Dying Light 2 Stay Human Gameplay Video
Featured: Game Comparisons
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | C-Engine |
| Genre | Action RPG, Open World, Survival Horror, Parkour, First-Person |
| Initial Release | 2022-02-04 |
| Developer | Techland |
| Publisher | Techland Publishing |
| Setting | Villedor ('The City'), Post-Apocalyptic Europe, 20+ years after Harran Virus outbreak |
| Perspective | First-Person |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version) |
| Multiplayer | Cooperative (4 players online for entire campaign) |
| Unique Feature | Advanced Parkour System, Day/Night Cycle Impacting Gameplay, Branching Narrative with Faction Choices, Melee-Focused Combat, Infection Management. |
Dying Light 2 Stay Human System Requirements
1080p_No_RT
tune Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset, No Ray Tracing) – Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF
tune Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset, No Ray Tracing) – High Preset, Ray Tracing OFF
1080p_With_RT
tune Minimum RT (1080p ~30 FPS, Low RT Preset) – Ray Tracing Low Preset (likely with DLSS/FSR Quality/Balanced)
tune Recommended RT (1080p ~60 FPS, High RT Preset) – Ray Tracing High Preset (likely with DLSS/FSR Quality/Performance)
1440p_With_RT
tune High RT (1440p ~60 FPS, High RT Preset with DLSS/FSR Performance) – Ray Tracing High Preset, DLSS/FSR Performance
2160p_With_RT
tune Ultra RT (2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Medium/High RT Preset with DLSS/FSR Ultra Performance) – Ray Tracing Medium/High, DLSS/FSR Ultra Performance
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I5 12450 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12450 H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I5 12500 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12500 H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
memory Intel Core I7 13620 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 13620 H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA 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_No_RT - Minimum (Low Preset, Ray Tracing OFF).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 7 (No longer officially supported post-launch updates), Windows 10, Windows 11 (64-bit versions only)
64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11 is recommended for ongoing support and best performance.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 11 (DirectX 12 recommended for ray tracing and potentially better performance on compatible hardware)
DX11 is minimum, DX12 offers advanced features.
- save_altStorage Note: 60 GB available space (SSD Recommended).
An NVMe SSD is recommended for the best experience due to asset streaming and fast loading.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR (1.0 and 2.0), and Intel XeSS.
Key Settings: 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.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Map Size and Regions
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.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human: 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).
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Skills & Upgrades Overview
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.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Game 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.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Dying Light 2 Stay Human supports cross-generation play within the same console family (e.g., PS4 with PS5 players). As of early 2024, full cross-platform play between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox is not implemented, though Techland has expressed interest in it for the future.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Specific Game Elements
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Weapons
- securityBows & 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.
- securityFirearms (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.
- securityGear & Consumables (Boosters) (Utility/Buffs)
Boosters provide temporary enhancements to combat, parkour, health regeneration, or resistances. Medkits are essential for healing. Craftable using herbs and other resources.
- securityMelee Weapons (One-Handed & Two-Handed) (Various (Axes, Maces, Swords, Machetes, Hammers, Knives, Pipes, Bats, Knuckledusters))
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).
- securityThrowables (Tactical/Explosive/Utility)
Craftable items like Molotov Cocktails, DIY Grenades, UV Bars (temporary UV light source), Decoys (to distract infected), Mines, C4, Throwing Knives.
- securityUV 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.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Vehicles
- directions_carGrappling 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.
- directions_carParaglider (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.
- directions_carTraversal 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.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Animals / Creatures
- petsDeer (Mentioned/Implied in hunting for resources, but not live interactive animals typically) (Cervidae)
Role: Primarily a source for crafting resources (leather, bones) through looting or specific contexts rather than live hunting encounters in the city.
- petsDogs (Feral/Infected - Howlers) (Canis familiaris (Infected))
Role: Hostile, Howlers alert other infected to Aiden's presence.
- petsInfected Humans (Various Stages & Types - Virals, Biters, Goons, Demolishers, Volatiles, etc.) (Homo sapiens infectus (Harran Virus))
Role: Primary Antagonistic Force, Ranging from common fodder to elite/boss-level threats.
- petsRats & Crows (Rodentia / Corvidae)
Role: Ambient wildlife, can sometimes indicate nearby loot or danger, generally non-hostile but can be startled.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Characters
- personAiden Caldwell - Protagonist (Pilgrim) (playable)
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.
- personCarl - 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.
- personColonel 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.
- personFrank 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.
- personHakon - 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.
- personLawan - 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.
- personMajor 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.
- personSophie - 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.
- personVarious 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.
Top 3 Characters (Subjective):
Caldwell: The player character, whose search for his sister and struggle with his infection drive the narrative. 2. Lawan: A determined and cynical survivor seeking revenge against Waltz, who becomes a key ally and potential romantic interest for Aiden. Voiced and motion-captured by Rosario Dawson. 3. Hakon: An experienced Nightrunner who helps Aiden early on, but has his own secrets and agenda, leading to a complex relationship.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Missions / Objectives
- flagAirdrops & Military Convoys
Objective: 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.
