Perspective: First-Person (Third-Person Mode available in Winters' Expansion)
Multiplayer: Single-Player Campaign. The Mercenaries mode is single-player. (RE:Verse was a separate bundled multiplayer game).
Setting: Isolated Eastern European Village & Surrounding Areas (Castle, Factory, etc.)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version), macOS, iOS
Unique Feature: Four Distinct Lord Domains with Unique Horror Themes, Memorable Antagonists (Lady Dimitrescu), Inventory Management & Crafting, First-Person Immersive Horror, Winters' Expansion (Shadows of Rose, Third-Person Mode).
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Gameplay & Mechanics
Companions/Followers
Co-op Players (Online): Up to 3 other players can join the host's game in online co-op. They control their own Aiden characters with their respective progression. Teammates can revive each other, combine combat efforts, and assist in completing quests and exploring The City. Loot is generally instanced or shared fairly.
Human (Other Players' Aidens)
Story-Specific AI Companions (Temporary): During certain main story missions or side quests, key NPC characters will temporarily accompany Aiden, providing combat support and unique dialogue. They are AI-controlled and their presence is scripted for those specific mission segments. They are not persistent, commandable companions.
Human (Key NPCs like Lawan, Hakon)
None (Ethan Winters - Gameplay): For the vast majority of his playable sections, Ethan Winters fights alone. He does not have persistent AI companions that follow him or can be commanded in combat during his main story segments.
Hound Wolf Squad Members (Chris Redfield's Section - Temporary AI): During Chris Redfield's playable segment, he is accompanied by members of his Hound Wolf Squad (e.g., Canine, Lobo, Night Howl, Umber Eyes). They are AI-controlled and provide significant combat support with military-grade weaponry and tactics during these specific missions.
Human (BSAA Elite Soldiers)
Mia Winters & Rosemary Winters (Narrative Context): While central to Ethan's motivations, Mia and Rosemary do not act as gameplay companions for Ethan. Rosemary is an infant, and Mia's active role is primarily at the beginning and end of the game.
Human
Michael (Shadows of Rose DLC - Temporary Guide/Entity): In the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC, Rose is guided by a mysterious entity calling itself 'Michael,' which communicates through text appearing on surfaces. It provides hints and narrative direction but is not a physical companion.
Mysterious Entity (Megamycete Construct)
Key Collectibles
Inhibitors (GRE Crates): Found in GRE Quarantine Buildings, Military Convoys, Airdrops, and other high-risk locations. Essential for upgrading Aiden's maximum Health and Stamina, which in turn unlocks access to higher-tier Combat and Parkour skills.
Mementos (Notes, Recordings, Dog Tags, Newspapers, etc.): Lore items scattered throughout Villedor that provide backstory about the world, The Fall, key characters, and the daily struggles of survivors. Found in buildings, safe zones, and quest locations.
Graffiti Tags (Street Art): Collectible pieces of street art created by various artists in The City. Often found in hard-to-reach parkour locations, requiring skilled traversal to find and collect.
Tapes (Music & Story): Audio tapes that can be played on Aiden's cassette player. Some are music tracks, while others contain story segments, interviews, or personal logs providing more lore.
Blueprints: Recipes for crafting weapon mods, consumables (medkits, boosters), throwables, and arrows/bolts. Found in the world, as quest rewards, or purchased from Craftmasters.
Files (Notes, Diaries, Documents, Reports): Numerous readable documents found throughout all areas. They provide rich backstory on the village's history, the Four Lords, Mother Miranda's experiments, the BSAA's involvement, Ethan and Mia's past, and general lore about the Resident Evil universe. Essential for understanding the full narrative.
Goats of Warding: 20 small, wooden goat effigies hidden in various locations across the village and its surrounding areas. They make a distinct clicking sound when nearby. Destroying all of them unlocks an achievement/trophy and Challenge Points for the Extra Content Shop.
Treasures (Crystal Fragments, Wooden Animals, Combineable Treasures, etc.): Valuable items that can be found hidden in the environment, dropped by certain enemies, or in locked areas. These can be sold to The Duke for Lei (in-game currency). Some treasures consist of multiple parts that can be combined to create a more valuable item (e.g., Dimitrescu's Necklace, Moreau's Hidden Weapon).
Weapon Parts (Attachments): Found in specific locations, often in locked cases or hidden areas, or purchased from The Duke. These attachments (e.g., scopes, stocks, extended magazines, compensators) can be equipped to weapons at The Duke's Emporium to improve their stats or functionality.
Cooked Meals Ingredients (Fish, Poultry, Meat - Quality Tiers): Animals like fish, chickens, pigs, and goats can be hunted in the village and surrounding areas. They drop different qualities of meat. These ingredients are given to The Duke to cook special meals that provide permanent upgrades to Ethan's maximum health, blocking defense, or movement speed.
Outhouse Puzzles (Hidden Items): Many outhouses in the village have a small item hidden inside, often requiring a lockpick or a specific angle to see and shoot down. These usually contain ammo or minor resources.
