Are There Vehicles in Dead Island 2? The Definitive Answer
The sun-drenched, zombie-infested streets of Hell-A in Dead Island 2 are a sight to behold. But as you’re wading through hordes of the undead, you might be wondering: can I hop in a car and plow through these shambling corpses? The short answer is: no, there are no drivable vehicles in Dead Island 2. While cars, trucks, and vans are scattered throughout the game’s various zones, they are purely decorative elements. You can interact with them in limited ways, but you won’t be cruising down Sunset Boulevard in a zombie-smashing machine.
This design choice is a significant departure from some other open-world zombie games, and it focuses the gameplay heavily on melee combat and exploration on foot. Let’s dive deeper into the world of Dead Island 2 and explore the role of vehicles, the open-world structure, and other key elements.
Exploring Hell-A on Foot
While you can’t drive, the game does offer a unique open-world experience. Instead of one giant, seamless map, Dead Island 2 is broken into 10 distinct zones, each with its own character and challenges. You’ll move between these zones via designated Zone Exits, such as military checkpoints, which create loading screens and prevent the game from being a truly seamless open world.
This segmented approach allows for more detailed environments and focused storytelling within each area. It also encourages players to explore every nook and cranny on foot, discovering hidden secrets, resources, and unique zombie encounters. While some may find the lack of drivable vehicles disappointing, this design choice enhances the game’s emphasis on close-quarters combat and strategic use of the environment.
Vehicles as Environmental Assets
Despite being undrivable, vehicles play a role in Dead Island 2’s gameplay and world design.
- Looting and Scavenging: You can often find valuable resources and supplies hidden in the trunks of cars or under the seats.
- Strategic Positioning: Clambering on top of vehicles provides a tactical advantage, giving you a better vantage point for surveying the area and avoiding hordes of zombies.
- Environmental Storytelling: The placement and condition of vehicles contribute to the overall atmosphere of the game, painting a picture of the zombie apocalypse and the chaos that ensued.
- Obstacles and Barriers: Vehicles can be used to create choke points or funnel zombies into kill zones, adding a layer of strategy to combat encounters.
The Melee Focus and Alternative Transportation
The absence of drivable vehicles forces players to rely on melee combat and the parkour-inspired movement system. The game offers a wide array of melee weapons, from pipes and wrenches to katanas and electrified claws. The combat system is brutal and visceral, rewarding players for skillful timing, precise aiming, and creative use of the environment.
While you can’t drive, fast travel does become available as you progress through the story. Unlocking fast travel points allows you to quickly move between different zones, reducing the need to trek long distances on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Dead Island 2, offering further insights into its gameplay and features:
1. Does Dead Island 2 have free roam?
Yes, Dead Island 2 offers a free-roam experience within its segmented open-world. You can explore each of the 10 zones at your own pace, completing quests, finding collectibles, and battling hordes of zombies.
2. Is Dead Island 2 truly open world?
While the game is often described as open world, it’s more accurately described as a series of interconnected semi-open worlds. The 10 distinct zones are separated by loading screens, which prevent it from being a truly seamless open world experience.
3. Are there any ranged weapons in Dead Island 2?
Yes, Dead Island 2 features a variety of ranged weapons, including pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, and even a crossbow.
4. When do I get guns in Dead Island 2?
Guns become available after playing for several hours, typically around five hours into your first playthrough.
5. Is there a crossbow in Dead Island 2?
Yes, the K-Prototype, a crossbow variant, is a unique weapon that can be found during the “The Invitation” quest.
6. How do I unlock fast travel in Dead Island 2?
Fast travel is unlocked after completing “The Red Mist” quest in the main story.
7. Are there human enemies in Dead Island 2?
No, Dead Island 2 focuses solely on zombie enemies. There are no human enemies in the base game’s story.
8. How many playable characters are in Dead Island 2?
There are six playable characters in Dead Island 2, each with their own unique skills and abilities.
9. Can I play Dead Island 2 solo?
Yes, Dead Island 2 is designed to be a great single-player experience. It also supports co-op gameplay for up to three players.
10. How long does it take to beat Dead Island 2?
Completing the main story takes around 15 hours. Achieving 100% completion can take around 36 hours.
11. What is the maximum level in Dead Island 2?
The maximum level that players can reach in Dead Island 2 is 30.
12. Who is the best character in Dead Island 2?
While personal preference plays a role, Dani is often considered the best character due to her powerful innate skills and engaging personality.
13. What is the strongest weapon in Dead Island 2?
The Bodycount, a rapid-fire Legendary Rifle, is widely regarded as one of the best and most powerful weapons in the game.
14. Will there be a Dead Island 3?
While nothing is confirmed, developers have hinted that the ending of Dead Island 2 sets the stage for a potential Dead Island 3.
15. Can you skip the credits in Dead Island 2?
No, you cannot skip the credits in Dead Island 2.
The Verdict: A Deliberate Design Choice
The decision to exclude drivable vehicles in Dead Island 2 was a conscious choice by the developers, aimed at focusing the gameplay on melee combat, exploration, and strategic use of the environment. While some players may miss the ability to drive, the game offers a unique and engaging zombie-slaying experience that is well worth checking out. The detailed environments, brutal combat, and engaging story combine to create a memorable and satisfying experience. The Games Learning Society explores elements of game design and how they impact player learning and engagement, and the design choices made in Dead Island 2 offer a compelling case study. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about game-based learning.