Where to Buy Dead Island 2
Dead Island 2 Gameplay Video
Dead Island 2 Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4 |
| Genre | Action RPG, Survival Horror, First-Person Melee Combat, Zombie |
| Initial Release | 2023-04-21 |
| Developer | Dambuster Studios |
| Publisher | Deep Silver |
| Setting | Los Angeles ('HELL-A'), California, Post-Zombie Apocalypse |
| Perspective | First-Person |
| Platforms | PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S |
| Multiplayer | Cooperative (Up to 3 players online) |
| Unique Feature | FLESH Dismemberment System, Six Unique Playable Slayers, Skill Card System, LA Setting, Darkly Humorous Tone. |
Dead Island 2 System Requirements
1080p_30FPS_Low
tune Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset) – Low Preset
1080p_60FPS_High
tune Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset
1440p_60FPS_Ultra
tune High Performance (Estimated 1440p ~60 FPS, Ultra Preset, Upscaling potentially needed) – Ultra Preset (FSR Quality/Balanced may be needed)
4K_60FPS_Ultra
tune Ultimate (Estimated 2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Ultra Preset, Aggressive Upscaling Required) – Ultra Preset, Upscaling (FSR Performance/Ultra Performance)
Dead Island 2 Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i7-12700H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i9-13900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i9-12900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i5-12450H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i5-12500H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core i7-13620H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 (64-bit)
64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is required.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
DirectX 12 API is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 70 GB available space (SSD Recommended).
An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading times and smoother texture streaming.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports AMD FSR 2. DLSS support may vary or require specific game versions/patches/mods.
Key Settings: Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, View Distance, Effects Quality, Foliage Detail, Anti-Aliasing, and Post Processing Quality heavily impact performance. The FLESH dismemberment system is also a performance factor.
Dead Island 2: Map Size and Regions
Dead Island 2 features a semi-open world structure, divided into several distinct, large districts of Los Angeles rather than one single seamless map. These districts unlock progressively and are connected by loading screens. Iconic locations include Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, The Halperin Hotel, Monarch Studios, Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Avenue, and Hollywood Boulevard. Each district is densely packed with detail, interiors to explore, and environmental storytelling.
Dead Island 2: Post-Launch Content / DLC
An Expansion Pass is available, promising two major post-launch story expansions: 'Haus' (released October 2023, set in a Malibu techno-death cult billionaire's villa) and 'SoLA' (released April 2024, set during a Californian music festival). Various cosmetic packs and weapon packs have also been released.
Dead Island 2: Game Editions
Available in Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition (Golden Weapons Pack, Character Pack 1 & 2 - unique costumes/weapons), Gold Edition (Deluxe content + Expansion Pass for two major post-launch story expansions), and HELL-A Edition (physical collector's edition with Gold Edition content, SteelBook, Venice Beach travel map, character pins, patches, weapon pack).
Dead Island 2: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Dead Island 2 supports co-op multiplayer for up to 3 players. As of its launch and early updates, it does not feature cross-platform play between different console families (PlayStation, Xbox) or PC. Cross-generation play within the same console family (e.g., PS4 with PS5) is supported.
Dead Island 2 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
Features a drop-in/drop-out online cooperative mode for up to 3 players. Players can team up to play through the main story campaign and side quests together. Loot and progression are handled on an individual basis for most items, while quest progression is tied to the host. There are no competitive multiplayer modes.
- labelUser Interface
First-person HUD displaying health, stamina, Fury mode meter, equipped weapon/curveball, and objective markers. A compass aids navigation. Inventory, skill cards, crafting, and quest logs are accessed via menus. Weapon wheel for quick selection. Health and status effects are also indicated by screen effects.
- labelSound and Music
Features a dynamic soundtrack that blends intense action cues with atmospheric horror themes, often with a pulpy, B-movie vibe. Licensed tracks sometimes feature. Sound design emphasizes visceral gore effects (FLESH system), distinct zombie vocalizations, impactful weapon sounds, and the ambient sounds of a ruined Los Angeles.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Developed on Unreal Engine 4, Dead Island 2 showcases a vibrant and gore-filled depiction of Los Angeles. It features detailed environments, realistic character models, and the proprietary 'FLESH' system, which allows for highly detailed and procedural dismemberment of zombies. The game balances sunny California aesthetics with gruesome horror elements.