Labyrinth Puzzles & Balls: Each of the Four Lords' main areas (and the village) contains a Labyrinth Puzzle model. Ethan must find a corresponding metal ball (e.g., Crimson Skull, Black Goat) and guide it through the miniature labyrinth to obtain a valuable Crystal Treasure.
The primary combat tools. Weapons have rarity tiers (Common to Artifact), durability, and can be enhanced with craftable mods (e.g., adding elemental damage like fire/shock, increasing impact, critical chance, or durability). Different weapon types have varying attack speeds, damage, and special properties (e.g., blunt weapons good against armor, slashing against unarmored).
Bows & Crossbows: Ranged (Silent, Precision)
Silent ranged weapons ideal for stealth and taking out enemies from a distance. Various arrow/bolt types can be crafted (standard, fire, shock, explosive, poison, UV). The PK Crossbow is a powerful late-game reward.
Boosters provide temporary enhancements to combat, parkour, health regeneration, or resistances. Medkits are essential for healing. Craftable using herbs and other resources.
UV Flashlight: Defensive Tool
An essential tool, especially at night. Its UV light weakens and repels Volatiles and other light-sensitive infected, creating temporary safe opportunities. Can be upgraded for intensity and duration.
Firearms (Limited): Ranged (Ballistic - Rare)
While the game is primarily melee-focused due to ammo scarcity in The City, some limited firearms like makeshift pistols or shotguns (e.g., 'Boomstick') can be found or crafted, but ammo is extremely rare and they are generally less sustainable than melee or bows.
Standard sidearms for general combat. Range from basic pistols to powerful magnums. Upgradable for damage, fire rate, capacity, etc. Some have unique properties or attachments.
Effective at close range, dealing high damage to unarmored or multiple enemies. Includes pump-action, tactical, and semi-automatic variants. Upgradable.
The FZ F2 is a bolt-action sniper rifle for long-range precision. During Chris Redfield's section, assault rifles like the Dragoon are used. Upgradable with scopes, stocks, etc.
Fires explosive rounds for area damage or flashbang rounds to stun enemies. Limited ammunition.
Knife: Melee (Utility/Last Resort)
Ethan's standard melee weapon. Used for breaking crates, finishing downed enemies, or as a last resort in combat. Not very effective against most enemies on its own.
Mines & Pipe Bombs: Craftable Explosives
Craftable throwable or deployable explosives. Pipe bombs are basic grenades, while mines can be set as traps.
Special/Story Weapons (e.g., specific weapons during boss fights or unique sections): Contextual / Unique
Certain sections or boss encounters may provide Ethan (or other playable characters like Chris) with unique or powerful weapons temporarily.
Chris Redfield's Arsenal (Target Locator, WCX Assault Rifle, Karambit Knife - Playable Section): Military Grade Weaponry
During Chris's playable segment, he has access to more advanced military weaponry, including an assault rifle with various attachments and a target locator for airstrikes.
Rose Winters' Powers (Shadows of Rose DLC - Not traditional weapons): Bio-Organic Abilities
In the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC, Rose uses powers derived from the Mold to destroy Mold Cores, stun enemies, and clear obstacles, rather than conventional firearms for most of the DLC.
Armor / Gear Sets
Gear Pieces (Head, Chest, Gloves, Bracers, Pants, Shoes): Players equip six pieces of gear, each belonging to a specific class (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger) that provides bonuses tailored to that playstyle (e.g., Tank gear offers more damage resistance, Brawler gear more melee damage). Gear has rarity tiers (Common to Artifact) and provides stats like armor, damage resistance, and specific perks (e.g., +% damage at night, reduced stamina cost for parkour). Gear can be found, bought, or earned as quest rewards.
Cosmetic Outfits (Transmog): A transmogrification system allows players to change the appearance of their equipped gear to look like any other gear piece they have collected, without altering its stats. Many full cosmetic outfits are also available through events, DLC, or store purchases.
No Equipable Armor System (Ethan Winters): Ethan Winters does not have an equipable armor system where players can find or upgrade different pieces of armor for direct stat boosts. His survivability is based on his base health (which can be permanently increased by eating specific cooked meals from The Duke's Kitchen), player skill in combat (blocking, dodging), and the use of healing items (First Aid Meds). Clothing changes are story-dictated and purely cosmetic.
Defensive Upgrades (The Duke's Kitchen): By providing The Duke with specific quantities of Fish, Poultry, and Meat obtained from hunting animals in the village, Ethan can have meals cooked that provide permanent upgrades to his maximum health, blocking defense, or movement speed. This is the primary way to increase his resilience.
Blocking Mechanic: Ethan can block incoming attacks with his arms or equipped weapon, significantly reducing damage taken. A well-timed block can sometimes stagger enemies. This is a core defensive skill.
Outfits/Customization
Gear Sets (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger): Players equip six pieces of gear (Head, Torso, Gloves, Wrists, Legs, Feet). Each piece belongs to a class (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger) providing specific gameplay bonuses (e.g., damage reduction, melee damage, healing effectiveness, ranged damage). Gear has visual variety based on its class, rarity, and faction origin (PK, Survivor, Renegade aesthetic). A transmog system allows players to change equipped gear's appearance to any owned style.
