various platforms. However, some reviews suggest that while the graphics are exceptional, they may overshadow other gameplay elements, leading to a perception of style over substance.

    • “The graphics are excellent, the world is richly detailed, and the zombies feature strikingly lifelike animations.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, and while the storylines can be a bit over-the-top, they add to the charm.”
    • “The graphics, atmosphere, and the over-the-top gore are absolutely fantastic, with a lot of attention to detail.”
    • “Very obviously focusing on graphics over content here.”
    • “The graphics and the gore effects are pretty much the only good thing about this game and make me want to play, but this is completely ruined by the most unfair broken combat mechanics I've ever seen in a game that involves melee combat.”
    • “The only thing this game has going for it are visuals and level design, but that doesn't mean the game is good.”
  • humor
    374 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in "Dead Island 2" is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating its dark, irreverent tone and witty dialogue that often elicits genuine laughter. However, some find the humor forced or cringeworthy, particularly with its reliance on modern pop culture references and stereotypes. Overall, while the game successfully injects humor into its zombie-slaying chaos, opinions vary on its effectiveness, with some enjoying the comedic elements and others feeling they detract from the experience.

    • “The game is funny and hugely enjoyable.”
    • “The humor mixed with the horror elements creates a unique tone that makes the experience even more enjoyable.”
    • “Dead Island 2 delivers a chaotic and vibrant zombie-slaying experience with a mix of humor and horror.”
    • “Attempts to relate to newer generations by presenting us with jokes and unfunny banter, as well as constant monologues.”
    • “It's extremely unfunny; the 'humor' is not funny at all, cringe at best.”
    • “One mission had you doing these random tasks for a streamer, but obviously these devs have never watched a streamer in their lives, so they stereotype it so hard that it's unfunny and cringe because you can tell they were trying so hard to be relatable.”
  • optimization
    233 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While many praise its solid performance and smooth gameplay across various hardware setups, some report significant frame drops and stuttering, particularly in certain areas or with specific configurations. Overall, the game is generally considered well-optimized, especially for modern systems, but players with lower-end hardware may experience issues.

    • “It's beautiful, polished, pretty much bug-free and well-optimized; it's brutal and both the physics and dismemberments are impressive.”
    • “The performance is buttery smooth on both my older PC and newer laptop.”
    • “The game runs flawlessly, with exceptional graphics and smooth performance.”
    • “Optimization suffers from Unreal Engine 5 stutters as usual.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized and unplayable.”
    • “Performance issues galore, only game I've had in 3 years to constantly crash.”
  • music
    197 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in Dead Island 2 has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its energetic and fitting soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, particularly during combat and boss fights. Some standout tracks have been noted for their ability to create an immersive atmosphere, while others feel the music can be repetitive or not memorable enough. Overall, the soundtrack is often described as a highlight of the game, contributing significantly to its chaotic and entertaining vibe.

    • “The soundtrack is phenomenal, perfectly matching the game's energetic and often brutal tone.”
    • “The music absolutely stole the show for me.”
    • “The music enhances the overall experience, making each moment feel more immersive and exciting.”
    • “Oh, the OST is probably the least inspired of any game I've ever heard.”
    • “The graphics are awesome with lighting and shaders done well with solid performance overall, but the music is simply... pretend that it doesn't exist, simply lmao.”
    • “The soundtrack is eclectic but not especially memorable: from the dreamy pop chords that make the main menu feel like the credits sequence of a TV series to the boomy synth stabs that adorn the final arena of Sola, you can’t really pin down Dead Island 2’s aesthetic to a single genre or sound - rather, it tries to emulate the diverse musical landscape of Hell-A, and that’s fine, if perhaps a little on the bland side.”
  • stability
    96 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that can hinder gameplay, particularly in side quests. While some users experienced smooth performance and minimal issues, others faced significant game-breaking glitches that detracted from their overall enjoyment. Overall, the game's stability appears to vary widely depending on the player's hardware and specific circumstances, leading to a recommendation for caution, especially at full price.

    • “This game looks incredible, runs great, and seems so well put together on my computer.”
    • “The game runs great, no huge FPS drops, no lag, and very high FPS with no crashing.”
    • “Looks and runs great on 10600k / 3060ti 1440p high/max.”
    • “Regularly freezes and needs to be force-quit in task manager, no fix.”
    • “Game randomly crashes in co-op; would refund, however, spent 3 hours troubleshooting.”
    • “There are bugs and glitches occasionally, but nothing game-breaking.”
  • atmosphere
    90 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its impressive level of detail, with beautifully crafted environments that evoke a mix of beauty and decay, particularly in the sunny, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles setting. While many players appreciate the immersive sound design and the engaging, often humorous tone, some feel that it lacks the tension and weight of its predecessor, Dead Island 1. Overall, the game delivers a visually stunning and atmospheric experience, though opinions vary on its effectiveness in creating a truly immersive and serious atmosphere.

