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Dead Island 2 vs Borderlands 2
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info General Information | |
Release Date | |
Apr 21, 2023 | Sep 18, 2012 |
Developer | |
Dambuster Studios | Gearbox Software |
Publisher | |
Deep Silver | 2K Games |
Genre(s) | |
Action RPG, Survival Horror, First-Person Melee Combat, Zombie | Action RPG, First-Person Shooter, Looter-Shooter, Co-op |
Engine | |
Unreal Engine 4 | Unreal Engine 3 |
stars Ratings & Price | |
Content Rating | |
Mature 17+ | M (Mature 17+) |
Avg. User Rating | |
4.0 / 5.0 | 4.8 / 5.0 |
Current Price (USD) | |
$59.99 | $19.99 |
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tune Key Specs | |
Quick Highlights | |
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sports_esports Gameplay & Mechanics | |
Companions/Followers | |
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Key Collectibles | |
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Key Themes | |
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colorize Combat & Gear | |
Weapons Overview | |
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Armor / Gear Sets | |
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Outfits/Customization | |
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trending_up Progression & Upgrades | |
Skills & Progression | |
N/A | Each of the four (later six) playable Vault Hunters has three unique skill trees that cater to different playstyles. Players earn skill points by leveling up to unlock powerful new abilities, including a signature 'Action Skill'. After completing the main story, players unlock 'Badass Rank,' a persistent, account-wide progression system that allows for small, incremental stat boosts. |
public World & Exploration | |
World & Level Design | |
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. |
The game features a large, semi-open world divided into multiple distinct zones. Players explore diverse biomes on Pandora, including the arctic tundra of the Southern Shelf, the acidic Caustic Caverns, the urban metropolis of Opportunity, and the desolate dust bowl known as The Dust. Travel between major regions is done via a Fast Travel network. |
Playable Vehicles | |
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book Story & Characters | |
Main Characters | |
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Example Missions | |
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people Multiplayer | |
Multiplayer Details | |
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. |
The entire game, including all campaign and DLC content, is designed for seamless drop-in/drop-out four-player online co-op. The game's difficulty and loot drops scale based on the number of players in the session. |
extension Editions & DLC | |
Available 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). |
The game was originally released with Standard and Deluxe editions. The most common version today is the 'Game of the Year Edition' or 'The Handsome Collection' (which also includes Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel), both of which bundle the base game with its major Season Pass DLCs. |
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. |
Borderlands 2 is famous for its extensive post-launch support. This includes four major campaign DLCs (Captain Scarlett and Her Pirate's Booty, Mr. Torgue's Campaign of Carnage, Sir Hammerlock's Big Game Hunt, and the acclaimed Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep), two additional playable Vault Hunter classes (Gaige the Mechromancer and Krieg the Psycho), and numerous smaller content packs and headhunter missions. |
help_outline FAQ | |
Frequently Asked Questions | |
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build Technical Details | |
Graphics & Visual Fidelity | |
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. |
Borderlands 2 solidified the series' iconic 'concept art' visual style, which uses cel-shading to create a vibrant, comic-book-like look. This unique art direction helps the game's graphics hold up well over time. An optional Ultra HD Texture Pack is available for PC players. |
Audio & Soundtrack | |
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. |
The game features a memorable soundtrack that blends industrial, electronic, and western-style music. The voice acting is a major highlight, particularly the performance of Dameon Clarke as the charismatic and psychopathic villain, Handsome Jack. |
User Interface (UI/UX) | |
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. |
Features a classic FPS UI with a health and shield bar, a mini-map, an ammo count, and an experience bar. The inventory and skill tree menus are stylized with the game's signature grunge, cel-shaded aesthetic. |
Accessibility Options | |
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. |
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video_library Media Links | |
Gameplay Video | |
launchWatch | launchWatch |
Walkthrough/Guide | |
launchView | launchView |
settings_applications System Requirements | |