Cosmetic Outfits & Skins: Full cosmetic outfits that change Aiden's entire appearance without affecting stats are available through game progression, events, DLC, or store purchases (e.g., Nightrunner outfit, Peacekeeper outfit, various themed bundles).
Weapon Charms: Small cosmetic charms that can be attached to melee weapons for personalization.
Ethan Winters' Attire: Ethan wears a consistent outfit throughout the main game (winter jacket, pants, etc.), which becomes progressively more tattered and bloodied as he endures hardships. There are no direct clothing customization options for Ethan in the story mode beyond these contextual changes. The Third-Person Mode added in the Winters' Expansion shows his full character model.
Chris Redfield's Attire: During his playable segment, Chris wears his signature Hound Wolf Squad tactical gear. This is fixed for his section.
Rose Winters' Attire (Shadows of Rose DLC): In the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC, teenage Rose wears a distinct outfit. Her appearance is fixed for her storyline.
Character Costumes (The Mercenaries Additional Orders / Unlockables): The Mercenaries mode and potentially other unlockable content (like through completing challenges or as part of Deluxe/Gold editions) may offer alternate cosmetic costumes for playable characters in those specific modes (e.g., different outfits for Chris, Lady Dimitrescu, Heisenberg in Mercenaries).
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Progression & Upgrades
Skills & Progression
Aiden has two main skill trees: Combat (unlocking new melee moves, weapon proficiency, and toughness) and Parkour (unlocking advanced traversal abilities like wall runs, slides, and improved jumps). Skill points are earned by performing combat actions and parkour maneuvers respectively. Inhibitors, found in GRE containers, are used to upgrade Health and Stamina, which also gate access to higher-tier skills. Crafting allows Aiden to create weapon mods, consumables (medkits, boosters), and throwable items using scavenged resources. Blueprints for crafting are found or earned.
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World & Exploration
World & Level Design
The City of Villedor is significantly larger than Harran from the first game, divided into two main districts: Old Villedor (a more classic European-style area with smaller buildings, easier for early parkour) and the Central Loop (a modern downtown area with skyscrapers, requiring advanced parkour tools like the grappling hook and paraglider). There are also surrounding areas, GRE Quarantines, and Dark Hollows. The map is dense with verticality, encouraging rooftop traversal.
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Playable Vehicles
Paraglider: Personal Traversal Gear (Aerial)
An essential tool unlocked progression, allowing Aiden to glide from high places, cover large distances quickly, and navigate the verticality of the Central Loop. Can be upgraded for better maneuverability and features like a UV light attachment.
Grappling Hook: Personal Traversal Gear (Utility)
A versatile tool used to swing across gaps, pull Aiden towards anchor points, and aid in climbing. It functions more like a physics-based swing rather than a point-and-zip line in some games. Upgradable for range and functionality.
Traversal on Foot (Parkour): Player Locomotion
The primary mode of movement. Dying Light 2 features an advanced and fluid parkour system, allowing Aiden to run, jump, climb, slide, wall-run, and use various environmental elements to navigate The City's rooftops and streets with agility.
Tractor (Briefly, Cutscene/Scripted): Agricultural Land Vehicle
Ethan briefly uses a tractor during an escape sequence early in the game, but it is a scripted event rather than a freely controllable vehicle.
Boat (Moreau's Reservoir): Small Motorboat / Watercraft
Used by Ethan to navigate the flooded areas of Moreau's Reservoir while being pursued by the transformed Salvatore Moreau. Control is primarily for navigation and evasion during this specific segment.
Makeshift Tank / Vehicle (Heisenberg's Factory - Boss Fight): Improvised Combat Vehicle
During the boss fight against Karl Heisenberg, Ethan pilots a makeshift, heavily armed vehicle created by Chris Redfield to counter Heisenberg's metallic form. Control is specific to this boss encounter.
Traversal on Foot (Walking, Running, Sprinting, Crouching): Player Locomotion
Primary mode of movement. Ethan can walk, run (limited by stamina that isn't explicitly shown but implied by breathlessness), sprint for short bursts, and crouch for stealth or navigating low passages.
Hostile, Howlers alert other infected to Aiden's presence.
Rats & Crows: Rodentia / Corvidae
Ambient wildlife, can sometimes indicate nearby loot or danger, generally non-hostile but can be startled.
Deer (Mentioned/Implied in hunting for resources, but not live interactive animals typically): Cervidae
Primarily a source for crafting resources (leather, bones) through looting or specific contexts rather than live hunting encounters in the city.
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Story & Characters
Main Characters
Aiden Caldwell: Protagonist (Pilgrim)
An infected survivor with exceptional parkour and combat abilities. He travels to The City searching for his sister, Mia, from whom he was separated during GRE experiments as a child. Aiden is resourceful, determined, and his choices shape the fate of Villedor.
