Is There a Gun in Dying Light 2? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of firearms in Dying Light 2: Stay Human is a common one, and the answer is nuanced. Unlike its predecessor, Dying Light 2 does not feature a wide array of conventional firearms. Instead, you’ll primarily rely on melee weapons, bows, crossbows, and crafted items. However, the game does include one specific firearm, and unique ranged options are also available, albeit with a twist. So, the short answer is: Yes, there is one gun in Dying Light 2, but it’s not the typical experience. Let’s break down what firearms are available and why the landscape of weaponry has shifted.
The Lone Firearm: The Boomstick
The single, craftable firearm available in Dying Light 2 is called the Boomstick. This isn’t a conventional automatic rifle or pistol, but rather a homemade shotgun. It’s important to note that you cannot just pick up this weapon; it’s a blueprint item you must acquire and then craft.
Obtaining the Boomstick Blueprint
To obtain the blueprint for the Boomstick, players must complete the “Observatory” mission. After successfully completing this mission, the blueprint for this unique firearm can be purchased from a craft-master vendor in a Peacekeeper territory. This implies a certain level of commitment and progress within the game’s story. So, you cannot obtain it early in the game, you must proceed through the story in order to get it.
The Unique Nature of the Boomstick
The Boomstick is not intended to be a core, everyday weapon like in other shooter games. It’s more of a rare, powerful tool to be used sparingly. Ammunition for the Boomstick is scarce and must be crafted, adding another layer of strategic consideration to its use. This design choice ensures it’s a significant resource, not just a simple fix to your problems. It is crucial to remember that the sound of the Boomstick can attract hordes of infected, including the dangerous Virals, so discretion is key when deciding to use it.
Why the Lack of Guns in Dying Light 2?
The scarcity of firearms in Dying Light 2 is not merely a gameplay choice, but it’s also deeply rooted in the game’s lore. The narrative explains that, in the desperate fight against the infected, the GRE and local military confiscated virtually all firearms and ammunition from the city of Villedor. They exhausted their entire arsenal in this losing battle, which explains the lack of guns.
This provides a compelling explanation for the game’s focus on melee combat and crafting. It sets a different tone from the first Dying Light game, which did feature more traditional firearms, and emphasizes the themes of desperation and survival.
Alternative Ranged Options: Beyond Traditional Firearms
While conventional guns are rare, Dying Light 2 offers other creative and engaging ranged options, most notably bows and crossbows.
Bows and Crossbows
These are prominent ranged weapons in the game, and you are likely to rely on them heavily. Crafting ammunition for bows and crossbows is much easier than for the Boomstick, making them a viable alternative. You can also find various types of arrows and bolts which can offer elemental damage like electric or fire. One of the most powerful weapons in the game is the Peacekeeper Crossbow, which is obtainable by giving four facilities to the Peacekeepers faction. This highlights the importance of faction choices, which can grant you access to unique and potent gear.
The Left Finger of Glova
A truly unique ranged “weapon” is the Left Finger of Glova, which turns Aiden’s left index finger into a potent ranged attack. This weapon is quite well-hidden and requires players to complete the “Broadcast” story mission before they can easily access its blueprint. This “finger gun” is more of a fun novelty than a high-powered weapon, but it still provides a good alternative, albeit strange one, to conventional firearms.
Throwing Knives and Other Projectiles
For the early game, your primary ranged weapons will be throwing knives, spears, bottles, bricks, and other throwable items found in the environment. These are not always reliable, but they are useful tools to use at range, at least until you find a bow or crossbow.
The Absence of Guns: A Deliberate Design Choice
It’s also worth noting that the decision to limit guns was partly informed by criticisms of the original Dying Light. Many players found firearms to be overpowered, poorly implemented, and even game-breaking. Techland, the developers, acknowledged these concerns and deliberately scaled back the presence of guns in the sequel. This design choice places a greater emphasis on melee combat, parkour, and tactical planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there only one firearm in Dying Light 2?
Yes, the Boomstick is the only conventional firearm you will find in Dying Light 2. The rest of the ranged weapons are bows, crossbows, or special items like throwing knives.
2. Where can I find the Boomstick?
The blueprint for the Boomstick can be purchased from a craft-master vendor in Peacekeeper territory after completing the “Observatory” mission. You cannot find it as a lootable item in the world.
3. Why are there no more guns in Dying Light 2?
In-game lore explains that the military confiscated all the guns in Villedor in a desperate attempt to contain the infected, ultimately leading to an extreme shortage of weapons.
4. Are there guns in the original Dying Light?
Yes, unlike Dying Light 2, the original Dying Light did feature a variety of conventional firearms, which were often found in later stages of the game.
5. Can I get a gun early in Dying Light 2?
No, you cannot get the Boomstick early in the game. You need to progress through the story and complete the “Observatory” mission to unlock it. In general, the game does not feature many ranged weapons during the early parts of the game.
6. Is there a finger gun in Dying Light 2?
Yes, the Left Finger of Glova is a unique weapon that uses your finger as a ranged weapon. However, it is more of a novelty and is not the most effective weapon in the game. You also need to proceed quite far into the story to obtain this unique weapon.
7. What is the best ranged weapon in Dying Light 2?
Many consider the Peacekeeper Crossbow to be the best ranged weapon due to its high damage and elemental bolt options. Bows are a great alternative too. The crossbow is specifically good because it never breaks, unlike many other weapons.
8. Are there any unbreakable weapons in Dying Light 2?
Most weapons have durability meters, but the Peacekeeper Crossbow is a notable exception. The EXcalibur from Dying Light 1 was also unbreakable, however, in Dying Light 2 the Peacekeeper Crossbow is the closest you will get to an unbreakable weapon.
9. Are throwing knives effective in Dying Light 2?
Throwing knives are a valuable part of the arsenal, especially early in the game. However, they are not as powerful as bows and crossbows.
10. Are there any DLCs that add more guns to Dying Light 2?
As of the current moment, no DLC has introduced additional conventional firearms to the game. It’s possible that future DLCs might introduce new ranged weapons, but there are no official announcements.
11. What is the strongest enemy in Dying Light 2?
Volatiles are considered the most dangerous infected in Dying Light 2. They are fast, strong, and should generally be avoided.
12. Should I side with Peacekeepers or Survivors for the best ranged weapons?
Siding with the Peacekeepers will provide you with the best ranged weapon, the Peacekeeper Crossbow, so if your play style relies on ranged weaponry, Peacekeepers are probably the better choice. However, you can still obtain bows and other ranged options with the other faction.
13. Can you repair weapons in Dying Light 2?
You cannot repair weapons directly in Dying Light 2. The game features a durability system, meaning once a weapon breaks, it is unusable. Modifying weapons can help to prolong their lifespan.
14. What is the Lazarus weapon in Dying Light 2?
The Lazarus is a set of artifact knuckledusters found in the game. They are useful, but more of an early to mid-game melee option and are not ranged.
15. How rare are ranged weapons in Dying Light 2?
Ranged weapons are less common than melee weapons, but they become more prevalent as you progress through the game. Bows and crossbows are more common, but you can expect to need to craft and find ammunition. The Boomstick and Left Finger of Glova are special exceptions that require more effort to obtain.