Dead Island 2

Everything You Need to Know About the Long-Awaited Sequel

Ule Lopez

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Nov 22, 2025 at 10:20am EST Updated

At a Glance

Developers:: Dambuster Studios
Publishers:: Deep Silver
Franchise:: Dead Island
Platforms:: PS4, PS5, PC, XONE, Xbox X/S
Genres:: Action RPG
Initial Release:: 21 April 2023

Game Rating

7.5/10

Dead Island 2 is a bloody, over the top first-person action-RPG set in a zombie infested Los Angeles. You play as one of six “Slayers” who are infected but immune, fighting through hordes of mutated undead across iconic LA neighborhoods. With brutal melee combat, a deep skill card system, and a pulp horror tone, the game combines dark humor and high-stakes survival.

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Review summary

For being a game that has been in development hell for over ten years, Dead Island 2 turned out alright, thanks to the wacky atmosphere and characters, fun combat, and acceptable quest quality. All of these features, however, become progressively worse as the campaign proceeds, making the game nothing more than an acceptable experience that may not be worthy of its full price tag for those looking for something a bit more involving.

Developers

Dambuster Studios

Publishers

Deep Silver

Franchise

Dead Island

Platforms

PS4, PS5, PC, XONE, Xbox X/S

Genres

Action RPG

Overview
News
Guides
Interviews

Zombie games were the craze back in the early 2010s, and due to this phenomenon sprung by games like Dead Rising, we saw the release of a game called Dead Island. Developed by Techland, this game saw some critical acclaim. A sequel was announced, but unfortunately, it also spent a lot of time in development hell. But now, thanks to Dambuster Studios, players will have a chance to experience the long-awaited sequel, Dead Island 2.

After numerous delays and cancellations several at development studios, Dead Island 2 is finally going to become available after being in limbo for over 9 years. This game has been through a lot, especially when you consider the number of game development studios that have tried to bring it to life: Yager (Spec Ops: The Line) from 2012 to 2015, Sumo Digital (Crackdown 3) from 2015 until being removed, and now Dambuster (Homefront: The Revolution) from 2019 to the present.

Release Date, Pricing, Platforms

Dead Island 2 will be available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on April 21, 2023. The game will have several different editions available to players at launch. In fact, in a shocking move, there's a grand total of six different game editions with multiple goodies. These editions cover a broad set of prices, so below, you'll find what comes in each version.

DIGITAL EDITIONS

Standard - $70

Base Game
Pre-Order Bonus: Memories of Banoi Pack

Deluxe - $100

Base Game
Pre-Order Bonus: Memories of Banoi Pack
Bonus Content: Golden Weapons Pack
Bonus Content: Character Pack 1 & 2

Gold - $120

Base Game
Pre-Order Bonus: Memories of Banoi Pack
Bonus Content: Pulp Weapons Pack
Bonus Content: Golden Weapons Pack
Bonus Content: Character Pack 1 & 2
Expansion Pass

PHYSICAL EDITIONS

Day One Edition - $70

Base Game
Pre-Order Bonus: Memories of Banoi Pack

Pulp Edition - GameStop Exclusive ($70)

Base Game
Pre-Order Bonus: Memories of Banoi Pack
Bonus Content: Pulp Weapons Pack

Hell-A-Edition - $100

Base Game
Pre-Order Bonus: Memories of Banoi Pack
Bonus Content: Pulp Weapons Pack
Bonus Content: Golden Weapons Pack
Bonus Content: Character Pack 1 & 2
Expansion Pass
Steelbook + physical items

The physical items included with the Hell-A Edition of the game include a Venice Beach travel map, six slayer Tarot Cards, two pin badges, one patch, and the products mentioned above. In a unique move, Deep Silver is also offering a resin statue of the type that would usually be part of an ultra-expensive collector’s edition. Instead, they’re simply selling it on its own via their store for 120 euros.

Remember that Dead Island 2 will be exclusive to the Epic Games Store. Originally, the game was set to release on April 28, 2023. However, a recent announcement by the Dead Island Twitter account confirmed that the game has gone gold and that the new release date would be a week earlier: April 21, 2023.

Gameplay Details and Story

In Dead Island 2, a deadly virus spreads across the entirety of Los Angeles, turning its inhabitants into zombies. You are a survivor who has been infected during the pandemic. However, you are more than just immune to the virus as you also are capable of harnessing the tainted powers running through your veins.

The game takes players across the most iconic locations in Los Angeles. In the game, you have to fight off against the zombie horde while enjoying the procedural dismemberment tech known as FLESH. Technical Art Director Dan Evans-Lawes talked about Dead Island 2's FLESH system in an interview, stating that the game will let you see realistic damage as you swing your weapons around and slice or crush zombies with a wide variety of weapons.

The game will offer six characters that you can choose from, each with their own unique personality and dialogue. The player character's abilities can also be customized with the aid of the game's skill system, which allows players to re-spec instantly to try out new ability combinations and skills. Additionally, zombies in Dead Island 2 will also come with their distinct mutations, attacks, and hundreds of LA-themed variants.

Dead Island 2 also offers a co-op adventure experience for those players who want to experience the zombie madness with a bunch of friends. Up to three players will be able to experience the game's exciting quests with a thrilling pulp story to boot.

Trailers

World Premiere Trailer @ The Game Awards

Gamescom 2022 Gameplay Trailer

Welcome to HELL-A Gameplay Trailer

Alexa Game Control Trailer

Dead Island 2's FLESH System Explained