Lawan: Ally / Potential Romantic Interest
A strong, independent, and cynical survivor in The City, driven by a desire for revenge against Colonel Waltz. She becomes a crucial ally to Aiden and is skilled in combat and parkour. Voiced and motion-captured by Rosario Dawson.
Hakon: Ally / Nightrunner
An experienced Nightrunner who helps Aiden navigate The City early in his journey. He is knowledgeable about survival and the city's factions but has his own hidden agenda and complex allegiances.
Colonel Lucas Waltz: Main Antagonist (Former GRE Scientist / Renegade Leader)
A brilliant but ruthless scientist formerly with the GRE, now the leader of the Renegades. He is obsessed with finding a cure for his own condition and is connected to Aiden and Mia's past experiments. He possesses superhuman abilities due to self-experimentation.
Frank Marwey: Supporting Character / Former Nightrunner Leader
The former leader of the Nightrunners, now a disillusioned and alcoholic owner of the Fish Eye Canteen. He possesses valuable information and contacts within The City.
Major Jack Matt: Faction Leader (Peacekeepers)
The stern and militaristic commander of the Peacekeepers in the Central Loop. He seeks to impose order and security through strict control and military might.
Sophie: Faction Figure (Survivors - Old Villedor)
A key figure among the Survivors in the Bazaar in Old Villedor, trying to protect her community. Her brother, Barney, often causes trouble.
Carl: Faction Figure (Survivors - Central Loop)
One of the leaders of the Survivors faction operating from the PK Floating Fortress in the Central Loop, advocating for a more communal and less authoritarian approach.
Various other supporting characters: Quest Givers, Faction Members, Survivors
Numerous other characters populate The City, offering quests, information, and representing the diverse struggles of those living in the post-apocalypse.
Ethan Winters: Protagonist
The returning protagonist from Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. A civilian desperately searching for his kidnapped infant daughter, Rosemary, which leads him to a mysterious and hostile village in Eastern Europe. He endures immense physical and psychological trauma throughout his ordeal.
Mia Winters: Supporting Character / Ethan's Wife
Ethan's wife and Rosemary's mother. Her apparent death at the beginning of the game sets Ethan on his quest. Her past connections to The Connections and bioweapons are relevant.
Rosemary 'Rose' Winters: Key Character / Ethan's Daughter / Playable in 'Shadows of Rose' DLC
Ethan and Mia's infant daughter, who possesses unique abilities due to her parents' exposure to the Mold. She is kidnapped by Chris Redfield, and her rescue is Ethan's primary motivation. Playable as a teenager in the 'Shadows of Rose' DLC.
Chris Redfield: Supporting Character / Antagonist Figure (Initially) / BSAA Operative
A recurring hero from the Resident Evil series. He appears to act antagonistically at the start of Village, but his true motives and mission are gradually revealed. Leads the Hound Wolf Squad. Playable in a short segment of the main game and as a character in The Mercenaries.
The Duke: Ally / Merchant
An enigmatic and surprisingly jovial, obese merchant who appears in various locations throughout the village. He sells weapons, ammunition, crafting recipes, weapon upgrades, and cooks meals for Ethan that provide permanent stat boosts. Offers cryptic advice and assistance.
Mother Miranda: Main Antagonist / Village Cult Leader
The supreme leader of the village and the Four Lords. A powerful bioweapon researcher who seeks to use Rosemary to resurrect her own deceased daughter, Eva. She is the source of the Mold and the mutations in the region.
Lady Alcina Dimitrescu: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords
The towering, aristocratic mistress of Castle Dimitrescu. A vampiric figure with immense strength and retractable claws, she rules her domain with her three daughters. Became a viral sensation due to her height and design.
Karl Heisenberg: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords / Potential Rebel
A charismatic and rebellious lord with the power to manipulate metal (ferrokinesis). He operates a factory producing cybernetic soldiers (Soldats). He has his own agenda and offers Ethan a chance to join him against Miranda.
Donna Beneviento & Angie: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords
A reclusive doll maker who communicates through her sentient puppet, Angie. Her domain, House Beneviento, focuses on psychological horror, hallucinations, and puzzles rather than direct combat.
Salvatore Moreau: Antagonist / One of the Four Lords
A grotesque, fish-like mutant lord with low self-esteem, desperate for Miranda's approval. He controls a reservoir and can transform into a colossal aquatic monster.
Elena & Leonardo Lupu: Supporting Characters / Villagers
Survivors Ethan encounters in the village. Elena tries to help Ethan but faces tragic circumstances with her father, Leonardo.
The Hag (Old Crone): Supporting Character / Narrator Figure
An elderly, mysterious villager who appears at various points, offering cryptic warnings, lore, and seemingly observing Ethan's journey.
Example Missions
Main Story Quests (Aiden's Search for Mia)
A series of narrative-driven missions that follow Aiden Caldwell's journey to find his sister Mia, unravel his past with the GRE experiments, and navigate the faction conflicts within Villedor. These missions involve critical choices that shape the city and its inhabitants.
