Why Are Zombies Bald in Dying Light?
The most immediate answer to why the infected in Dying Light often sport a distinct lack of hair is due to the ravages of the Harran Virus. The virus, which turns people into flesh-hungry zombies, doesn’t just reanimate the dead; it aggressively alters their physical form. A key part of this transformation involves the deterioration of the skin and hair follicles, leading to significant hair loss and often a completely bald appearance. Think of it like the body being eaten from the inside out, with hair being one of the first casualties. The once healthy follicles weaken, the hair falls out, and the scalp becomes a breeding ground for further decay. This is not a natural process of aging or disease; it is a violent breakdown induced by the very nature of the viral infection. This rapid deterioration is also why infected often appear with exposed flesh, as the skin itself is rapidly rotting away.
The Harran Virus and Its Impact
The Harran Virus operates in a manner similar to rabies, rapidly spreading through the bloodstream and aggressively altering cellular structures. This is not just about turning a person into a mindless zombie; it’s about a complete and violent biological overhaul. The body is essentially being rewritten to serve the virus’s needs. This includes making the infected more aggressive, faster, and more durable – at the expense of their original human form.
The Role of Decomposition
The baldness of the zombies in Dying Light is not simply a cosmetic choice. It reflects the severe level of decomposition the infected undergo. The loss of hair is a byproduct of the virus attacking the skin and follicles. This decomposition is rapid and pervasive, affecting all tissues, making it logical that hair, which is a less essential tissue, is one of the first things to go. Additionally, the virus doesn’t stop there. As the disease progresses, this skin rot worsens, leading to exposed bone, flesh, and muscles, highlighting the horrifying nature of the infection.
Variations and Exceptions
While baldness is a common feature, there are some exceptions. Volatiles, the apex predators of the infected, are often bald due to their advanced state of infection. The virus has completely taken over, accelerating decomposition and leaving no place for hair to remain. However, variations in appearance do exist, primarily based on the stage of infection and the specific type of infected. Some may have remnants of hair clinging to their scalps, depending on the initial infection time and the individual’s hair density pre-infection. But, broadly, most zombies will exhibit some level of hair loss, with the most advanced stages, like the Volatiles, being completely bald. It is also important to note that the Night Hunter mutation, exclusively to Kyle Crane, does not cause him to lose his hair. This is because it is a unique mutation separate from the standard infection.
FAQs about Dying Light Zombies and The Harran Virus
Here are some frequently asked questions about the zombies and the Harran Virus in Dying Light, further illuminating the topic:
1. What is the most dangerous infected type in Dying Light?
The most dangerous infected in Dying Light are without a doubt the Volatiles. They are incredibly fast, strong, and durable, considered the apex predators among the infected. Their unique physiology, a result of advanced viral corruption, makes them incredibly difficult to engage.
2. How does the Harran Virus spread?
The Harran Virus spreads through bites and exposure to infected blood and other bodily fluids. Once a person is infected, the virus rapidly takes hold, leading to the victim becoming one of the infected.
3. Is there a cure for the Harran Virus?
Yes, a cure was found after the events of the first Dying Light game. However, the GRE secretly started working on weaponizing the virus, modifying it for their nefarious purposes. This development led to the events in Dying Light 2.
4. Did Kyle Crane spread the virus worldwide?
Yes, in the canon ending of the first game, Kyle Crane became infected and spread the Harran Virus to the rest of the world. While his initial intentions were good, his actions had catastrophic consequences for humankind.
5. Did Kyle Crane turn into a Volatile?
Yes and no. While he does transform, he does not become a typical Volatile. It is speculated that he became a Sentient Volatile or even The Night Hunter, a unique mutation exclusive to him.
6. Is Kyle Crane dead in Dying Light 2?
Yes. Canonically, in one of the possible endings of the first game, he transforms and spreads the virus after consuming the serum, becoming a Sentient Volatile or The Night Hunter. He is thus dead by the time of the second game.
7. Who was Patient Zero of the Harran Virus?
The presumed patient zero of the Harran Virus was Mr. Baris Buruk, a worker in the Old Town district of Harran. He had an uncontrollable rage outburst and attacked multiple people before his eventual death and reanimation.
8. Is Kyle Crane the Night Hunter?
Yes, Kyle Crane is the Night Hunter. He mutated into this unique form which is not the same as a standard Volatile. It is a special mutation only he possesses.
9. Was only Harran infected in the first game?
In the first Dying Light game, only the city of Harran and its immediate surrounding areas were infected. However, by the time of the second game, the entire world was infected due to the canon ending of the first game.
10. What is the most powerful infected in Dying Light?
The most powerful infected in Dying Light are the Volatiles, which possess incredible speed, strength, and durability. They are the most dangerous opponents players can encounter.
11. Are zombies in Dying Light attracted to light?
Yes, zombies in Dying Light are attracted to light, including flashlights. Using a flashlight will alert nearby infected and draw their attention to the player.
12. What are the zombies weak to in Dying Light 2?
In Dying Light 2, zombies are especially vulnerable to UV light. This weakness is a key element of gameplay, as more dangerous variants of the infected only come out at night.
13. Why is Kyle Crane immune to the virus initially?
Kyle Crane was rendered immune by a blue gas at the Eye of the Sun. This gas appears to camouflage him from the docile Biters. However, this immunity does not last indefinitely, eventually being overcome as his body is overcome by the virus.
14. Does camouflage work on Volatiles?
The camouflage skill does work on normal Volatiles, but it is not effective against evolved Volatiles. They are able to see through the camouflage and alert the others to the player’s presence.
15. Why do we not play as Crane in Dying Light 2?
Given the game is set 20 years after the first, Crane would be too old for the parkour heavy gameplay. Additionally, his confirmed fate in the canon ending means he is either a monstrous zombie or long deceased.
Conclusion
The baldness of the zombies in Dying Light is a direct consequence of the aggressive and horrifying nature of the Harran Virus. It is not just a stylistic choice; it’s a reflection of the rapid decomposition and physical changes the virus induces. The loss of hair, along with the rotting flesh and deformed appearances, serves as a constant reminder of the brutal reality of the game’s zombie apocalypse. Understanding these details helps players appreciate the depth of the game’s lore and the dangers they face within the ravaged world of Dying Light.