Best price ever: Popular AAA action RPG on Steam now only $20
In Dead Island 2, players are thrown into sun-drenched yet zombie-ridden California – specifically "HELL-A," a twisted take on Los Angeles. After a deadly virus outbreak, the city is sealed off. What used to be a hotspot for tourists and influencers has turned into a feeding ground for the undead. You step into the shoes of one of six "Slayers," who not only battle hordes of zombies but are also infected themselves – though strangely immune to the virus. As society crumbles, the Slayers uncover a shocking truth: their blood might be the key to humanity’s survival. The story stands out with its dark humor, sharp dialogue and over-the-top characters.
At its core, Dead Island 2 is a first-person action RPG that puts a strong emphasis on brutal close-quarters combat – powered by one of the most detailed gore systems in gaming. The so-called "FLESH" system (Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids) allows for shockingly precise dismemberment, with limbs, skulls and even layers of skin reacting realistically to every blow. Players wield an arsenal that ranges from electrified baseball bats to makeshift flamethrowers, all of which can be customized, upgraded and combined for maximum carnage.
This is enhanced by a card-based skill system that lets players tailor their abilities and combat styles – whether as a berserker, speedster or tank. Classic RPG elements like crafting and loot add depth and long-term appeal. While Dead Island 2 isn't a traditional open-world game, it features several large, interconnected zones to explore, including Venice Beach, Beverly Hills and Hollywood Boulevard. A standout feature is the co-op mode for up to three players, offering shared boss fights, scavenging missions and plenty of opportunities for tactical teamwork.
Reviews: Fierce battles and rich atmosphere – held back by a flat story and no New Game Plus
In its review, the German gaming magazin GamePro praised Dead Island 2 for its brutal yet tactical combat, which encourages creativity through a wide range of weapon mods. Technically, the game is surprisingly polished – it runs smoothly and is nearly free of bugs. The world impresses with richly detailed locations, brought to life with a cheeky B-movie flair. According to GamePro, the game truly shines in co-op, where teamwork adds another layer of fun. With six playable characters, each offering unique abilities, Dead Island 2 also delivers strong replay value.
However, the game isn't without flaws. Combat and missions can become repetitive, causing the gameplay to lose momentum at times. The story leans heavily on familiar tropes and lacks real depth. Advanced features are notably missing – there’s only a single difficulty setting, no accessibility options and no New Game Plus mode. On Metacritic, Dead Island 2 holds a Metascore of 75 from critics, while users have rated it 6.6. On Steam, it holds a 77% positive rating from roughly 9,000 reviews.
60% discount on Steam
Dead Island 2 was developed by Dambuster Studios and published by Deep Silver in April 2023. Initially an Epic Games exclusive, the action RPG made its way to Steam in April 2024, giving a wider audience the chance to dive into its gory zombie mayhem. Typically priced at around $50, the game is now available at a steep 60% discount until April 26, dropping the price to just $20. According to SteamDB, while discounts are fairly common, the game has never been this cheap before.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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