Side Quests (Citizen Requests & Stories)
Numerous optional quests given by various NPCs throughout The City. These offer diverse scenarios, from helping survivors with personal problems and investigating mysteries to undertaking dangerous tasks for factions or individuals. They provide XP, rewards, and further insight into the world.
Key missions where Aiden must secure and assign control of vital city infrastructure (Water Towers, Electrical Stations) to either the Peacekeepers or the Survivors. This choice permanently alters the zone, adding faction-specific parkour aids (e.g., PK traps, Survivor ziplines/airbags) and changing NPC presence.
GRE Anomaly Fights (Revenants)
Night-time boss encounters against powerful, unique infected called Revenants found at specific GRE Anomaly sites. Defeating them rewards Combat XP, valuable loot, and often Inhibitors.
GRE Quarantine Buildings & Dark Hollows
Daytime-infested or night-time high-risk indoor locations that contain valuable loot, crafting materials, and Inhibitors. GRE Quarantines are multi-level challenges, while Dark Hollows are smaller but often guarded by Volatiles at night.
Windmills & Metro Stations (Safe Zone Activation)
Activate windmills by completing parkour challenges to power them up, creating new Survivor safe zones. Clear out infected and restore power to Metro Stations to unlock them as fast travel points and larger safe zones.
Airdrops & Military Convoys
Locate and loot valuable supplies from GRE airdrops (often on rooftops or in dangerous areas) and abandoned military convoys. These contain high-tier gear, crafting parts, and Inhibitors.
Parkour Challenges & Combat Challenges
Timed challenges that test Aiden's parkour skills (reaching checkpoints within a time limit) or combat abilities (defeating waves of enemies). Award medals and XP based on performance.
Story DLC Missions (e.g., 'Bloody Ties')
Self-contained narrative expansions with new storylines, characters, locations, and rewards. 'Bloody Ties' focuses on a brutal arena tournament.
Main Story Campaign (Ethan's Search for Rose)
A series of interconnected chapters following Ethan Winters' desperate journey through the titular village and the domains of the Four Lords (Castle Dimitrescu, House Beneviento, Moreau's Reservoir, Heisenberg's Factory) to rescue his kidnapped daughter, Rosemary, and confront Mother Miranda. Involves exploration, puzzle-solving, intense combat encounters, and boss battles.
Chris Redfield's Section
A segment of the main campaign where players take control of Chris Redfield as he leads his Hound Wolf Squad on a mission related to Mother Miranda and the Megamycete, showcasing more action-oriented gameplay with military weaponry.
Puzzle Solving (Key Items, Environmental Puzzles)
Throughout the game, Ethan must find key items (e.g., specific keys, crests, tools like the Well Wheel or Crank) and solve environmental puzzles to progress, unlock new areas, or access valuable loot. This includes tasks like finding mask fragments in Castle Dimitrescu or navigating the non-combat horror sequences in House Beneviento.
Boss Battles (Four Lords, Miranda, Mini-Bosses)
Confront and defeat the unique and often multi-phase bosses that guard the end of each major area or serve as significant story encounters. This includes fighting each of the Four Lords in their transformed states and ultimately Mother Miranda.
Optional Exploration & Treasure Hunting
Explore optional paths, hidden rooms, and side areas within the main locations to find valuable treasures (which can be sold to The Duke), weapon parts, crafting resources, files, and Goats of Warding. Some treasures require solving small puzzles or finding combineable parts.
The Duke's Kitchen (Hunting & Upgrades)
Hunt animals (fish, poultry, meat) found in the village and surrounding areas. Bring the ingredients to The Duke, who can cook special meals that provide permanent upgrades to Ethan's maximum health, blocking defense, or movement speed.
Shadows of Rose Story Campaign (DLC)
A new narrative campaign played as a teenage Rosemary Winters. She enters the Megamycete's consciousness to find a way to rid herself of her powers, facing surreal environments, new enemies (Face Eaters, Molded), and exploring her connection to the Mold. Played entirely in third-person.
The Mercenaries / The Mercenaries Additional Orders (Game Mode)
An arcade-style score attack mode. Players choose a character (Ethan, Chris, Lady Dimitrescu, Heisenberg) and fight through waves of enemies across various stages within a time limit, aiming for high scores by chaining kills and utilizing character-specific abilities and weapons. Unlocks new stages and potentially in-game rewards.
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Multiplayer
Multiplayer Details
Features a 4-player online cooperative mode, allowing players to experience the entire main story campaign and most side activities together. Players can join a host's game, and progression is largely tied to the host, though players retain their character progression and inventory. Co-op enhances combat and exploration with team tactics.
The base game of Resident Evil Village is single-player only. 'The Mercenaries' is an arcade-style, single-player score attack mode. The multiplayer game 'Resident Evil RE:Verse' was intended to launch alongside Village as a free pack-in but was delayed and released later as a separate entity.
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Editions & DLC
Available Editions
Available in Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions. Deluxe Edition included digital artbook, soundtrack, exclusive weapon charms, wallpapers, comic, and the first story DLC ('Bloody Ties'). Ultimate Edition included all Deluxe content, plus the second story DLC (yet to be released as of mid-2024), 2h Night XP Boost, crafting items, and two more outfit/weapon skin packs. A Collector's Edition with physical items was also available.