    • “The atmosphere is stunning and the details are crazy.”
    • “From decaying Hollywood sets to overrun beachfront mansions, every area feels handcrafted for maximum atmosphere—and maximum carnage.”
    • “The stark contrast between the sunny, glamorous LA and its current state of decay creates an atmosphere that's both beautiful and eerie.”
    • “Despite its age, Dead Island 1 had atmosphere, tension, and charm — everything this sequel lacks.”
    • “The atmosphere in Dead Island is too clean and the graphics ridicule the zombies.”
    • “The overall atmosphere, feel, and mood of the setting are too cringeworthy and light-hearted.”
  • grinding
    80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often leading to frustration and a loss of interest in exploration. Many reviews highlight the lack of engaging gameplay, with missions and combat feeling monotonous due to the constant backtracking and infinite enemy spawns. While some appreciate the visuals and smooth combat mechanics, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game requires excessive grinding, making it feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A single player game like this should have been fun, not grindy and boring.”
    • “On top of opening doors with keys, you'll be backtracking to locations you've already visited to unlock safes with keys that drop off unique zombies that randomly spawn in certain areas... sounds tedious?”
    • “It gets old really quick, and it makes me lose interest in exploring or clearing an area because the best way seemingly is to just run by them. It's not challenging, just tedious and a lazy game design. I expected more from them.”
    • “Every minute of this game is extremely tedious and mind-numbingly repetitive. Every quest plays out the same way, and making bosses regular enemies just adds to the frustration.”
  • replayability
    56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players expressing disappointment due to a lack of substantial content after completing the main storyline. While some enjoy the co-op multiplayer mode and character diversity that offer a degree of replay value, others feel that the absence of features like new game plus and unique character skill trees limits long-term engagement. Ultimately, while there are elements that can enhance replayability, many players find the game falls short compared to its predecessors.

    • “Replayability is strong—I'm still not done, and I haven't even started New Game Plus yet.”
    • “The character upgrades and weapon upgrades are all extremely simple in scope, but undeniably effective in making the game feel dynamic and replayable.”
    • “The co-op multiplayer mode adds significant replay value, allowing players to team up and tackle the zombie apocalypse together.”
    • “My greatest sadness is that I beat the game and there isn't much replayability.”
    • “Cause I'm not gonna lie, most people who pick up this game will get bored quick because the sad truth is that Dead Island 2 just isn't as replayable as the first, and that really sucks to say coming from a die-hard Dead Island fan who put in hundreds of hours on his Xbox 360.”
    • “The most evident one: not much replay value once you complete the main storyline.”
  • emotional
    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding moments of genuine emotional connection through character interactions and side quests, while others criticize the overall story as boring and lacking depth. Although certain characters and emotional beats resonate, many feel that the game's repetitive gameplay and weak narrative detract from any potential emotional impact. Overall, while there are highlights, the emotional experience is often overshadowed by frustrations with the story and gameplay mechanics.

    • “However, Dani and especially Carla are my personal favorites, and I can listen to them react and engage with other characters all day. They made certain side quests and their conclusions vastly more emotional than I thought they could be.”
    • “If you can stand the story at times, the game will reward you with emotional story beats that brought a tear to my eye, much to my surprise.”
    • “They go about securing an evacuation, and on the way, they meet a bunch of interesting characters who hit a few emotional beats and are well written.”
    • “I like how the original developers of this game improved so much in the Dying Light series, I cannot say the same for this disaster, with the boring and creatively lacking missions of activating fuse boxes and unlocking doors over and over again, coupled with the most cringe dialogue I've ever heard in a game. Zombies spawning 24/7 even though you've cleaned the area is just not fun.”
    • “Basically Dying Light 2 but with slightly better combat, poor movement, a boring story, worse map, and most of the characters are annoying as hell and/or mentally handicapped.”
    • “Cons: gameplay is repetitive, boring story, zombies spawn or disappear within a few steps from you, slow-motion kills become old and annoying pretty quickly.”
  • character development
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the storytelling and the surprising depth of character arcs, while others criticize the lack of meaningful growth and depth. The character designs are noted for being quirky but often feel limited and uninspired, detracting from the overall experience. While the environments and visuals receive praise for their detail, many reviewers feel that the combat and narrative fail to engage, leaving character development feeling shallow or nonexistent.

    • “Stunning storytelling and character development with the addition of an interchangeable card system allowing the player to use different abilities.”
    • “I don't remember di1 being much of a comedy, but di2 puts forward a basic plot and may surprise you with how often it has character development.”
    • “There's a surprising amount of character development, as it turns out.”
    • “The first game had a more hands-on approach to crafting and a deeper sense of character development.”
    • “I like that the characters are recurring so they're not as forgettable, and there is some character development, but overall the depth isn't really there.”
    • “The plot is uninspiring, the narrative lacks depth, and character development is basically nonexistent.”
  • monetization
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players feeling it resembles a cash grab rather than a genuine sequel, particularly due to the presence of out-of-place microtransactions and high pricing for a short game. While some appreciate the gameplay, they express frustration over the perceived prioritization of profit over quality, suggesting that the game's marketing and monetization strategies detract from the overall experience. Overall, the sentiment leans towards disappointment regarding the game's financial model, which many believe undermines its potential.

    • “Don't sleep on Dead Island 2, the game is amazing. It gets flak for structurally being like a PS3/360 game, but in my opinion, that's when games weren't tainted by monetization, and it's so much fun.”
    • “This was a hugely disappointing experience to such an extent that I authentically don't know how this game has ~75% positive reviews, unless standards have fallen so far that the masses are happy with anything that doesn't show them ads every two minutes.”
    • “As a successor to Dead Island 1, it feels like a cheesy, polished cash grab slapped with the franchise name for marketing.”
    • “I'd go as far as saying this game is basically just a cash grab.”
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73%Critics’ scoreBased on 66 critic reviews
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18h Median play time
24h Average play time
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Frequently Asked Questions

Dead Island 2 is a open world hack and slash game with horror and comedy themes.

Dead Island 2 is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox Series X|S and others.

On average players spend around 24 hours playing Dead Island 2.

Dead Island 2 was released on August 12, 2022.

Dead Island 2 was developed by Dambuster Studios.

Dead Island 2 has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Dead Island 2 is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Dead Island Steam Key GLOBAL, Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Reloaded Edition, Borderlands 3, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, RAGE 2 and others.