- flagFacility Assignment Missions (Water Towers & Electrical Stations)
Objective: 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.
- flagGRE Anomaly Fights (Revenants)
Objective: 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.
- flagGRE Quarantine Buildings & Dark Hollows
Objective: 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.
- flagMain Story Quests (Aiden's Search for Mia)
Objective: 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.
- flagParkour Challenges & Combat Challenges
Objective: 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.
- flagSide Quests (Citizen Requests & Stories)
Objective: 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.
- flagStory DLC Missions (e.g., 'Bloody Ties')
Objective: Self-contained narrative expansions with new storylines, characters, locations, and rewards. 'Bloody Ties' focuses on a brutal arena tournament.
- flagWindmills & Metro Stations (Safe Zone Activation)
Objective: 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.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Subjective):
Story Choices impacting Faction Control: Missions where Aiden's decisions directly influence whether the Peacekeepers or Survivors gain control of key facilities (like water towers or electrical stations), changing the environment and available resources/traps in that zone. 2. Night-time Expeditions into Dark Hollows or GRE Quarantines: High-risk, high-reward missions to scavenge valuable loot and inhibitors, facing powerful infected like Volatiles. 3. 'Broadcast': A late-game mission involving scaling the massive VNC Tower, showcasing the game's verticality and parkour mechanics at their peak.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Companions / Summons
- groupCo-op Players (Online) (Human (Other Players' Aidens))
Ability: 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.
- groupStory-Specific AI Companions (Temporary) (Human (Key NPCs like Lawan, Hakon))
Ability: 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.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkBlueprints
Location/Use: Recipes for crafting weapon mods, consumables (medkits, boosters), throwables, and arrows/bolts. Found in the world, as quest rewards, or purchased from Craftmasters.
- collections_bookmarkGraffiti Tags (Street Art)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkInhibitors (GRE Crates)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkMementos (Notes, Recordings, Dog Tags, Newspapers, etc.)
Location/Use: 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.
- collections_bookmarkTapes (Music & Story)
Location/Use: 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.
Top 3 Collectibles:
(GRE Containers): Essential for upgrading Health and Stamina, found in GRE Quarantine buildings, military convoys, or airdrops, often requiring puzzle-solving or combat. 2. Mementos (Notes, Recordings, Newspapers): Provide lore and backstory about The City, its inhabitants, and the events after The Fall. 3. Graffiti Tags: Collectible street art found throughout The City, often in hard-to-reach parkour spots.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Armor
- shieldCosmetic Outfits (Transmog)
Focus/Stats: 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.
- shieldGear Pieces (Head, Chest, Gloves, Bracers, Pants, Shoes)
Focus/Stats: 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.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomCosmetic Outfits & Skins
Details: 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).
- checkroomGear Sets (Tank, Brawler, Medic, Ranger)
Details: 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.
- checkroomWeapon Charms
Details: Small cosmetic charms that can be attached to melee weapons for personalization.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
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.
- labelUser Interface
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.
- labelSound and Music
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.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
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.
- labelAccessibility Features
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.
- labelStory and Setting
Set 22 years after the Harran virus outbreak (15 years after The Fall, a period of societal collapse). The game takes place in Villedor, aka 'The City,' one of the last large human settlements. Aiden Caldwell, an infected Pilgrim (a wandering survivor), arrives in The City searching for his sister, Mia, from whom he was separated during traumatic childhood experiments by the GRE. Aiden must navigate the complex power struggles between three main factions: the militaristic Peacekeepers (PKs), the communal Survivors, and the violent Renegades led by Colonel Waltz. His infection grants him enhanced abilities but also poses a constant threat of turning if he stays in darkness too long without UV light or inhibitors.
- labelTop 5 Weapons (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Machetes / Axes (with powerful elemental mods like Spark or Flame): Versatile and hard-hitting one or two-handed melee weapons. 2. UV Flashlight / UV Bars: Essential defensive tools to weaken and repel Volatiles and other night-time infected. 3. Bows (especially the PK Crossbow): Silent ranged option, with craftable special arrows (fire, shock, explosive, poison). 4. Knuckledusters: Fast-attacking melee for stunning and quick damage. 5. Paraglider / Grappling Hook (Tools, but weaponized in use): While primarily for traversal, they can be used creatively in combat to gain advantages or escape.
- labelTop 3 Tools/Gear (Non-Weapon)
- 1. Paraglider: Essential for traversing the tall skyscrapers of the Central Loop, allowing for long glides and quick descents. Upgradable. 2. Grappling Hook: A versatile tool for swinging across gaps, pulling Aiden towards anchor points, and aiding in vertical traversal. Upgradable. 3. UV Flashlight: A crucial defensive tool used to weaken and repel Volatiles and other dangerous night-time infected, creating temporary safe zones.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline Is Dying Light 2 a direct sequel to the first Dying Light?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.
- help_outline How important are choices in Dying Light 2?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.
- help_outline What is the Day/Night cycle like?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.
- help_outline How does the infection mechanic work for Aiden?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.
- help_outline Are there firearms in Dying Light 2?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.