Available in Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition (Trauma Pack with 'Samurai Edge' weapon, Mr. Everywhere weapon charm, found footage filter, save room music, additional difficulty mode 'Village of Shadows'), Collector's Edition (Deluxe content + Chris Redfield statue, SteelBook, artbook, cloth map, Trauma Pack). A 'Gold Edition' was released later, bundling the base game with the 'Winters' Expansion' (Shadows of Rose DLC, Third-Person Mode for main campaign, The Mercenaries Additional Orders).
Post-Launch Content / DLC
Techland has committed to 5+ years of post-launch support. The first story DLC, 'Bloody Ties' (arena combat themed), has been released. A second major story DLC is planned. Numerous free updates have added new content, features (like transmog, new parkour challenges, graphics options), seasonal events, and cosmetic packs (Chapter Agents, skin bundles).
The 'Winters' Expansion' was the major post-launch DLC. It includes: 'Shadows of Rose' (a new story chapter playing as a teenage Rose Winters with unique powers), Third-Person Mode for the main campaign, and 'The Mercenaries Additional Orders' (new characters like Chris, Heisenberg, Lady Dimitrescu, and stages for the arcade mode).
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Dying Light 2 a direct sequel to the first Dying Light? A: Yes, Dying Light 2 Stay Human is set approximately 20 years after the events of the original Dying Light and its 'The Following' expansion. While it features a new protagonist (Aiden) and setting (The City of Villedor), it exists in the same universe and references past events and characters like Spike.
Q: How important are choices in Dying Light 2? A: Choices are a significant gameplay mechanic. Aiden's decisions during main quests and some side quests can have major consequences, affecting faction control over city districts (which changes the environment with faction-specific parkour tools or traps), the fate of characters, and the overall narrative outcome. The game features multiple ending variations.
Q: What is the Day/Night cycle like? A: The Day/Night cycle is a core feature. Daytime is generally safer for exploration and completing objectives, with fewer aggressive infected. Night-time is extremely dangerous, with more powerful infected like Volatiles roaming the streets. However, night offers increased XP gain and access to specific locations (like Dark Hollows and Forsaken Stores) that contain valuable loot but are heavily infested during the day.
Q: How does the infection mechanic work for Aiden? A: Aiden is infected with the Harran Virus. He wears a biomarker that tracks his immunity levels. When in darkness or away from UV light sources for too long, his immunity drops, and if it reaches zero, he will turn into a Viral. Players must manage this by using UV lamps, UV shrooms, inhibitors, or returning to safe zones before turning.
Q: Are there firearms in Dying Light 2? A: The base game is heavily focused on melee combat and bows due to a story premise that firearms and ammunition became extremely scarce after The Fall. While some makeshift firearms like the 'Boomstick' (a craftable shotgun) exist, and more traditional firearms were added in later updates (like the 'Firearms Update' in early 2024), melee remains the primary combat style.
Q: Is Resident Evil Village a direct sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard? A: Yes, Resident Evil Village directly continues the story of Ethan Winters and his wife Mia, set a few years after the events of Resident Evil 7.
Q: Do I need to play Resident Evil 7 before Village? A: It is highly recommended. Village heavily references characters, events, and themes from RE7. While there's a brief recap, playing RE7 first provides crucial context for Ethan's motivations and the overarching story.
Q: Is Resident Evil Village in first-person or third-person? A: The main campaign of Resident Evil Village is played in first-person. However, the 'Winters' Expansion' DLC added an optional Third-Person Mode for the main story, allowing players to experience it from an over-the-shoulder perspective.
Q: Who are the Four Lords? A: The Four Lords are a group of mutated individuals who rule different territories surrounding the village, all serving Mother Miranda. They are Lady Alcina Dimitrescu (vampiric mistress of a castle), Karl Heisenberg (engineer with magnetic powers and a factory), Donna Beneviento (reclusive doll maker controlling hallucinations), and Salvatore Moreau (grotesque fish-like creature controlling a reservoir).
Q: What is The Mercenaries mode? A: The Mercenaries is an arcade-style, score-based bonus mode unlocked after completing the main story. Players choose a character and must defeat waves of enemies across various stages within a time limit, chaining combos and utilizing character-specific abilities to achieve high scores and unlock rewards. The 'Additional Orders' DLC added more characters and stages.
Q: What is 'Shadows of Rose'? A: 'Shadows of Rose' is a story DLC included in the 'Winters' Expansion'. It is set 16 years after the main game and follows a teenage Rosemary Winters as she delves into the consciousness of the Megamycete to find a way to remove her unwanted powers. It is played in third-person.
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Technical Details
Graphics & Visual Fidelity
Powered by Techland's C-Engine, the game showcases a detailed and dilapidated urban environment. It features advanced lighting, dense geometry, volumetric fog, and detailed character/infected models. Ray tracing options (Global Illumination, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion) are available on PC and current-gen consoles, significantly enhancing visual fidelity but also being very demanding.
