In the lead-up to the highly anticipated release of Dying Light 2: Stay Human in early 2022, Techland committed to developing two expansions for the game, scheduled to arrive before 2027. The first expansion, titled Dying Light 2: Bloody Ties, launched in late 2022, just shy of a year after the game’s original release. However, details about the second expansion remained largely under wraps for years, despite sporadic mentions by Techland during various interviews.
The silence was finally broken during Gamescom 2024 when Techland unveiled an exciting new addition to the Dying Light franchise: Dying Light: The Beast. Initially intended as the second expansion for Dying Light 2, the project evolved significantly during its development, prompting Techland to transform it into a standalone title. In this new installment, players will once again follow the protagonist from the original Dying Light, Kyle Crane, as he navigates the foreboding wilderness of Castor Woods. Early reveals suggest a noteworthy shift in direction that promises to invigorate interest in the franchise.
A Shift Back to Horror: Dying Light: The Beast
Mixed Reactions to Dying Light 2’s Horror Elements
Despite receiving generally favorable reviews, Dying Light 2 generated divisive opinions among gamers upon its release. A significant point of contention was its tonal shift; many players felt it lacked the terrifying atmosphere that defined the original game and its expansion, Dying Light: The Following. While fans expected a survival horror experience, Dying Light 2 leaned more towards action RPG gameplay, integrating horror elements rather than prioritizing them. This change was partially attributed to adjustments made to the day/night cycle.
In the original Dying Light, nighttime introduced a genuine sense of dread. As darkness fell, zombies became more aggressive and formidable, with specific enemies like Volatiles only emerging after nightfall. Their lethal capability forced players into a survival mindset, often prompting them to flee to safety.
In contrast, the atmosphere of nighttime in the initial version of Dying Light 2 was considerably less menacing. The presence of Volatiles was noticeable diminished, encouraging players to venture into the darkened world rather than cower in fear. Although a post-launch update did reintegrate some Volatiles, the game still fell short of reigniting the palpable fear that characterized its predecessor.
Returning to Horror Roots with Dying Light: The Beast
Fortunately, Techland appears to be recalibrating its approach by considering fan feedback regarding Dying Light 2. According to Tymon Smektala, the franchise director, Dying Light: The Beast aims to recapture the essence of survival horror that defined the early installments. In an interview with Game Rant, Smektala emphasized that this new title would immerse players in a world rife with dense forests and murky swamps, enhancing the tense survival horror experience. He noted that, “when the darkness sets in, ”players would confront music, environments, and limited visibility designed to instill hesitation about their next moves.
The revamped day/night cycle of Dying Light: The Beast promises to evoke the classic terror experienced in the first game, which bodes well for the series’ direction going forward. While Dying Light 2: Stay Human has its merits, future entries in the Dying Light universe would benefit from embracing the survival horror roots that resonate strongly with dedicated fans of the franchise.
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