Dead Island 2 is easily one of the most anticipated video game releases of 2023. Originally released in 2011, Dead Island became a fan favorite due to its hack-and-slash gameplay and its unique but funky zombie apocalypse setting. Ever since the original, fans have been waiting to see the sequel, and the wait has finally paid off.
Dead Island 2 builds above the already unique formula of the first game and brings it to the next generation. It features the new take on the hack-and-slash gameplay of the original and pairs it with new graphics, visuals, and the trademark half-serious half-playful storyline including a diverse list of new characters.
The Dying Light series may also have been inspired by the original Dead Island considering they share the same developer, however, Dying Light has a very serious tone to it.
Dead Island 2 release date
Dead Island 2 was to be originally developed by Techland, the developers of the first title and Dying Light. Techland, however, moved on to work on Dying Light and the sequel was left without a development team. Yager Development, the creators of Spec Ops: The Line stepped in to help Deep Silver realize the game.
In 2014, Deep Silver showed early-stage gameplay of the game at Gamescom. Due to differences, Deep Silver decided to drop Yager in 2015. In 2016, Sumo Digital stated that they had taken over the development of the game. Deep Silver stated that the game was in development in 2017 and reiterated the same in 2018. In 2019, Dambster Studios, a Deep Silver subsidiary took over the development and has continued since.
Watch the Launch Trailer and prepare yourself to experience brutal combat as the ultimate Slayer this Friday, April 21st.#DeadIsland #SeeYouInHELLA pic.twitter.com/CER5RIyiv5
— Dead Island (@deadislandgame) April 17, 2023
After a lot of delays and speculations, the game was finally showcased in 2022 at Gamescom and a February 2023 release date was confirmed. The release date, however, was pushed back to April 28 in February 2023. Deep Silver decided to prepone the game by a week settling for a set release date of April 21, 2023.
Dead Island 2 pricing and how to play
Dead Island 2 is going to release for both the old-gen PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and the new-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. For the PC, Dead Island 2 unfortunately does not release on Steam. It does, however, release for the Epic Games Store. PC Gamers, not in favor of using the Epic Games Store will have to settle for Amazon.
Dead Island 2: Hell-A Edition (PS4/PS5/Xbox) is up for preorder at Target ($99.99) https://t.co/9g2nwzeybi #ad pic.twitter.com/qh7pGJWjaM
— Wario64 (@Wario64) August 23, 2022
Dead Island 2 releases in three editions: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and Gold Edition. All three editions come with the ‘Memories of Banoi’ pack. Deluxe Edition comes with Golden Weapons Pack and both Character Packs. Gold Edition includes everything from the Deluxe Edition and adds the Expansion Pass and the Pulp Weapons pack.
On the PlayStation Store and the Xbox Store, Dead Island 2 is listed at $69.99 for the standard edition, $74.99 for the deluxe edition, and $89.99 for the gold edition. The prices differ for PC as both Epic Games Store and Amazon list the prices at $59.99, $64.99, and $79.99 for the standard, deluxe and gold editions, respectively.
There is also the Hell-A edition for the game that comes with its own set of goodies and collectibles and retails at $99.99 for PS4, PS5, and Xbox.
#DeadIsland2 drops tomorrow and it’s a mega fun, blood-soaked, zombie slaying festival of violence and braiiins.
But don’t just take our word for it…#DeadIsland #SeeYouInHELLA pic.twitter.com/zgUq64DDT9
— PLAION UK (@PLAION_UK) April 20, 2023
All in all, the fans have eagerly waited for the dark-humor-filled sequel to the original Dead Island. With all the early access reviews flowing in, gamers are in for one hell of a dark, gory, and zombie-infested ride.