Powered by Capcom's RE Engine, Resident Evil Village boasts stunning visuals with highly detailed environments, lifelike character models (especially the Four Lords), and advanced lighting and shadow effects. The game features distinct visual styles for each lord's domain, from the gothic opulence of Castle Dimitrescu to the grotesque organic horror of Moreau's Reservoir. Ray tracing options (Global Illumination, Reflections) are available on PC and current-gen consoles, significantly enhancing visual fidelity.
Audio & Soundtrack
Original score composed by Olivier Deriviere, featuring a dynamic system that adapts the music to gameplay intensity and player actions (e.g., during parkour sequences or intense combat). Sound design emphasizes visceral melee impacts, distinct infected vocalizations, and the atmospheric tension of night-time exploration. The Biomarker's ticking sound adds to the infection mechanic's urgency.
Original score composed by Shusaku Uchiyama, Nao Sato, and Marcin Przybyłowicz, featuring a blend of orchestral horror themes, tense ambient tracks, and folk-inspired melodies reflecting the Eastern European setting. Sound design is crucial for horror atmosfére, with distinct enemy vocalizations (Lycans' howls, Dimitrescu's pursuit), environmental creaks, and impactful weapon sounds. The game uses binaural audio for enhanced spatial awareness.
User Interface (UI/UX)
First-person HUD displaying health, stamina, infection timer (biomarker), equipped weapon/tool, and objective markers. A compass aids navigation. Crafting and inventory menus are accessible. Skill trees are visually represented. The day-night cycle and infection status are prominent UI elements.
Features a first-person HUD displaying health (electrocardiogram style), ammo count, and equipped item. Inventory management is grid-based, similar to Resident Evil 4, accessible in real-time (though the game often pauses when accessing the full inventory screen). A map helps with navigation, marking key items, save points (typewriters), and locked doors. Crafting is done via a dedicated menu.
Accessibility Options
Offers a range of accessibility options: customizable controls (key remapping on PC), subtitle customization (size, background, speaker names), colorblind modes, options to change QTEs from taps to holds, aim assist, adjustable FOV (PC), motion blur toggle, head bob toggle, and various audio/visual cues.
Offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (PC), extensive subtitle and caption customization, options for aim assist, display adjustments for brightness and contrast, options to reduce camera wobble, and various audio settings. A third-person mode was added in the Winters' Expansion, which can also be an accessibility aid for some players.
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Mobile (8GB, Max TGP) / RTX 4070 Mobile (8GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 3080 Mobile or RTX 4080 Mobile would provide a more stable high RT experience.**
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) / RTX 4050 Mobile (6GB, High TGP). **An RTX 3070 Mobile or RTX 4060 Mobile would be significantly better for RT.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB SSD
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1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset, No Ray Tracing)(High Preset, Ray Tracing OFF)
CPU: Recommended desktop CPU for 1080p/60FPS without RT.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated mid-range to high-end laptop CPUs.
GPU: Recommended desktop GPU for 1080p/60FPS High without RT.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated performance-focused laptop GPUs. 6GB+ VRAM crucial.
RAM: 16GB RAM strongly recommended.
Storage: SSD strongly recommended.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-8600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) / RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) or AMD Radeon RX 6600M. **An RTX 3060 Mobile (High TGP) or RTX 4060 Mobile is a good target for 1080p High 60FPS.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB SSD
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1080p (Full HD) - Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, Prioritize Graphics/High Preset, No Ray Tracing)(Prioritize Graphics Preset / High Settings, Ray Tracing OFF)
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. 6-8GB VRAM crucial.
RAM: 16GB RAM strongly recommended.
Storage: SSD strongly recommended.
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP) / RTX 3060 Mobile (6GB, High TGP). **An RTX 3070 Mobile or RTX 4060 Mobile (High TGP) is a good target for 1080p High/Max 60FPS.**
layersRAM: 16 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 35 GB SSD
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (1080p ~45-60 FPS, Prioritize Performance Preset, No Ray Tracing)(Prioritize Performance Preset / Low-Medium Settings, Ray Tracing OFF)
CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for playable framerates.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Newer i5/Ryzen 5 H-series recommended.
GPU: Minimum desktop GPU.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. 4GB VRAM is a tight minimum.
RAM: Minimum RAM requirement.
Storage: HDD absolute minimum, SSD highly recommended.
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memoryCPU: Intel Core i5-7500 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB VRAM) or AMD Radeon RX 560 (4GB VRAM)
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500M. **An RTX 3050 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile would be significantly better for consistent framerates and higher settings.**
layersRAM: 8 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 35 GB HDD (SSD Recommended)
1080p (Full HD) - Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset, No Ray Tracing)(Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF)
CPU: Minimum desktop CPU for 1080p at lower settings without RT.
CPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop CPU equivalent. Newer i5/Ryzen 5 H-series recommended.
GPU: Minimum desktop GPU for 1080p at lower settings without RT.