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (Targets 1080p, Low settings, ~30-60 FPS) (Low Preset, 1080p resolution. This tier aims for a basic playable framerate.) CPU: Official minimum desktop CPU requirement. This is a very low-end requirement by modern standards. CPU (Laptop): Any modern entry-level laptop CPU will easily meet this requirement. GPU: Official minimum desktop GPUs. These cards are extremely old, making the game highly accessible. GPU (Laptop): Any modern entry-level laptop GPU, including integrated graphics on recent CPUs, will easily meet this requirement. RAM: 2GB RAM is the official minimum requirement. Storage: An HDD is sufficient for the minimum spec. | |
— | memoryCPU: 2.4 GHz Dual Core Processor developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT or ATI Radeon HD 2600 laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i3-7100U / AMD Ryzen 3 2200U or better. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce MX250, RTX 3050 Laptop (4GB), RTX 4050 Laptop (6GB). (Future-proof: RTX 5050 Laptop) layersRAM: 2 GB saveStorage (Tier): 20 GB HDD |
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset) (High Preset) CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for 1080p/60FPS High settings. CPU (Laptop): Estimated mid-range to high-end laptop CPUs. GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p/60FPS High. GPU (Laptop): Estimated performance-focused laptop GPUs. 8GB VRAM crucial. RAM: 16GB RAM strongly recommended. Storage: SSD strongly recommended. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i9-9900K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super (8GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT (8GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-10870H / AMD Ryzen 7 4800H or better laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile (8GB) / RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP). **An RTX 3070 Mobile or RTX 4060 Mobile (High TGP) is a good target for 1080p High 60FPS.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 70 GB SSD | — |
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset) (Low Preset) CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for lower settings. CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Stronger quad-core or hex-core recommended. GPU: Minimum desktop GPU for lower settings. GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. 6GB VRAM recommended even for minimum. RAM: Minimum RAM requirement (higher than typical for minimum). Storage: HDD absolute minimum, SSD highly recommended. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-7700HQ or AMD FX-9590 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-7700HQ / AMD Ryzen 5 2600H equivalent or better laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Mobile (6GB) / GTX 1650 Ti Mobile (4GB). **An RTX 3050 Mobile would be a much better starting point for a smoother experience.** layersRAM: 10 GB saveStorage (Tier): 70 GB HDD (SSD Strongly Recommended) | — |
1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (Targets 1080p, High settings, ~60+ FPS) (High Preset, 1080p resolution, aiming for a consistent 60 FPS or higher.) CPU: Official recommended desktop CPU for a solid 60 FPS experience. CPU (Laptop): A modest mobile CPU is more than enough to maintain a stable framerate. GPU: Official recommended desktop GPUs for a high-quality 1080p experience. GPU (Laptop): Entry-level gaming laptop GPUs will comfortably run the game at max settings and high framerates. RAM: 2GB RAM is the official recommended amount, though 8GB is advised for modern operating systems. Storage: An HDD is sufficient for this tier, but an SSD is recommended for faster loading. | |
— | memoryCPU: 2.3 GHz Quad Core Processor developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 (1GB) or ATI Radeon HD 5850 (1GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-8250U / AMD Ryzen 5 2500U or better. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Mobile (2GB), RTX 3050 Laptop (4GB), RTX 4050 Laptop (6GB). (Future-proof: RTX 5050 Laptop) layersRAM: 2 GB saveStorage (Tier): 20 GB HDD |
1440p (QHD/2K) - High Performance (Estimated 1440p ~60 FPS, Ultra Preset, Upscaling potentially needed) (Ultra Preset (FSR Quality/Balanced may be needed)) CPU: CPU for 1440p/60FPS Ultra. CPU (Laptop): High-end laptop CPU. GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p/60FPS Ultra. Upscaling may be beneficial. GPU (Laptop): High-end laptop GPUs. 10GB+ VRAM highly recommended. RAM: 16GB RAM essential, 32GB beneficial for smoother experience. Storage: NVMe SSD required. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (8GB) / RTX 4070 (12GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6800 (16GB) / RX 7700 XT (12GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-12700H / AMD Ryzen 7 6800H or better laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Mobile (10GB/16GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 4080 Mobile would be better for consistent 1440p Ultra performance.** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 70 GB NVMe SSD | — |
