Is There a Reference to Crane in Dying Light 2? A Deep Dive
Yes, there are significant references to Kyle Crane in Dying Light 2 Stay Human, making him a character that, while not directly present, casts a long shadow over the game’s narrative. Players will encounter numerous nods to his actions and legacy throughout their time in The City, ensuring his place in the series’ lore despite his physical absence. These references range from somber memorials to cryptic hints about his fate, and even fuel crucial plot points regarding the spread of the infection. While he isn’t the protagonist, Crane’s impact on the world of Dying Light continues to resonate strongly within the sequel.
Kyle Crane’s Presence in Dying Light 2
Memorials and Audio Logs
One of the most direct ways Crane is remembered is through a memorial located within a container. Upon finding this, players will discover not only a visual tribute but also an audio recording detailing some of his exploits following the conclusion of the original game. This audio log provides crucial, albeit heartbreaking, insights into Crane’s final days and how he tried to grapple with the results of his actions, and the inevitable consequences he faced. This isn’t just a throwaway easter egg; it’s a deliberate attempt to place Crane within the context of Dying Light 2‘s narrative.
Dialogue and NPC Mentions
Throughout your journey through The City, you will hear NPCs mention Kyle Crane. These mentions are rarely explicit and never reveal his exact whereabouts. Many of them, however, hint at a tragic end for the hero of Harran. These fragments of conversations build up a picture of Crane’s legacy: a man who once fought against the odds but ultimately could not escape the darkness that was consuming the world around him. These interactions are more than subtle nods; they’re woven into the very fabric of the narrative, influencing how survivors view the past and their hopes for the future.
The Unanswered Questions
While Dying Light 2 does offer references to Kyle Crane, it also carefully avoids explicitly stating the full details of his fate or current condition. This ambiguity allows for a degree of speculation and keeps Crane’s story lingering in the minds of the players. It allows for his legacy to carry significance without forcing him into a story that focuses on a new protagonist, Aiden Caldwell. This conscious decision preserves the integrity of Crane’s story arc from the original game and allows Aiden’s narrative to stand on its own.
The Impact on the Narrative
The references to Kyle Crane aren’t simply nostalgic callbacks. They actively impact the story. Crane’s actions, particularly his involvement in the spread of the Harran virus outside of the original quarantine zone, serve as a crucial element in the overall narrative. His story serves as both a warning and a reminder of the fragility of humanity and the far-reaching consequences of desperate actions. While Aiden’s struggles are different, they are framed within the context of the world shaped by Crane’s choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kyle Crane in Dying Light 2
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide additional clarity on Crane’s role and references in Dying Light 2:
1. Is Kyle Crane a zombie in Dying Light 2?
There are theories and in-game suggestions pointing towards a special kind of Infected that bears resemblance to Crane. While it’s not a confirmation, the game implies Crane experienced a unique mutation that could lead to him being a formidable, unique zombie enemy, similar to the “Mother” from the original game’s DLC.
2. Is Kyle Crane Aiden?
No, Aiden Caldwell is not Kyle Crane. Although both share certain traits, such as similar abilities and a love for baseball caps, the two are separate characters. Aiden is a new protagonist with his own background and motivations. This is reinforced by character interactions and dialogue within the game that firmly establish Aiden’s unique personal history.
3. Did Kyle Crane become the Night Hunter?
The game strongly suggests that Crane mutated into the Night Hunter, a unique form of infected. He didn’t become a Volatile but something specifically created for him after his unique exposure to the serum at the end of Dying Light. This mutation is what separates him from other infected, making him a unique, apex predator.
4. Why is Kyle Crane not a playable character in Dying Light 2?
Dying Light 2 focuses on Aiden’s story, and including Crane as a central figure would have detracted from his development and journey. Furthermore, the developers likely wanted to avoid retreading familiar ground and to explore new narratives within the Dying Light universe.
5. Did Kyle Crane spread the virus?
Yes, it was confirmed by a lead level designer for Dying Light 2 that Kyle Crane became an Infected and spread the Harran Virus to the rest of the world. This was a critical revelation that recontextualizes the original game’s ending and forms a cornerstone of the sequel’s narrative.
6. Does Spike know Crane in Dying Light 2?
There is no interaction between Spike and the player in Dying Light 2. However, in the original game, Spike became a friend to Crane after initially being standoffish. Spike is not mentioned within Dying Light 2’s main narrative.
7. What happened to Crane at the end of Dying Light?
Depending on the player’s choice, Crane either detonated a nuke (ending on a white screen) or took a serum resulting in him killing the cult leader and eventually returning to Harran, where he transformed into a Volatile (ending with the screen fading to black). These endings are both now heavily implied as his last moments of humanity and explain the narrative impact in Dying Light 2.
8. What did Kyle Crane turn into after becoming infected?
After initially using volatile abilities, Crane ultimately transformed into a sentient Volatile. He had become a dangerous threat that spread the infection to the rest of the world. His ultimate mutation was the catalyst for the worldwide spread.
9. Was Crane patient zero for the global infection in Dying Light 2?
While the original patient zero was a man named Mr. Buruk, Kyle Crane is heavily implied to have triggered the second widespread infection, which engulfed the globe outside of Harran after the events of the first game.
10. Is the whole world infected in Dying Light 2?
Yes, the entire world was infected following “The Fall” as a result of the virus being released from Harran via Kyle Crane. This created the desperate environment present in Dying Light 2, where The City is one of the last remaining outposts of human civilization.
11. Is Aiden related to Crane?
No, there is no evidence or suggestion that Aiden is related to Kyle Crane. Aiden has his own origins and motivations which are separate from Kyle Crane’s established storyline. Aiden’s story is intentionally separated from that of Crane in order to give the player a fresh perspective.
12. Is the nuke ending from Dying Light canon in Dying Light 2?
The Infected Option from Dying Light is strongly implied to be canon, as the alternative nuclear option would have prevented the worldwide spread of the virus. The current global infection in Dying Light 2 directly conflicts with the nuclear option from the first game.
13. Can Volatiles see your flashlight in Dying Light?
No, Volatiles do not react to flashlights in the original Dying Light. It is only the standard infected biters that will be attracted to the light, giving players a tactical advantage when avoiding them.
14. How fast can Volatiles run?
Volatiles in the original game are incredibly fast and their speed has been measured around 70 MPH, matching that of the buggy in speed. They are easily the fastest and most dangerous Infected within the first game.
15. Is Kyle Crane considered a hero in Dying Light?
Kyle Crane is considered both a hero and a villain. He acted heroically during the events of Dying Light within Harran, but his actions also lead to the downfall of global society. His legacy is complicated and morally ambiguous, highlighting the complex nature of his character.
In conclusion, while Kyle Crane is not a playable character in Dying Light 2, his presence is undeniable and profound. The references and mentions ensure he remains a vital part of the overall story, impacting the present, and echoing within the future narrative of the series.