Dying Light 2 Review – A Personal Journey Through Techland’s Open-World Zombie Masterpiece
Introduction: A Game That Became More Than Just a Game
Techland’s Dying Light 2 is more than just a sequel to one of the most beloved open-world zombie games; it’s a personal journey, a game that holds deep meaning for me beyond its mechanics and narrative. It’s one of my all-time favorite games and certainly one of my most-played titles of the current generation. As of writing this, I’ve clocked in nearly 1,000 hours in Dying Light 2, completing multiple playthroughs across different characters, difficulties, and New Game Plus runs.
While Dying Light 2 had a difficult development cycle with delays and setbacks, the end result is a game that, despite its imperfections, has captivated me in ways few games ever have. I understand that it may not have met everyone’s expectations, but for me, this game is something special something deeply personal.
A History with the Franchise
My journey with Dying Light began with the original game, which I first picked up in 2015. That first experience with Techland’s take on parkour-driven survival horror was unforgettable. I still remember the thrill of running through Harran, the pulse-pounding chases at night, and the absolute joy of learning the mechanics of free running and combat.
Fast forward to February 4, 2022, the day Dying Light 2 was released. That day is seared into my memory for a much deeper reason. It was also the day my father passed away. At a time of immense personal loss, Dying Light 2 became my refuge, my way of processing the grief that I hadn’t yet fully confronted. In the first three days following its release, I immersed myself in the game, live streaming my playthrough for nearly 24 hours at a time. It wasn’t just about escapism; it was about surviving in a way that mirrored my own emotions and struggles.
Gameplay: A Vast, Evolving World
At its core, Dying Light 2 is an evolution of its predecessor in almost every way. The world is bigger, the movement is smoother, and the gameplay loop is refined to an incredible degree. The moment-to-moment traversal in this game is some of the best I’ve ever experienced, especially as you unlock new parkour abilities and upgrades.
The verticality of Villedor makes exploration feel dynamic and rewarding. Running across rooftops, grappling onto ledges at the last second, and using the paraglider to traverse vast cityscapes creates a sense of freedom that few other open-world games can match.
Combat, while not perfect, is satisfying, particularly when utilizing the game’s various weapon mods. The ability to electrify your blade, send enemies flying with powerful kicks, or execute brutal finishers makes every encounter thrilling. The addition of New Game Plus has further extended my enjoyment, allowing me to fine-tune my builds and push the game’s systems to their limits.
Narrative and Characters: A Story That Grew on Me
One of the most divisive aspects of Dying Light 2 has been its story. Some players expected a deeply emotional and narrative-driven experience, but Techland chose to emphasize player choice and world-building over a linear, cinematic approach.
The supporting cast is hit or miss, but there are standout characters, such as Lawan, voiced by Rosario Dawson, who adds depth and personality to the story. Choices matter in this game, leading to different faction outcomes, character arcs, and even how certain regions of the city develop.
Bugs, Technical Issues, and Post-Launch Support
There’s no denying that Dying Light 2 launched with its fair share of bugs and performance issues. Some were minor, while others were frustrating, but Techland has continuously worked on improving the game post-launch.
Unlike many studios that abandon their games after release, Techland has stayed committed to refining Dying Light 2, addressing community concerns, and adding meaningful content updates. They’ve even confirmed years of continued support, making it clear that this game will continue evolving well into the future.
The First DLC: A Letdown, But Hope Remains
If there’s one aspect of Dying Light 2 that disappointed me, it was the first major DLC, Bloody Ties. While it had its moments, the expansion didn’t deliver the kind of experience I was hoping for. It lacked the depth and excitement that made the base game so compelling.
That being said, I’m incredibly excited for the second DLC, Dying Light: The Beast, now formally a full-blown standalone game in the Dying Light series, which is set to release later this year. While Bloody Ties felt like a sidestep, The Beast seems like it will take the game in an entirely new direction, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I’ll undoubtedly spend hundreds of hours exploring it, just like I did with the main game.
Multiplatform Play: A Testament to Its Longevity
While my primary experience with Dying Light 2 has been on PlayStation 5, I’ve also played it on Xbox and PC. Across all platforms, the experience remains engaging, though PlayStation remains my preferred way to play. Even after hundreds of hours, I still find myself jumping back into the world for seasonal events, community challenges, or simply to relive the thrill of Villedor’s open world.
Seasonal Events: A Reason to Keep Coming Back
One of my favorite things about Dying Light 2 is the seasonal events, especially the winter and holiday updates. The Christmas event, where the entire city is blanketed in snow, is a highlight that I look forward to every year. The way Techland embraces seasonal updates adds a level of replayability that keeps me coming back long after I’ve finished multiple playthroughs.
The Future of the Franchise: What’s Next?
Perhaps the most exciting thing about Dying Light 2 is that it’s just one chapter in what seems to be a long and promising future for the franchise. During the Dying Light 10th Anniversary celebration, the series’ director confirmed that Techland is hard at work on what comes next. Whether that’s Dying Light 3 or something else entirely, I’m excited to see where they take the series.
Of course, the only downside to waiting for a sequel is the simple reality of time. By the time Dying Light 3 comes out, I’ll be older, in a different place in life, and who knows what gaming will look like then? But that’s part of the beauty of anticipation; the journey to a new game is just as important as the game itself.
Final Thoughts: A Modern Classic in My Eyes
At the end of the day, Dying Light 2 isn’t just a game to me, it’s an experience that’s become a part of my life. It helped me cope with personal loss, gave me hundreds of hours of enjoyment, and remains one of my most-played games of this generation.
While it’s not a perfect game, and it certainly has its flaws, Dying Light 2 is an all-timer in my book. I know the future is bright for the franchise, and I can’t wait to step into the world of Dying Light: The Beast later this year and, hopefully, Dying Light 3 in the years to come.
Until then, I’ll keep running, leaping, and fighting my way through Villedor because some games aren’t just games. They’re home.
