Dying Light: The Beast – Everything You Need to Know
Dying Light fans, get ready! A new adventure is on the horizon. Dying Light: The Beast is almost here. This standalone game brings back a familiar hero. It also features powerful new abilities and a renewed focus on firearms. We have all the details you need to know about this exciting release.
How The Beast Came to Be
The story of Dying Light: The Beast began unexpectedly. In early 2022, just weeks before Dying Light 2: Stay Human launched, a lot of gameplay information leaked online. This leak included plans for future content for Dying Light 2.
Techland, the game's developer, decided to change its plans. They wanted to surprise players with something different from what the leaks revealed. From these changes, the Beast was born.
From DLC to Standalone Game
Initially, The Beast was designed as content directly attached to Dying Light 2. However, the team remixed some of their ideas. This led to The Beast levelling up from a DLC to a full, standalone game. This was a significant change that allowed for a much larger experience.
During this development, another significant decision was made. Kyle Crane, the main character from the first Dying Light game, became the playable hero. The original plan featured Aiden Caldwell, the hero of Dying Light 2. Bringing Crane back was a big win for many long-time fans.
This new version of The Beast grew even more. It now features new characters, expanded quests, and more diverse environments. These additions make the game much bigger than first imagined.
The Story So Far: A Brief History of Kyle Crane
To understand Dying Light: The Beast, it helps to know Kyle Crane's past. Crane's story is deep and full of tough choices.
The Original Dying Light
The first Dying Light game took place in the fictional city of Harran. A viral outbreak turned most of its residents into zombies. The Global Relief Effort (GRE) sent help and agents into the area. Their goal was to assist the remaining survivors.
Kyle Crane was a GRE agent, but he had a secret mission. He was there to find top-secret information about the virus. This information could lead to a cure.
The Following Expansion
Crane's journey continued in The Following, the fourth and final expansion for the original game. After successfully getting the secret intel, he learned about an already existing cure. This led him to a cult that worshipped a mysterious figure known as The Mother. Crane discovered that The Mother was actually a sentient infected being.
It turned out this "cure" had a dark side. Those who took it became infected themselves. By day, they kept their minds and could think clearly. But at night, they transformed into mindless Volatiles. These are the most dangerous and ferocious zombies in the game.
The DLC ended with a critical choice for Crane. He could either help or stop The Mother's plan to destroy all of Harran with a nuclear weapon. Her goal was to purify the land of the virus.
Crane's Fate
The official story, or canon ending, is where Crane stands against The Mother. This decision leads to him taking the "cure" himself. In the final moments of The Following, Crane transforms into a Volatile.
The Beast's Plot: 13 Years Later
Dying Light: The Beast picks up 13 years after the events of The Following. Kyle Crane's life has been anything but peaceful.
The GRE was able to hunt down Crane. They ran experiments on their former agent. Crane had turned his back on the GRE when he learned their true intentions. In the original Dying Light, he found out they planned to use the virus data to create a weapon.
At the start of The Beast, Crane escapes. He breaks free from the clutches of the GRE's helper, a character known as The Baron. Crane now has some control over his new zombie powers. He is driven by a powerful desire for revenge against those who tortured him. His journey will be about using his unique abilities to fight back.
Gameplay in The Beast
The core gameplay of The Beast will feel familiar to fans of the series. It blends the best parts of the previous games with exciting new features.
Open World and Movement
You can expect an open-world setting filled with parkour movement. First-person action is also a key part of the experience. Players will run, climb, and jump across the environment. This fluid movement is essential for surviving against the infected.
Combat: A Mix of Old and New
Combat in The Beast offers a blend of firearms and melee weapons. This is a change from Dying Light 2, which initially launched with only melee combat before guns were added later. Crane will have access to a variety of weapons to deal with the zombie hordes.
Caster Woods: A New Playground
The new fictional setting for the game is Caster Woods. This area is modelled after the stunning Swiss Alps. It promises diverse biomes and new challenges. Players will navigate through new landscapes.
In addition to parkour, Crane can also get around Caster Woods in a truck. This vehicle is not just for transport. It is also very effective at mowing down zombies, adding another layer to combat and traversal.
Crane's Infected Powers: Beast Mode
The real focus of The Beast's gameplay lies in Crane's new infected abilities. These powers allow him to enter Beast Mode. In this state, Crane no longer needs weapons. He can rip zombies to shreds with his bare hands. This makes him a formidable force and offers a thrilling new way to fight.
Playing with Friends: Co-op Features
You do not have to face the dangers of Caster Woods alone. Like the previous Dying Light games, The Beast will feature co-op multiplayer. You can experience the campaign with up to three friends.
A significant improvement in The Beast's multiplayer is shared progression. This means you can pick up where you left off when playing with friends, even if you are not the host of the multiplayer session. Your progress will carry over when you play solo.
At this time, it is not confirmed if the game will feature cross-play. This would allow friends on different gaming platforms to play together.
Release Date and Price
Get ready to mark your calendars! Dying Light: The Beast is set to launch on September 19, 2025.
Platforms
The game will be available on:
- PC
- PlayStation 5 (PS5)
- Xbox Series X and S
The developers also plan to release The Beast on older consoles:
- PlayStation 4 (PS4)
- Xbox One
However, a specific release date for these older platforms is not yet available. The team wants to reach the large player base on these consoles. They also want to offer a way for Dying Light 2 players on those consoles to experience The Beast.
Pricing and Editions
For those who purchased the Ultimate Edition of Dying Light 2, The Beast will be free. This is because it was originally intended as DLC for that game.*
For everyone else, The Beast will have two main versions:
- Standard Edition: $60
- Deluxe Edition: $70
Pre-Order Bonuses
If you decide to pre-order either version of the game, you will receive the Hero of Harran cosmetic pack.
The Deluxe Edition offers additional perks. It includes some extra in-game items, a digital copy of the game's soundtrack, and high-resolution wallpapers.
Conclusion
Dying Light: The Beast is shaping up to be a thrilling return to the infected world. The return of the great Kyle Crane as the protagonist, a richer narrative, and potent new powers mean much to look forward to. The implementation of old tradition Dying Light gameplay and untried concepts, such as the new Beast Mode, will provide an enjoyable experience to both fans and newcomers.
The Beast is a good experience, whether you are an old Harran veteran or seeking a new adventure in zombie survival. Get ready to visit Caster Woods, to learn to use your new powers, and vengeance. The wait for September 19, 2025, will be well worth it.