Back when Techland was gearing up for the release of Dying Light 2: Stay Human in early 2022, they dropped some exciting news: two expansions were on the roadmap, slated for release by 2027. Fans didn’t have to wait long for the first one—Dying Light 2: Bloody Ties—as it hit the shelves later in 2022, just shy of a year after the main game. But when it came to the second expansion, information was sparse. Despite a few mentions in interviews over the years, Techland mostly kept mum until recently revealing new developments.
Fast forward to Gamescom 2024, where Techland took the stage to unveil a fresh addition to the Dying Light series, titled Dying Light: The Beast. Interestingly, this project evolved from what was supposed to be the second expansion for Dying Light 2, blossoming into a standalone title as its scope expanded. This game is set to bring back Kyle Crane, the protagonist fans know from the original Dying Light, and will transport players to a brand-new locale named Castor Woods. From early glimpses, it’s clear the game is set on a path opposite to Dying Light 2, which bodes well for reinvigorating the franchise’s future.
### Dying Light: The Beast Promises a Spookier Experience Compared to Dying Light 2
When Dying Light 2 launched, it was met with generally positive reviews, but it stirred a bit of a stir among fans. A common critique was its leaning towards action RPG elements rather than pure horror, which deviated from the terror-infused gameplay that players loved in the original Dying Light and its expansion, Dying Light: The Following. A significant part of this shift was attributed to changes in the day/night cycle.
In the first game, nighttime created palpable fear, transforming Harran into a much more treacherous place, populated with significantly more aggressive zombies. The feared Volatiles, which roamed the city after dark, added to this nightmare, prompting players to run for the nearest safe haven. These formidable foes could end your game in a heartbeat, making stealth and caution crucial as night fell.
However, when Dying Light 2 hit the scene, the nighttime experience felt considerably watered down. The threat from Volatiles was reduced and players were nudged towards nighttime scavenging instead of just survival. Although Techland attempted to address this with a post-launch update, the sequel didn’t manage to match the original’s haunting vibe.
### Dying Light: The Beast Brings the Scares Back
Thankfully, Techland seems to have taken this feedback seriously. According to Tymon Smektala, the franchise director, Dying Light: The Beast is designed to rekindle the series’ horror genre roots. In an exclusive with Game Rant, Smektala mentioned that the game will delve deeper into survival horror tones, set against the eerie backdrop of creepy forests and swamps. He noted that as night falls in this new entry, the atmosphere will shift dramatically, making players wary of every step due to the unknown lurking in the shadows.
The nighttime dynamic in Dying Light: The Beast is reminiscent of the original Dying Light’s approach, and that’s fantastic news. Hopefully, this signifies a return to the franchise’s terrifying origins, moving away from the action-oriented path of Dying Light 2. Though Dying Light 2: Stay Human had its strengths, future titles should anchor back to the spine-chilling survival horror aspects that fans initially fell in love with.
The Dying Light franchise looks to be heading in an exciting direction, marrying the thrilling action with the genuine horror elements that set it apart at the beginning. If Dying Light: The Beast delivers on its promises, it has the potential to not only rejuvenate the series but also enhance its legacy in the gaming landscape.
