Why Did Kyle Crane Turn Into a Volatile? Unraveling the Tragedy of Dying Light’s Protagonist
Kyle Crane’s transformation into a Volatile at the end of the original Dying Light is a pivotal and tragic plot point, setting a grim stage for the game’s overall narrative and its sequel. He didn’t become a standard Volatile like the ones encountered throughout Harran; instead, he underwent a unique mutation. The reason behind this transformation lies in his exposure to the Mother’s chemical, a failed military attempt at a bioweapon disguised as a cure. This “cure,” a blue liquid, was designed to create controllable infected but instead led to volatile transformations. After defeating the Mother and attempting to return to Harran with this “cure”, he discovers that it’s too late; he has fully morphed into a sentient Night Hunter, a monster that’s powerful during the night yet still retains his consciousness during the day. Therefore, Kyle Crane didn’t actually become a regular volatile, but a unique mutation with volatile traits known as the Night Hunter.
The Deceptive “Cure” and its Dire Consequences
The Origins of the Blue Liquid
The blue liquid, presented as the cure, was a result of desperate military experimentation. Instead of curing the Harran virus, it accelerated the transformation process, creating the monstrous Volatiles that plague the city. The Mother, a powerful entity controlling the infected, used this to her advantage, both to protect her followers and to convert unwilling individuals. It’s important to understand that this wasn’t a naturally occurring mutation, but a product of human interference that went horribly wrong.
Crane’s Exposure
Crane was exposed to this chemical during his final confrontation with the Mother in Dying Light: The Following. After drinking the liquid in order to kill her, he initially seemed to gain strength and volatile-like abilities during the encounter. He then was able to kill the Mother and escape. He is unaware that the cure was in reality the reason why he was transforming into a sentient volatile or the Night Hunter. He escapes the settlement and returns to Harran, only to discover the dire truth that he is now a mutated monster when night falls.
The Transformation: Not a Standard Volatile
It’s crucial to clarify that Crane’s transformation is not typical. While he does display characteristics of a Volatile, such as increased aggression, enhanced strength, and volatile abilities, he isn’t a regular Volatile. Instead he becomes the Night Hunter, a unique and sentient form that is more powerful than typical volatile. The Night Hunter is exclusive to Crane, marking his mutation as something special and not simply a standard transformation into a volatile. During the day he retains his sentience and is aware of his surroundings.
The Aftermath and Legacy
A Tragic Ending
Crane’s fate serves as one of gaming’s most tragic character arcs. He began as a seemingly ordinary agent but was forced to confront unimaginable horrors. Despite his best intentions, he ultimately succumbs to the consequences of the failed “cure.” His transformation is a somber reflection on the dangers of unchecked ambition and the unintended consequences of human interference.
The Impact on Dying Light 2
Crane’s story, although not directly told in Dying Light 2, significantly impacts the overall narrative of the sequel. His actions resulted in the global spread of the Harran virus and is the reason why Aiden’s world is currently infected. References to Crane by various NPCs in Villedor highlight the lingering impact of his choices and the recognition of the tragedy that befell him, without revealing the nature of his fate. He serves as a tragic reminder of the desperation and catastrophic failures that led to the world’s downfall.
The Canon Ending and the Spread of the Virus
The canon ending of Dying Light confirms that Crane’s mutation and his escape from Harran led to the global spread of the virus. This means that the “Infected Option”, where he takes the virus, is considered the true canon. This reveal casts a long shadow on his legacy, portraying his attempts at heroism as leading to a global catastrophe. Dying Light 2 lead level designer Piotr Pawlaczyk confirmed in a developer stream that Crane did, indeed, spread the Harran Virus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Kyle Crane become a normal Volatile?
No, Kyle Crane did not become a normal Volatile. He became the Night Hunter, a unique mutation with Volatile abilities, but retains sentience during the day.
2. What is the Mother’s chemical, or the blue liquid?
The blue liquid was a failed military attempt to create a bio-weapon, disguised as a cure. It was the cause of volatile transformation.
3. How did Crane get exposed to the blue liquid?
Crane drank the blue liquid in order to be able to defeat the Mother.
4. What are the primary characteristics of a Volatile?
Volatiles are characterized by their broad shoulders, exposed bone and muscle, a mandible jaw, heavy breathing, and loud screeches. They are fast, aggressive, and deadly.
5. Can Volatiles be grappled?
No, Volatiles cannot be grappled or rag-dolled by dropkicks. They can, however, be stunned by a smash takedown from above.
6. How do people become Volatiles in Dying Light?
Humans are often taken to Volatile nests where they are slowly transformed.
7. Is Kyle Crane mentioned in Dying Light 2?
Yes, Kyle Crane is mentioned several times by NPCs, though his exact whereabouts and fate are not explicitly revealed. They just say he came to a tragic end.
8. Is Aiden Crane’s son?
No, Aiden is not Crane’s son. There is no blood relation between the two characters.
9. Who is patient zero of the Harran Virus?
The presumed patient zero was Mr. Baris Buruk, a worker in the Old Town district of Harran, who had a sudden outburst of rage.
10. Is Kyle Crane the Night Hunter?
Yes, Crane is the Night Hunter. He became the Night Hunter because of his exposure to the Mother’s failed military bioweapon “cure”.
11. What is the canon ending of Dying Light?
The Infected Option, where Crane takes the virus and spreads it to the rest of the world, is the canon ending of Dying Light.
12. Why isn’t Kyle Crane in Dying Light 2?
Dying Light 2’s narrative is focused on Aiden’s journey and character development. Crane’s return would undermine that.
13. Did Crane save Harran?
No, Crane did not save Harran. He was infected with the virus during his encounter with the mother, and the game implies that his escape from Harran led to the global pandemic.
14. Can Volatiles see flashlights?
No, Volatiles do not react to flashlights. Only regular biters are attracted to the light.
15. How much health do Volatiles have?
Both standard and blue Volatiles have approximately 2000 HP, with blue Volatiles being more deadly and able to kill in one hit.
In conclusion, Kyle Crane’s transformation into the Night Hunter is a result of a tragic series of events rooted in desperate attempts to solve the Harran outbreak. His story remains a cautionary tale within the Dying Light universe, illustrating the dire consequences of human actions and the thin line between hero and monster. His fate is a key part of the lore, shaping the world faced by Aiden in Dying Light 2.