GPU (Laptop): Estimated laptop GPUs. 4GB VRAM is absolute minimum.
RAM: Minimum RAM requirement.
Storage: HDD is absolute minimum, expect long load times.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i3-9100 or AMD Ryzen 3 2300X
developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 560 (4GB)
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 5500M. **An RTX 3050 Mobile or RTX 4050 Mobile would be a much better entry point for stable 1080p Low/Medium.**
layersRAM: 8 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB HDD
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1440p (QHD/2K) - High RT (1440p ~60 FPS, High RT Preset with DLSS/FSR Performance)(Ray Tracing High Preset, DLSS/FSR Performance)
CPU: Desktop CPU for 1440p/60FPS with RT.
CPU (Laptop): Top-tier laptop CPUs.
GPU: Desktop GPU for 1440p/60FPS with High RT.
GPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop GPUs needed. 12GB+ VRAM essential.
RAM: 32GB RAM strongly recommended.
Storage: NVMe SSD required.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i7-11700K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
developer_boardGPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (12GB) / RTX 4070 Ti (12GB)
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Mobile (12GB, Max TGP). **An RTX 4090 Mobile would be better. Even then, fine-tuning settings and upscaling will be essential.**
CPU: Desktop CPU for 4K/60FPS with RT.
CPU (Laptop): Flagship laptop CPUs absolute necessity.
GPU: Top-tier desktop GPU for attempting 4K/60FPS with RT, heavily reliant on upscaling.
GPU (Laptop): The absolute best laptop GPU available, and will still struggle without aggressive upscaling and optimized RT settings.
RAM: 32GB RAM essential.
Storage: NVMe SSD required.
memoryCPU: Intel Core i9-12900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7900X
laptop_windowsGPU (L): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Mobile (16GB, Max TGP). **Achieving stable 4K/60FPS with high ray tracing settings on a laptop is extremely challenging. A hypothetical next-gen flagship (e.g., RTX 5090 Mobile or AMD equivalent) would be required for a more comfortable experience at this level. (Highly Speculative)**
layersRAM: 32 GB
saveStorage (Tier): 60 GB NVMe SSD
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save Overall Storage
Spec: 60 GB available space (SSD Recommended). Note: An NVMe SSD is recommended for the best experience due to asset streaming and fast loading. Type: SSD
Spec: Approx. 35 GB available space (SSD Recommended). Size may increase with DLC. Note: An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading times and smoother transitions between areas. Type: SSD
desktop_windows Operating System
Spec: Windows 7 (No longer officially supported post-launch updates), Windows 10, Windows 11 (64-bit versions only) Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is recommended for ongoing support and best performance.
Spec: Windows 10 (64-bit required) Explanation: 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is required.
gamepad DirectX Version
Spec: DirectX 11 (DirectX 12 recommended for ray tracing and potentially better performance on compatible hardware) Explanation: DX11 is minimum, DX12 offers advanced features.
Spec: DirectX 12 Explanation: DirectX 12 API is required.
info_outline Other Game Notes
Official system requirements from Techland. Performance can vary significantly depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially dense city areas), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended.
Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs may work if their performance is comparable, but TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling are extremely critical. **Dying Light 2 is a demanding title, especially with ray tracing enabled. High-end laptop hardware is necessary for higher settings and resolutions.**
Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR (1.0 and 2.0), and Intel XeSS.
Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing Quality (Global Illumination, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion), Shadow Quality, Contact Shadows, Fog Quality, Particle Quality, and Texture Quality heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is highly recommended for higher settings/resolutions, especially with ray tracing.
Game Name: Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Official PC system requirements from Capcom. Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, areas in-game (especially with many enemies or detailed environments), and background applications. An SSD is recommended for optimal performance. Ray tracing features are demanding.
Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and excellent cooling. **Resident Evil Village can be demanding, particularly with ray tracing enabled or at higher resolutions.**
Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates, especially with RT.
Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance.
Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for AI and physics.
Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0. Later versions of FSR or other upscalers like DLSS might be available via official patches or mods, especially with the Winters' Expansion.
Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing (Global Illumination, Reflections), Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, Volumetric Lighting, Ambient Occlusion, and Screen Space Reflections heavily impact performance. The game offers FidelityFX CAS for sharpening.
Game Name: Resident Evil Village
build Optimization Details
Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR (1.0 and 2.0), and Intel XeSS.
Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing Quality (Global Illumination, Shadows, Reflections, Ambient Occlusion), Shadow Quality, Contact Shadows, Fog Quality, Particle Quality, and Texture Quality heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is highly recommended for higher settings/resolutions, especially with ray tracing.
Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FSR 1.0. Later versions of FSR or other upscalers like DLSS might be available via official patches or mods, especially with the Winters' Expansion.
Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing (Global Illumination, Reflections), Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, Volumetric Lighting, Ambient Occlusion, and Screen Space Reflections heavily impact performance. The game offers FidelityFX CAS for sharpening.
laptop Laptop Considerations
G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates, especially with RT.
Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance.
C P U Power Limits: A decent CPU is needed for AI and physics.
R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
