Dying Light: Impressions and Q&A on The Beast from SGF 2025

Exploring Dying Light: The Beast – An In-Depth Preview

We had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural North American preview event for Dying Light: The Beast, organized by Level Infinite, which also showcased other titles like Exoborne. Our session focused on the opening hour of gameplay, where we followed Kyle Crane on his journey following a harrowing thirteen years of captivity. Although he has not yet fully transformed into “The Beast”that the game promises, players can already sense a dire shift in Kyle’s demeanor. He embodies a more relentless and vengeful spirit, channeling his pent-up anger against both the infected and surviving humans with his parkour skills and brute force, wielding heavy weapons as needed.

Despite this evolution, Kyle retains the core survival skills that players loved in the original Dying Light. As a result, engaging with volatiles early in the game can still prove deadly. Throughout our session with Dying Light: The Beast, we were treated to glimpses of the familiar elements from the series, including the day-night cycle and the return of safe rooms equipped with IV lights that protect against the undead. A notable addition is the capacity to barricade windows using bolts and shutters, enhancing strategic gameplay. The demo featured an exhilarating driving segment that led us to a desolate junkyard, culminating in a fierce confrontation with a giant infected creature. Just when you think things couldn’t get any crazier, Kyle finished the encounter by injecting himself with infected blood, leaving players to ponder the consequences of such a choice.

Insights from the Franchise Director

After my gameplay experience, I had the privilege of discussing the game with Tymon Smektała, Franchise Director for Dying Light. As a quick note, the game is set to launch on August 22 for PC and current-generation consoles, with previous-generation versions to follow later.

Why a Standalone Title?

When asked about the decision to present Kyle Crane’s story as a standalone title instead of downloadable content for Dying Light 2, Smektała explained, “It makes sense to have a dedicated title for Kyle Crane, considering his iconic status.”The project started with specific goals, which have since expanded significantly. This evolution has transitioned it into a full-fledged game rather than an additional content release. The current vision now categorizes it as the next major entry in the Dying Light series, albeit without a numeral designation to avoid confusing newcomers. The main story offers around 20 hours of gameplay, with side missions and activities nearly doubling the total playtime.

A New Level of Quality

Smektała emphasized the significant improvements made to visuals, thanks to advancements in their in-house C-Engine, resulting in enhanced weather effects, material rendering, and lighting. He expressed excitement for this new game development cycle, aiming for releases approximately every three to four years moving forward.

Evolving Character Dynamics

The direction in which Kyle Crane’s character is taken in Dying Light: The Beast is multifaceted, featuring both mechanical and narrative growth. He possesses beast-like abilities acquired through his trials, adding a layer of progression that distinguishes this iteration from the original game. Crane’s story is centered on seeking vengeance, showcasing a more complex personality compared to the mercenary-like persona seen previously. As he encounters new communities and forms bonds, his character growth is significant, underscoring the emotional depth that comes with his experiences. Notably, the voice acting by Roger Craig Smith captures the nuances of a more matured Crane.

Game Mechanics and Challenges

Kyle Crane retains his agility but transitions towards a more grounded and physical gameplay style. This enhanced sense of realism complements the character’s ability to traverse various terrains effectively, as he now embodies a decidedly less nimble version compared to the protagonist from the sequel, Aiden.

Combat and Ability Dynamics

Players can expect an interesting blend of combat and traversal abilities. The beast-like powers gained from defeating formidable foes enhance not only damage output but also speed and jumping height. Interestingly, playtests revealed some players utilizing these abilities for environmental navigation, prompting the developers to embrace this unexpected gameplay approach.

Exploration and Environmental Interaction

Dying Light: The Beast emphasizes exploration, with a significant number of optional encounters and high-stakes boss fights woven into the main storyline. The developers realized that integrating pivotal encounters into the main plot ensures a richer experience for all players. With varied mission types and fresh content drawn from earlier titles, there’s ample opportunity for players to delve into the rich world.

Vehicles and Racing Missions

A notable introduction comes in the form of vehicle-focused missions, which leverage the developers’ historical expertise in rally games, infusing a unique flair into the gameplay experience. Tasks like racing create fresh dynamics in an otherwise zombie-centric environment, delivering exhilarating moments.

Combat Mechanics: Balancing Firearms and Melee

With a focus on making firearm use feel authentic, developers have paid particular attention to sound design and visual feedback for ranged combat. Despite the presence of military tech, the game maintains its core zombie-centric essence, offering versatile combat strategies that allow players to decide their approach.

Weapon Durability and Crafting System

The durability of melee weapons returns, a feature that may be divisive among fans. The developers believe this mechanic is essential in maintaining a survival horror atmosphere, offering a sense of vulnerability that enhances the overall experience. To mitigate frustration, weapon upgrades and repairs will be available at various crafting tables situated in save zones.

Community Engagement and Future Developments

While ‘Be the Zombie’ mode will not be available at launch, Techland remains committed to community feedback, promising future announcements regarding post-launch support based on player preferences.

The Challenge of Nighttime Gameplay

Nighttime remains an integral challenge, leveraging audio cues and environmental design to cultivate a sense of dread. The developers have enhanced the visual design and behaviors of volatiles, making nighttime encounters more intense, especially in forested areas where traditional parkour evasion is limited.

Visual Fidelity and Platform Availability

The current generation of consoles has allowed the developers to achieve unprecedented visual fidelity, enhancing lighting, shadow effects, and material rendering to create an immersive environment. Dying Light: The Beast will launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S on August 22, with older console versions arriving later.

Physical Release Potential

While a physical release isn’t planned for the initial launch, there’s consideration for attractive limited editions down the line.

Final Thoughts: An Invitation to Explore

As we conclude, Smektała encourages players to immerse themselves in the game’s intricacies. With a world rich in details—from zombie behavior to environmental aesthetics—players are invited to engage thoughtfully with their surroundings. Newcomers can look forward to an introductory narrative that succinctly presents Kyle’s history, ensuring they won’t feel lost in this expansive universe.

For those transitioning into this latest chapter of the franchise, a mindful approach to gameplay will enhance the survival experience, offering a thoughtful juxtaposition to mindless action. Keep an eye on all the details, and prepare for a journey that promises to be both thrilling and emotionally charged.