Which Weapons to Keep in Dead Island 2: A Survivor’s Guide

The zombie-infested streets of HELL-A in Dead Island 2 are no walk in the park. Survival hinges on your ability to effectively utilize the game’s diverse arsenal of weapons. But with limited inventory space and the constant lure of shiny new tools of destruction, deciding which weapons to keep and which to ditch can be a tricky proposition. The short answer is: prioritize weapons that synergize with your Slayer’s skills, offer versatile damage types (like bleed, shock, or fire), and can be upgraded to higher tiers. Keeping a balanced selection of melee and ranged weapons, including at least one powerful backup option like the Bodycount rifle or a bleed-inflicting melee weapon like the Blood Rage, is crucial for tackling any situation HELL-A throws your way.

Melee vs. Ranged: Finding Your Balance

Dead Island 2 heavily favors melee combat, and most of your zombie slaying will involve getting up close and personal. That doesn’t mean you should completely ignore firearms, though. Instead, aim for a complementary relationship.

Melee Weapons: Your Bread and Butter

Focus on building a collection of melee weapons with diverse stats and effects. This includes:

• A fast, lightweight weapon: Katanas and Knives excel here. These are perfect for quick attacks, interrupting enemy actions, and applying status effects rapidly. Speed and critical hit chance are key.
• A heavy, hard-hitting weapon: Machetes, baseball bats, and sledgehammers provide the stopping power needed to stagger larger zombies and deal significant damage. Look for weapons with high base damage and Force.
• An elemental damage dealer: Weapons modified with electrical, fire, or caustic effects offer incredible crowd control and are essential for dealing with specific zombie types. Craft mods that align with your Slayer’s skills and preferred playstyle.
• A bleed weapon: Blood Rage or any weapon modified for bleed damage excels at taking down larger zombies due to the damage over time.

Ranged Weapons: Strategic Support

Firearms in Dead Island 2 serve as tactical tools rather than primary damage dealers. Reserve them for:

• Dealing with distant threats: Exploders, Screamers, and other ranged zombies require immediate attention. Rifles and shotguns excel at this.
• Crowd control: A well-placed shotgun blast can stagger a group of zombies, giving you breathing room.
• Boss encounters: Higher-end rifles and shotguns can inflict significant damage on boss-level zombies.

Slayer Synergy: Tailoring Your Arsenal

Each Slayer in Dead Island 2 has unique strengths and playstyles. Choose weapons that amplify these strengths. For example:

• Jacob: As the text said, Jacob’s stamina and aggressive playstyle make Frenzy weapons an ideal choice, allowing him to chain together attacks.
• Dani: Her explosive personality translates to an explosive playstyle. Weapons that inflict fire or cause explosions are highly effective.
• Amy: Quick and agile, Amy benefits from weapons with high critical hit chance and status effects.

Experiment with different weapon types and mods to discover the combinations that work best for your Slayer.

Upgrading and Modding: Maximizing Potential

Don’t underestimate the power of upgrading and modding your weapons. A well-upgraded weapon can significantly outperform a newer weapon of a lower tier.

• Prioritize upgrading your favorite weapons: Focus on upgrading weapons that align with your playstyle and offer the most versatility.
• Experiment with different mods: Mods can drastically alter a weapon’s performance. Try different combinations to find the perfect setup.
• Don’t be afraid to scrap: If you’re running low on resources, don’t hesitate to scrap weaker weapons to upgrade your favorites.

Legendary Weapons: The Endgame Goal

Legendary weapons in Dead Island 2 are unique, powerful, and come with pre-installed perks. These weapons are worth keeping and upgrading, as they offer distinct advantages in combat. Examples include:

• Bodycount: A rapid-fire rifle that is considered the best weapon in Dead Island 2.
• Blood Rage: A legendary blade with bleed effects.

However, unique weapons obtained from quests cannot be sold.

Inventory Management: The Art of Letting Go

Inventory space is limited in Dead Island 2, so you’ll need to be strategic about what you keep.

• Regularly clear out your inventory: Sell or scrap weapons that you no longer use.
• Prioritize weapons with higher tiers and better stats: Don’t be afraid to ditch a lower-level weapon, even if it’s one you used to enjoy.
• Keep a variety of weapon types: Maintain a balanced arsenal of fast, heavy, and elemental weapons.
• Utilize your storage locker: Store weapons that you might want to use later but don’t need to carry with you at all times.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to survive the zombie apocalypse in Dead Island 2. Remember to experiment, adapt, and find the weapon combinations that work best for you. Good luck, Slayer! Understanding the mechanics of the game is crucial, something explored more deeply at institutions like the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational aspects of gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are guns good in Dead Island 2?

While not as dominant as melee weapons, guns are useful in certain situations for dealing with ranged threats and crowd control. Higher-end guns can inflict significant damage on tougher zombies and bosses.

2. What weapons should Jacob use in Dead Island 2?

Jacob’s high stamina and aggressive playstyle make Frenzy weapons an ideal choice. Focus on weapons that allow him to chain together attacks and maximize his damage output.

3. What should I sell in Dead Island 2?

Sell weapons that you no longer use or that are significantly weaker than your current arsenal. Pistols, pipes, and other common weapons are good candidates for selling.

4. What is the best legendary melee weapon in Dead Island 2?

Blood Rage is considered one of the best due to its bleed-inflicting capabilities.

5. What is the most OP weapon in Dead Island 2?

Many players consider the Bodycount rifle to be the most overpowered weapon in the game.

6. Should I sell or scrap weapons in Dead Island 2?

It depends on your needs. Sell weapons if you need quick cash. Scrap weapons if you’re running low on basic materials.

7. How to make money fast in Dead Island 2?

Selling weapons is a reliable way to earn money fast. Also, complete side quests, loot everything, and kill as many zombies as possible.

8. Can you dual wield in Dead Island 2?

Yes, you can dual wield certain weapons like machetes. This allows for faster attacks and potentially elemental combinations.

9. Is there a best character for firearms in Dead Island 2?

Not really. Character-specific skills have less impact on weapons than in previous Dead Island games. Choose a character based on their overall playstyle.

10. What is the best hunting rifle in Dead Island 2?

Peggy is an excellent hunting rifle.

11. Who is the best character in Dead Island 2?

Dani is considered one of the best slayers.

12. What are the best early weapons in Dead Island 2?

The Defiant Hunting Knife and Electrocutor Officer’s Sword from early side quests in Beverly Hills are excellent choices.

13. Is the nail gun worth it in Dead Island 2?

The nail gun can be useful due to its high damage output.

14. Should I buy a shotgun in Dead Island 2?

Shotguns are effective in Dead Island 2.

15. Can you sell Legendaries in Dead Island 2?

Unique weapons can’t be sold to traders or scrapped for parts.