Should You Fight Jack and Joe in Dying Light 2? The Definitive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of whether to fight or negotiate with Jack and Joe in Dying Light 2 is a common one, and the answer is surprisingly straightforward: it doesn’t truly matter. The game design cleverly funnels you to the same outcome regardless of your initial choice. Whether you choose to engage in combat or attempt a peaceful resolution, you will ultimately arrive at a negotiation scenario and gain control of the water tower. This article will delve into why that is the case and provide you with all the information you need regarding this early-game decision.
Understanding the Illusion of Choice
The encounter with Jack and Joe is set up to give the player a sense of agency and potential consequence, but in actuality, the path is remarkably linear. Let’s break down what happens:
The Fight Option
If you decide to fight Jack and Joe, the scene plays out with some initial aggression from the pair. They’ll make a frantic attempt to detonate the water tower, believing they have explosives set up. However, if you disarmed the devices prior to engaging them – which the game strongly hints towards doing – their plan is a bust. This leaves them in a desperate position, forcing them to then panic and initiate a negotiation themselves.
The Negotiation Option
If you choose to negotiate from the start, you bypass the failed detonation attempt and immediately arrive at the negotiation phase. Essentially, you skip a few seconds of dialogue and gameplay.
The Same Outcome
Regardless of which route you initially choose, the final outcome is identical: you end up in control of the water tower and are presented with the decision of whether to give it to the Peacekeepers or the Survivors. This isn’t a pivotal moment that changes the course of the game, so don’t fret over the decision.
Why Does It Matter?
The actual decision isn’t about fight vs. negotiate. The game is using this scenario to highlight some key aspects:
Player Agency Illusion
It introduces the idea that your choices have consequence, even when they don’t. This narrative tactic adds to the immersive experience, encouraging you to think about your actions.
Understanding the Setting
It’s more about getting you familiar with the world’s mechanics, how to disarm traps, and how conversations and gameplay can intersect.
Story Introduction
It allows the game to quickly introduce the conflict between the Peacekeepers and Survivors factions.
The Real Decision: Tower Control
The real decision stemming from this encounter is who controls the tower – the Peacekeepers or the Survivors. This impacts gameplay far more than whether you try to talk or fight. Choosing either faction grants unique map upgrades and benefits. Siding with the Peacekeepers provides combat-focused advantages like car traps and electrical fences, whereas siding with Survivors provides traversal upgrades like ziplines and jump pads. This is the choice that truly matters.
The Ethical Element
Beyond gameplay, this interaction touches on the moral complexity of the world. Are Jack and Joe simply thugs, or are they desperate people trying to survive? The game doesn’t explicitly label them as inherently good or evil, leaving you to decide on their worth. This is a common theme throughout Dying Light 2. Helping Jack and Joe could be seen as the best subjective choice, based on the overall narrative, as eliminating the thugs isn’t game-breaking, but there are consequences to every action you take.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to this encounter and other important aspects of Dying Light 2:
1. Is it better to help Jack and Joe?
It’s not definitively “better” in terms of game mechanics as the result is always the same. However, a subjective choice would lean towards helping them. Eliminating them has no major implications either way.
2. Does the Jack and Joe encounter affect the ending?
No. The encounter with Jack and Joe has no impact on the game’s ending. Your choices later on concerning Hakon, Frank, and Lawan will play a significant role in determining which ending you will receive.
3. How do I get the best ending in Dying Light 2?
To get the best ending in Dying Light 2, you should:
- Spare Hakon in Old Villedor.
- Give the Radio Tower to Frank.
- Save Frank in Breakthrough.
- Spare Hakon and stop Lawan from killing him in No Mercy.
- Let Lawan detonate the bombs in X13.
4. Is it better to side with the Peacekeepers or Survivors?
There isn’t a “better” choice; it depends on your playstyle. The Peacekeepers offer combat-oriented upgrades, while the Survivors enhance your parkour abilities. Pick what aligns better with your preferred gameplay experience.
5. Who should I side with in Dying Light 2 for offensive perks?
If you prefer offensive perks, the Peacekeepers are the better choice. They provide traps, weapons, and other combat-enhancing map upgrades.
6. What does it mean to be a peacemaker, not a peacekeeper?
The distinction is rooted in philosophy and religious teaching. A peacemaker actively works towards reconciliation and understanding, while a peacekeeper may maintain peace through force or simply by keeping things still and quiet. The Bible states “Blessed are the peacemakers“.
7. Are there bad endings in Dying Light 2?
Yes, there is a “bad” ending. To get it, you must let Hakon die, give the VNC Tower to the Peacekeepers, and choose to save Lawan at the end of the game.
8. Who killed Lucas?
Hakon killed Lucas on the orders of Waltz. This is revealed as the story progresses.
9. Who are some of the best characters in Dying Light 2?
Many consider Hakon and Lawan to be among the most compelling characters. Jack Matt, Juan, Aitor, and Frank Marwey are also memorable.
10. What is Jack Matt hiding?
Jack Matt is revealed to be involved in the chemical bombing and a conspiracy to cover it up. This is learned as you explore the Spy Game questline.
11. What happens if you trust Jack Matt?
If you side with Jack Matt, Williams will die, and the truth about the chemical bombing will be suppressed. He will also arrange the transportation for you to get to X13.
12. Is it better to help Jack or Lorenzo in the Bazaar?
This depends on your character build. Lorenzo provides a serum, while Jack will support your journey in other ways. It comes down to personal character needs.
13. Is Kyle Crane dead in Dying Light 2?
While not explicitly confirmed, NPCs in Dying Light 2 heavily imply that Kyle Crane met a tragic end. His actual whereabouts are never revealed.
14. Is Hakon a good guy or a bad guy?
Hakon is a complex character. He is an antagonist in the first part of the game. His redemption in later parts makes him a compelling character, and for the best ending to occur, you must make the choice to save him.
15. What happens if you save Lawan or detonate the bombs?
Saving Lawan results in the “bad ending”. Letting Lawan detonate the bombs results in the “best ending,” even though Mia will die. However, Aiden will save Villedor.
Conclusion
The fight or negotiate choice with Jack and Joe is a brilliant example of how game design can manipulate perceived player agency. In the end, the decision is ultimately about which faction gains control of the water tower and the gameplay perks that follow. Focus your decision making on which factions better align with your preferred playstyle rather than letting any ethical decision influence your choice on the best way to approach Jack and Joe. Remember, the choices you make later in the game concerning Hakon, Lawan, and Frank will determine your ending.