1440p (QHD/2K) - High (Targets 1440p, High settings, ~60+ FPS) (High Preset, 1440p resolution, aiming for a high and stable framerate.) CPU: A modern entry-level CPU is more than enough to prevent bottlenecks at 1440p. CPU (Laptop): Any modern gaming laptop CPU will handle 1440p with ease. GPU: Desktop GPUs capable of a strong 1440p/60FPS experience. A modern card like the RTX 3050 would be overkill. GPU (Laptop): An entry-level RTX laptop GPU is excellent for 1440p. A future RTX 5050 Laptop would offer an extremely smooth experience. RAM: 8GB RAM is sufficient, but 16GB is recommended for smooth 1440p gaming with modern operating systems. Storage: An SSD is recommended for the best loading times at 1440p. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i3-10100 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon RX 580 (8GB). (Future-proof: RTX 3050) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i5-10300H / AMD Ryzen 5 4600H or newer. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile (6GB), RTX 3050 Ti Laptop (4GB), RTX 4050 Laptop (6GB). (Future-proof: RTX 5050 Laptop) layersRAM: 8 GB saveStorage (Tier): 20 GB SSD |
2160p (UHD/4K) - Ultimate (Estimated 2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Ultra Preset, Aggressive Upscaling Required) (Ultra Preset, Upscaling (FSR Performance/Ultra Performance)) CPU: Flagship CPU for attempting 4K/60FPS Ultimate. CPU (Laptop): Absolute top-tier laptop CPUs. GPU: Flagship desktop GPU for 4K Ultimate, heavily reliant on upscaling. GPU (Laptop): The absolute best laptop GPUs, will be pushed to its limits for 4K Ultra. Upscaling mandatory. RAM: 32GB RAM highly recommended for 4K Ultimate. Storage: NVMe SSD required. | |
memoryCPU: Intel Core i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X/7900X developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 (24GB) / RTX 4080 (16GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT (16GB) / RX 7900 XTX (24GB) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i9-13900HX / AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX or better laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile (16GB, Max TGP). **Even this will require aggressive FSR settings for playable 4K Ultra at ~60FPS. A hypothetical next-gen flagship (e.g., RTX 5090 Mobile or AMD equivalent) would be needed for a more robust native-like experience. (Highly Speculative)** layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 70 GB NVMe SSD | — |
2160p (UHD/4K) - 4K Ultra Settings (Targets 2160p/4K, High settings, ~60+ FPS) (High Preset, 2160p (4K) resolution, aiming for 60 FPS or higher.) CPU: A solid mid-range CPU is recommended to support 4K gaming and minimize any potential stutters. CPU (Laptop): Mid-range laptop CPUs are more than sufficient to pair with capable GPUs for a smooth 4K experience. GPU: Mid-range GPUs are recommended for a stable 4K/60FPS experience. A future RTX 5060 would likely handle this with ease. GPU (Laptop): Mid-range and high-end laptop GPUs are recommended for a playable 4K experience. A future RTX 5060 Ti Laptop would be a prime target for high-refresh-rate 4K mobile gaming. RAM: 16GB RAM is sufficient for 4K in this title. Storage: A fast NVMe SSD is highly recommended for the best 4K gaming experience. | |
— | memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-10400F or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (12GB) or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT (8GB). (Future-proof: RTX 4060 / RTX 5060) laptop_macCPU (L): Intel Core i7-10750H / AMD Ryzen 7 4800H or newer. laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop (6GB), RTX 4060 Laptop (8GB), RTX 4070 Laptop (8GB). (Future-proof: RTX 5060 Ti Laptop) layersRAM: 16 GB saveStorage (Tier): 20 GB NVMe SSD |
save Overall Storage | |
Spec: 70 GB available space (SSD Recommended). Note: An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading times and smoother texture streaming. Type: SSD | Spec: 20 GB available space Note: The game requires 20 GB of storage space. An SSD is recommended for faster loading times, but not required. Type: Unknown |
desktop_windows Operating System | |
Spec: Windows 10 (64-bit) Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is required. | Spec: Windows XP SP3 / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 / 11 Explanation: The game is compatible with a very wide range of Windows operating systems, starting from Windows XP SP3. A 64-bit OS is recommended. |
gamepad DirectX Version | |
Spec: DirectX 12 Explanation: DirectX 12 API is required. | Spec: DirectX 9.0c Explanation: The official requirement is DirectX 9.0c. The game runs on a modified version of Unreal Engine 3, which primarily utilizes this API. |
info_outline Other Game Notes | |
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build Optimization Details | |
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laptop Laptop Considerations | |
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info_outline Feature details based on available data. System requirements and performance estimates may vary.
laptop_chromebook Laptop Recommendations
Common Recommendations (Handles All Compared Games)
For Dead Island 2 Specifically
For Borderlands 2 Specifically
info_outline Laptop recommendations are estimates based on available component benchmarks and game requirements. Actual performance may vary depending on settings, drivers, cooling, power limits, etc. Prices and availability subject to change. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.