Dying Light: The Beast vs Dying Light 2 – What’s Changing?

Originally planned as an extension for “Dying Light 2“, “The Beast” has gradually morphed into a standalone game in its own right. Upon reviewing previews and footage, it’s evident that it carries the substance and worth of a standalone product. However, one might wonder why opt for a more limited experience like “The Beast” when “Dying Light 2” offers a broader scope at a reduced price? There are several reasons. Here are fifteen significant distinctions between “Dying Light: The Beast” and its precursor, “Dying Light 2“.

From Urban Rooftops to Rural Woods

In The Beast, several aspects set it apart from its predecessor, with the main changes being the setting and location. Unlike Dying Light 2’s vibrant concrete jungle, The Beast delves into a more somber direction, immersing players in the eerie Castor Woods, a rural area that contrasts sharply with Villedor’s colorful cityscape.

Smaller, Denser Open World

Initially, due to its planned expansion nature, The Beast was expected to be smaller than Dying Light 2. Even though it’s now a stand-alone game, this is still true. However, the compactness works in its favor. A smaller map means more attention can be given to unique asset creation and detailed environments. Additionally, it results in a variety of distinct biomes that offer different feels and playing experiences.

More Varied Environments

One aspect I particularly enjoy in tightly packed game worlds is the diverse range they frequently offer. The game “The Beast” is opting for a meticulous design for its environments. Immediately noticeable is the abundance of distinct ecosystems within Castor Woods. There’s a bustling town with buildings covered in vines, marshy areas, what appears to be a train cemetery, and of course the ominous heart of the zombie-ridden forest itself. This stands in stark contrast to the expansive and largely uniform cityscapes found in “Dying Light 2”.

Handcrafted Spaces With Many Explorable Interiors

As a hardcore gamer delving into the world of “The Beast,” let me tell you, this game is no joke when it comes to exploring detailed and unique interiors. Unlike other games that feel a bit repetitive at times, “The Beast” really sets itself apart with its impressive attention to detail in every structure you stumble upon. The developers have even gone on record saying that a staggering 98% of structures are actually enterable! From churches to factories, it’s safe to say that most sane folks have abandoned these places long ago.

The compact world map plays a big part in this, allowing the devs to craft each interior with care and precision, making every building feel distinct from the rest. So buckle up and prepare for a truly immersive experience as you explore the intricate interiors of “The Beast”!

Parkour Stays Grounded and Slick

Due to the significant change in location, parkour adapts quite significantly. Unlike cities with skyscrapers and crowded infrastructure, there are fewer opportunities for building-to-building leaps. However, places like townships still offer some jumping possibilities. Here, the focus shifts more towards climbing trees and using other natural elements, similar to navigating through Pennsylvania forests. The upcoming game, The Beast, seems to emphasize a more grounded, nature-focused parkour style, as it doesn’t appear to include the extreme paraglider or grapple traversal seen in the base game of Dying Light 2.

Survival-Horror Focus

The game “The Beast” deliberately recreates a gloomy environment reminiscent of its initial version, and it achieves this by incorporating elements such as the dimly lit woods. Unlike the brighter, more vibrant settings seen in “Dying Light 2”, the environments in “The Beast” are not overly illuminated, contributing to a survival horror atmosphere.

Ammunition Is Scarcer

As a passionate fan, I’d like to share that The Beast offers more than just terrifying visuals. You’ll find yourself in a remote, infrastructure-less setting where resources are sparse. The environment itself feels rural and disconnected.

But fear not! Much like Dying Light 2, players can craft and repair weapons in The Beast to help manage this scarcity. The creators have surely worked on weapon balancing to avoid it becoming overly frustrating or, on the contrary, too effortless. Here’s hoping for a well-balanced gaming experience!

Nights Are Deadlier and Scarier

In simpler terms, developers have often stressed that the dark hours in Dying Light 2 are far more terrifying compared to regular gameplay. The dense foliage and lack of artificial light make vision difficult, but the real terror comes from the Volatiles who roam during the night. They react swiftly to any sound or movement, which makes stealth crucial. Set in a secluded forest backdrop, Dying Light 2’s expansion, The Beast, promises to deliver the scariest Dying Light experience yet due to the increased aggression of the zombies.

Different Protagonist

Fans of the original Dying Light might find themselves divided – with Kyle Crane returning as the main character in this installment, Aiden Caldwell from Dying Light 2 no longer holds the lead role. Interestingly, Kyle Crane is once again our protagonist, driven by a desire for revenge against The Baron who subjected him to transformative experiments. Post his transformation, Kyle now bears the characteristics of a beast, which reflects in the game’s title.

Beast Mode

In simpler terms, when Kyle activates Beast Mode, he transforms into a powerful version of himself, much like the Incredible Hulk. This transformation allows him to fight with increased strength and size, giving him the ability to overpower opponents with his punches and imposing physique. Beast Mode also provides Kyle with unique kill animations, the capacity to climb larger enemies, and a ground-pound move for managing crowds.

More Gory and Visceral

It’s worth noting that many players seem to agree on one point in this new game: the high level of graphic violence, which is quite intense compared to previous games. During gameplay, Kyle brutally decapitates Volatiles upon activating Beast Mode. The zombies in this game not only attack but also have their own bodies torn apart or blown apart by Kyle’s weapons. This game notably features a significant amount of limb dismemberment when compared to Dying Light 2.

Leaner Skill Progression

You activate these intense executions using the latest Beast Power skill branch. Initially, only about five or so branches are visible within this new section, but if they resemble the decapitation animation, we wholeheartedly approve. Beast Powers can be obtained with Beast Points, a detail that’s currently not well-understood. Apart from just the Beast Powers, there are also a few other less populated branches in the slimmer and presumably more impactful skill tree.

Drivable 4×4 Trucks

Being an enthusiast of the game Days Gone, the presence of drivable 4×4 trucks really catches my attention. At first sight alone, the driving mechanics seem robust. The first-person dashboard details (with a third-person perspective option) appear authentic, and the car exhaust produces that rich V8 sound that’s incredibly pleasing to the ear. In terms of gameplay, you can anticipate running over zombies as you speed up your rural journeys from point A to B. You should be able to explore anywhere on the map with a 4×4 truck, but driving around in a gas-guzzling V8 is risky since it attracts enemies who may attack you – if you don’t run out of fuel first, that is.

More Linear Story

A notable distinction between Dying Light 2 and The Beast is that the latter will likely have a more linear, unalterable storyline compared to the branching decisions found in Dying Light 2. While gameplay will still offer a wide-open world, the narrative may not present the same degree of player choice.

Focused Runtime

According to the developers, the main story content of “The Beast” in Dying Light is estimated to be around 20 hours long. Given that it’s an open-world game, there are plenty of additional activities to discover, which could potentially double the duration of the main story. This suggests a total playtime of approximately 50 hours. With four-player co-op, the replayability is enhanced even further.

“Dying Light: The Beast” is set for release as a standalone game on September 19 for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5. For PS4 and Xbox One users, the release date is yet to be announced. Priced at $59.99, its cost reflects its condensed runtime compared to the original game.

2025-08-29 18:46