- labelAccessibility Features
Offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (PC), subtitle and caption customization (size, background, speaker names), options for aim assist, options to change QTEs to holds, colorblind modes, options to reduce camera motion/head bob, and various audio/visual cues.
- labelStory and Setting
Set approximately 10 years after the events of Dead Island and Dead Island: Riptide. A new, more virulent zombie outbreak has occurred in Los Angeles, leading to a full military quarantine of the city, now mockingly referred to as 'HELL-A'. The player chooses one of six Slayers – Amy, Bruno, Carla, Dani, Jacob, or Ryan – who crash-lands in LA while trying to evacuate. They discover they are immune to the virus and possess unique 'Autophage' abilities that tap into their infected nature. Their goal is to escape HELL-A while also searching for a potential cure and contending with other uninfected survivors, some helpful, some hostile.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Skill Cards, Slayer Abilities, Weapon Crafting)
Character progression is primarily through a Skill Card system. Players find or earn Skill Cards that grant new abilities or passive bonuses, categorized into Abilities, Survivor, Slayer, and Numen. A limited number of cards can be equipped at once, allowing for build customization. Each of the six playable Slayers has two unique Innate Skills and can unlock further unique Slayer-specific skills. Weapons are found throughout the world and can be extensively modified at workbenches using Blueprints and scavenged resources to add elemental damage (fire, shock, caustic), status effects, or stat boosts. Weapons also have durability and can be repaired.
- labelTop 5 Weapons (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Machetes / Katanas (with elemental mods): Fast, high damage slashing weapons, very effective with fire or shock mods. 2. Sledgehammers / Heavy Wrenches (with impact mods): Excellent for crowd control, breaking limbs, and dealing heavy blunt damage. 3. Brass Knuckles / Claws: Fast attacking melee for up-close encounters, good for applying status effects rapidly. 4. Sporting Rifle / Nail Gun (Firearms): While ammo is limited, these ranged options are useful for specific enemy types or thinning hordes. 5. Curveballs (e.g., Meat Bait, Pipe Bomb, Molotov): Essential throwable utility items for distraction, AoE damage, or applying elemental effects.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. FLESH System (Procedural Dismemberment): A highly detailed gore system allowing for realistic and varied dismemberment of zombies based on where and how they are hit. 2. Skill Card System: Flexible character progression allowing players to equip a variety of active and passive skills to tailor their Slayer's abilities to their playstyle. 3. Elemental Damage & Environmental Hazards: Utilizing fire, shock, and caustic elemental effects on weapons and exploiting environmental hazards (e.g., water + electricity, oil + fire) is crucial for effective combat.
Dead Island 2 Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline Is Dead Island 2 a direct sequel to the previous Dead Island games?Yes, Dead Island 2 is set in the same universe, approximately 10 years after the events of Dead Island and Dead Island: Riptide. It features a new outbreak in a new location (Los Angeles) and new playable characters, but a few characters from the original games, like Sam B, make a return.
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help_outline How many playable characters are there, and are they different?There are six playable Slayers: Amy, Bruno, Carla, Dani, Jacob, and Ryan. Each Slayer has two unique innate skills from the start, influencing their preferred playstyle (e.g., agility, heavy attacks, defense, critical hits). They also have unique voice lines and personalities, but the main story progression is the same for all.
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help_outline What is the FLESH system?FLESH (Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids) is Dead Island 2's proprietary procedural dismemberment technology. It allows for incredibly detailed and realistic gore, where zombies can be dismembered layer by layer (skin, muscle, bone) depending on where and how they are hit with different weapons.
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help_outline Is Dead Island 2 an open-world game?Dead Island 2 features a semi-open world structure. Los Angeles is divided into several large, distinct districts (e.g., Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach) that players explore. These zones are self-contained and connected by loading screens, rather than one single seamless map.
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help_outline How does co-op multiplayer work?Players can team up with up to two other friends (for a total of 3 players) in online co-op to play through the entire main story and most side content. Players can choose any of the Slayers. Progress is generally tied to the host, but individual players retain their character progression and loot.
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help_outline Are there firearms in Dead Island 2?Yes, while melee combat is heavily emphasized, Dead Island 2 does feature a variety of firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns. However, ammunition is generally more limited than melee weapon durability, encouraging a mix of combat styles.