The Apex Predator of the Night: Understanding the Hardest Zombie in Dying Light 2

The infected of Dying Light 2 are a varied and terrifying bunch, ranging from shambling biters to agile predators. But one type of infected stands head and shoulders above the rest in terms of sheer difficulty and danger: the Volatile. Volatiles are, without a doubt, the hardest zombie in Dying Light 2. These creatures are considered the apex predators of the infected, possessing a lethal combination of speed, strength, and aggression that makes them a nightmare to encounter.

Why Volatiles Are The Most Dangerous

The Volatile’s reputation isn’t just based on anecdotal experiences; it’s a result of their unique characteristics and combat capabilities. Here’s what makes them so incredibly dangerous:

Unmatched Speed and Agility

Unlike their slower counterparts, Volatiles move with terrifying speed and agility. They can leap across rooftops, scale walls, and charge at you in a blink of an eye. This makes them incredibly difficult to outrun and virtually impossible to escape in a straight sprint. Their movement is erratic and unpredictable, further complicating attempts at evasion.

Brutal Strength and Damage

Volatiles aren’t just fast; they’re incredibly strong. A single blow from a Volatile can send you flying, and their attacks can quickly whittle down even the toughest survivor’s health. They are capable of ripping a human being in two, making it clear why they are feared across Villedor. Their aggressive nature means they don’t attack once; they relentlessly pursue their target, inflicting a barrage of heavy damage.

Enhanced Durability

These aren’t your average zombies that crumble with a few blows. Volatiles are built differently, possessing an impressive level of durability that allows them to withstand significant punishment. You’ll need to employ a range of strategies and your best weapons to take one down. Simply swinging haphazardly will often lead to a swift and painful demise.

Nighttime Predators

Adding to the challenge, Volatiles are primarily encountered at night and within Dark Zones. This forces players to consider the risk-reward factor, as venturing into these areas, especially at night, significantly increases the chance of encountering a Volatile. The darkness also further enhances the Volatile’s advantages, making it harder to track and anticipate their attacks.

Unpredictable Behavior

While other infected can often be manipulated or outmaneuvered, Volatiles are notoriously unpredictable. Their behavior can be erratic, making it difficult to predict their attack patterns. This unpredictability, combined with their other attributes, creates an exceptionally dangerous adversary that keeps players constantly on edge.

Strategies for Dealing with Volatiles

Given the Volatile’s sheer lethality, the best strategy is often to avoid them altogether. However, if confrontation is unavoidable, there are a few tactics you can employ:

• Run and Evade: If possible, utilize your parkour skills to create distance and evade their pursuit. Use rooftops, climb walls, and find bottlenecks where they struggle to follow.
• Utilize UV Light: While Volatiles are unaffected by a standard flashlight, UV light is their Achilles’ heel. UV flares and UV bars can slow them down, giving you a chance to create an opening or escape.
• Strategic Combat: If you must engage in combat, focus on powerful melee weapons, ranged attacks, and utilizing environmental advantages. Dodging and weaving are crucial to avoid their heavy blows.
• Traps and Environmental Hazards: Setting traps or luring them into environmental hazards can provide an advantage, but be cautious as they can also be destroyed by Volatiles.
• Avoid Open Areas: Stay away from open spaces at night. Volatiles patrol these areas and are more likely to engage you. Stick to rooftops and alleys where you have more options for escape and maneuverability.

In essence, encountering a Volatile should be treated as a survival scenario rather than a standard zombie encounter. The goal is to minimize the chances of engagement and use every tool at your disposal to survive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of Volatiles and other aspects of the infected in Dying Light 2:

1. How does a Viral become a Volatile?

When a Viral avoids the sun for an extended period, it undergoes a transformation into a Volatile. This highlights the importance of daytime safety, even for the lower-tier infected.

2. Where are Volatiles typically found?

Volatiles are primarily found at night and in Dark Zones. These areas should be approached with extreme caution, especially during the nighttime hours.

3. Can a Volatile be killed in one hit?

While extremely difficult, it is possible to take down a Volatile quickly with a well-placed powerful attack, or after weakening them with UV light. It generally requires a high-level weapon and precise timing.

4. Are Volatiles affected by UV light?

Yes, Volatiles are highly vulnerable to UV light. UV flares and UV bars can significantly slow them down and provide crucial opportunities to escape or attack.

5. Is the flashlight effective against Volatiles?

No, a flashlight has no effect on Volatiles. They do not react to standard light. However, they are affected by UV lights.

6. What is the largest infected in Dying Light 2?

The Demolisher is the largest infected encountered by the player. While not as agile as Volatiles, they are capable of breaking down walls and tossing vehicles.

7. Can you stealth takedown a Howler?

Yes, you can stealth takedown a Howler using a standard stealth attack or by utilizing special abilities. This method allows you to eliminate them quietly and efficiently.

8. Is Dying Light 2 harder than the first game?

Dying Light 2 is designed to be challenging. It introduces new mechanics and a more varied infected, making it arguably more difficult than its predecessor.

9. How many endings are there in Dying Light 2?

Dying Light 2 features multiple endings based on the choices you make throughout the game. The best endings require careful planning and decision making.

10. What is the best faction to side with in Dying Light 2?

The best faction depends on your playstyle. If you prefer offense, the Peacekeepers provide useful traps and map upgrades. For traversal upgrades the Survivors may be a better fit.

11. Is it true that Kyle Crane became infected?

Yes, it has been confirmed by developers that Kyle Crane became infected and spread the Harran Virus to the rest of the world. This connection reveals the dark fate of the original protagonist.

12. Does Aiden have any connection to Kyle Crane?

While Aiden and Kyle share similar abilities, they are not the same person. They are both unique protagonists within the Dying Light universe.

13. How long does it take to complete Dying Light 2?

The main story of Dying Light 2 takes around 20 hours to complete. However, completing all available quests can take up to 80 hours or more.

14. Why are there no guns in Dying Light 2?

The lack of firearms in Dying Light 2 is attributed to the fact that 15 years have passed since the first game, causing ammunition to be scarce and a reliance on melee weaponry.

15. What is the most expensive DLC for Dying Light?

The Dying Light Spotlight Edition is the most expensive DLC, priced at an astonishing $10,000,000. It includes a speaking role in a movie and acting lessons.

By understanding the nature of Volatiles and utilizing effective strategies, you can better navigate the treacherous world of Dying Light 2 and survive the night. They remain a constant reminder of the brutal dangers that lurk within Villedor.