Dead Island 2: 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Start Playing

This guide will help you to learn how to become a real zombie slayer in Dead Island 2! No matter if you're a newcomer or a returning player, you'll definitely need these tips for your fight against the undead.

DI 2 tips
With these tips, you definitely won't be a noob in Dead Island 2 | © Deep Silver/EarlyGame

In Dead Island 2, we will fight against zombies to survive during the apocalypse. Dead Island 2 takes us to Los Angeles, where we end up as one of the lucky ones immune to the deadly virus. There, along with others, the main character decides to learn more about the epidemic and get to its source, as well as discover the truth about himself.

Dead Island 2: 10 Tips You Need to Know Before You Start Playing

Surviving out there won't be easy – but have no fear! We got 10 things you MUST know before you start playing Dead Island 2.

10. Character Selection – Choose Wisely

Character selection is the first decision you have to make. There are six characters to choose from in Dead Island 2, and the choice is not easy. Each of them has its own unique personality, different stats, appearance, and style.

The character you select will determine your personality for the rest of the game. So, given their variety and your preferences, choose wisely and try to select the perfect character for your individual play style. Check out detailed descriptions of each zombie slayer.

9. Exploring the World – Collect Everything You Find

Dead Island 2 offers players a huge open world to explore. Take some time to walk around, because in every nook and cranny there are hidden treasures or surprises you may find with you.

Resources are quite scarce in Dead Island 2, and you will need a lot of them to upgrade weapons and other items. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you spend time collecting resources whenever possible. This includes searching through garbage cans, looting dead zombies and opening chests and boxes. You never know what might come in handy during your next mission.

8. Fast Travel – A Great Facilitation

Dead Island 2 is a big game where fast travel is very helpful. The world is divided into districts where you can explore, plunder, discover and, obviously, kill zombies. Fast travel can save you a lot of time and effort. Without it, you will have to travel long distances, which is not advisable in a world full of dangers.

7. Fix It – Don't Throw It Away!

As in many other games of its kind, white weapons are a staple of the gameplay mechanics in Dead Island 2. Once you've found the right sword, mace or axe, you'll probably want to use them for as long as possible. The problem is that white weapons in Dead Island 2 degrade when their durability drops to zero. You can't use it, until it's repaired. In addition, during your adventures, you will come across blueprints that will allow you to upgrade your weapons. Take advantage of these opportunities to defeat zombies with efficiency.

6. Weapons – Choose The Right One On The Various Zombies

In Dead Island 2, you can add perks to your weapons to make them more powerful and deal elemental damage such as fire, electricity, and poison. However, you must keep in mind that some zombies will also have these powers. If you encounter a zombie that was previously a firefighter, don't use weapons with fire traits. Seriously, it's a bad idea, because he'll be completely immune to your attacks. So choose a different weapon with a different perk, and every zombie will be afraid of you! As long as they feel any emotion at all...

5. Skull Icon – Avoid These Zombies

Some enemy zombies will have skulls next to their health instead of levels. This means they have high endurance, and they instant kill you. This usually means that you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. That's why it's worth getting a higher level first, before fighting them.

Do the main and side quests, and the skulls will disappear. Just so you don't do something stupid and try to take on such a zombie.... but well, we warned you!

Skull icon
Well, he may not look dangerous, but he will take you down by one hit. | © Deep Silver
  • Why wouldn't you play Dead Island 2 on a great controller ?

4. The Environment – Use It To Your Advantage

The environment can be as dangerous as the zombies themselves. Watch out for dangers such as electrifying water or exploding barrels. Use them to your advantage. In addition, you can use the environment to create traps and barricades to protect yourself from zombies. Therefore, before fighting a large group, first look around and use the listed objects to quickly exterminate the undead.

3. Money – Make It Rain

In Dead Island 2, the death penalty is a bit harsh. In case of a game over, you will lose 10% of your current cash. Well, unless you have 10 pennies, then it's nothing to worry about. On the other hand, if you were a lucky looter, it's a good idea to spend money on necessary items, weapon upgrades and repairs before going on a dangerous mission.

This way, your money will not be lost if you should die. Moreover, if you get a rare or unusual weapon that you don't need for missions, you can sell it later for good cash.

2. High Objects – May Be Useful

One of the classic tricks in the previous part of the game was to get the high ground and attack zombies. This method still works well, and it works even better in Dead Island 2. But dodging and circling are also welcomed tactics.

Don't stand around too long and keep on moving. This way, you can easily choose your weapons without fear. So remember, fight smart! Rushing into a whole group of zombies is really not a great idea.

1. Fuses – Buy Whenever You Can

Fuses act as golden keys to the world of Dead Island 2. Almost every house and building will have a fuse box. Believe me or not, but plundering the secret rooms hiding behind these fuse boxes is really worth it. Fuses can't be found everywhere, but fuse boxes can. So if a particular trader has fuses, maximize your inventory, because the investment will be worth it.

And these were the 10 things you absolutely must know before starting your zombie adventure in Dead Island 2. If you have made it to the end, you will surely succeed in saving Los Angeles!

Have fun!

Oliwia Lewicka

Oliwia was part of EarlyGame's content team. She wrote news and guides for the Gaming, LoL and Entertainment categories....