Table of Contents

Should You Play Dying Light Before Diving into Dying Light 2? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether to play the original Dying Light before its sequel, Dying Light 2: Stay Human, is a common one among gamers eager to explore the zombie-infested open world. The short answer? It’s not strictly necessary, but there are several compelling reasons why you might want to. While Dying Light 2 is designed to be a standalone experience, understanding its predecessor can enrich your gameplay and overall enjoyment. Let’s delve into the details and explore why you might want to consider experiencing Harran before venturing into Villedor.

Why You Don’t Need to Play Dying Light First

Standalone Story and New Characters

Dying Light 2 takes place 22 years after the events of the original, featuring a brand new protagonist, Aiden Caldwell, and a fresh cast of characters in a new city, Villedor. While the universe is the same, the narrative focus shifts dramatically. Dying Light 2 introduces a new, complex societal structure and conflicts, allowing players to jump straight in without needing prior knowledge. This makes the sequel very approachable for newcomers to the franchise.

Gameplay Improvements and Tutorials

The core gameplay loop of Dying Light 2 revolves around a refined combination of combat, stealth, and parkour. The parkour system, in particular, has been significantly improved since the first game, making movement more fluid and engaging. Dying Light 2 includes robust tutorials that ease new players into its mechanics. Therefore, not playing the original Dying Light will not hinder your ability to learn and enjoy the sequel.

Focus on Combat and Navigation

The gameplay of Dying Light 2 puts a heavy emphasis on melee combat and navigating the environment with parkour. These elements are central to both games, but Dying Light 2 provides a more polished experience right off the bat. While familiarity with the basic combat concepts might help, it’s not a mandatory prerequisite. Dying Light 2’s systems are explained to the player, regardless of if they have played the first game or not.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Playing Dying Light First

Understanding the Lore and World-Building

While not essential for Dying Light 2, playing the first Dying Light provides invaluable context to the world’s lore. You learn about the origins of the Harran virus and the initial outbreak, which lays the foundation for the post-apocalyptic setting of Dying Light 2. The second game references the events and concepts from the first, and having that background can significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the broader narrative.

Character Connections

Although Dying Light 2 features a new protagonist, understanding the fate of Kyle Crane from the first game adds a layer of intrigue to the universe. While it’s not a direct plot connection, it reveals a key element of the overarching story. Knowing the fate of Kyle Crane, who eventually became the Night Hunter, also makes the world seem more cohesive and can trigger a greater sense of investment.

Appreciating the Series’ Evolution

Playing the first game lets you witness the series’ evolution in terms of gameplay mechanics and graphical fidelity. Seeing the improvements firsthand can be more rewarding than just experiencing Dying Light 2. You can appreciate how the game mechanics and graphics have progressed between releases. This experience can help in understanding the strengths and differences of both titles.

Improved Combat and Movement

The first game helps you get used to the basics of combat and parkour, which is important as the second game builds upon those very systems. While the sequel’s mechanics are more advanced and refined, Dying Light provides a good grounding. The first game can get you accustomed to the style of movement and combat, which may help you in Dying Light 2.

Increased Immersion

Ultimately, the first Dying Light helps add to the experience of playing Dying Light 2. It is completely fine to start with the second game, but experiencing the journey of the first game will have you more invested in the franchise. The first game can build the world for you and add to your investment in the overall storyline and universe.

Dying Light DLC and Sequencing

The article also mentioned that the DLC for Dying Light 2 does not alter the main storyline beyond the games ending. Bloody Ties is a separate experience, and should not be done before completing the main story. That is a general rule for all DLCs, they should only be started after you are done with the main story. It allows you to experience the game as it is intended, without worrying about new equipment, skills or abilities.

Conclusion: Your Choice

In conclusion, playing Dying Light before Dying Light 2 is not a requirement for enjoying the sequel. However, it significantly enhances your experience by providing a deeper understanding of the lore, characters, and the overall evolution of the franchise. If you have the time and inclination, starting with the original game will enrich your journey through the zombie-infested world of Dying Light. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities and availability, and thankfully either starting point is completely valid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further help you make an informed decision:

Is Dying Light 2 a direct sequel to Dying Light?

Yes, Dying Light 2 is a sequel set 22 years after the events of the original Dying Light, though with a new protagonist and location.

Do I need to know the story of Dying Light to understand Dying Light 2?

No, you don’t need to know the story of the first game. Dying Light 2 is designed to be a standalone experience, introducing a new narrative and characters.

Is the gameplay different in Dying Light 2 compared to Dying Light?
- Yes, the gameplay is improved in Dying Light 2, featuring more advanced parkour mechanics, refined combat, and a bigger emphasis on player choice. However, the basic elements are very similar.
Is Dying Light 2 harder than Dying Light?

Yes, Dying Light 2 is designed to be more challenging, with a higher difficulty curve, especially when you first start.

How big is the map in Dying Light 2 compared to the original?

The map in Dying Light 2 is estimated to be four times bigger than the map in the original Dying Light, and is more vertical.

Is Dying Light 2 scarier than Dying Light?

No, many players find that the nighttime experience in Dying Light is more terrifying than in Dying Light 2.

What ending in Dying Light is considered canon?

Dying Light 2 implies that the Infected option ending in Dying Light is canon, where the player detonates the nuclear bomb.

Does Kyle Crane, the protagonist of Dying Light, appear in Dying Light 2?
- While Kyle Crane doesn’t directly appear in Dying Light 2, his actions and fate are alluded to, he is mentioned a few times through the game and lore.
Did Kyle Crane become a volatile?

Yes, the lore from Dying Light 2 implies that Kyle Crane transformed into a unique mutation called the Night Hunter, and spread the Harran Virus to the rest of the world.

Does the flashlight alert Volatiles in Dying Light?
- No, the flashlight does not alert Volatiles in Dying Light. They will be completely unbothered by it. However, it will alert the standard biters.
How long does it take to beat Dying Light 2?

It takes approximately 24 hours to complete the main story of Dying Light 2. Reaching 100% completion can take around 95 hours.

Is Dying Light 2 repetitive?
- Some players may find elements of Dying Light 2 repetitive, especially in regards to side quests and combat. This does vary from player to player.
How many humans are left in Dying Light 2?
- Only about 2% of the world’s population is left in Dying Light 2.
Should I play the DLC before or after the main story of Dying Light 2?
- It’s recommended to play the DLC after completing the main story to fully experience the intended narrative. The DLCs do not alter the main storyline.
Is there a gun in Dying Light 2?
- There is one firearm in Dying Light 2, called the Boomstick, and it can be obtained by completing the “Observatory” mission.

Should I finish dying light before Dying Light 2?