Why is Kyle Crane in Dying Light 2? Tracing the Ghost of Harran
The presence of Kyle Crane in Dying Light 2: Stay Human is a delicate dance between absence and haunting legacy. He isn’t physically present as a playable character or even a traditional NPC, but his impact reverberates throughout the game’s narrative, lore, and even gameplay mechanics. To answer directly: Kyle Crane is in Dying Light 2 as a specter of the past, a foundational myth, and a tragic figure whose actions and fate heavily influence the game’s world and story. He exists primarily through mentions, scattered lore pieces, a hidden shrine, and even perhaps, in the origins of the game’s volatile variations. His absence is purposeful, allowing Aiden Caldwell, the new protagonist, to forge his own path without being overshadowed by the established hero of Harran, while simultaneously providing a constant reminder of the devastating consequences of the initial outbreak. He is, in essence, a cautionary tale woven into the fabric of Dying Light 2.
The Legacy of the Hero of Harran
The Shadow of the Past
Dying Light 2 takes place years after the events of the first game, and the world has drastically changed. The Harran Virus has spread globally, leading to a catastrophic collapse. Despite the vast changes, the echoes of Kyle Crane’s actions and his eventual fate can be heard within the stories of the people and seen within the environment. NPCs make passing references to Crane’s valiant efforts and his tragic end. Some even believe he is responsible for the spread of the virus, reflecting the complicated perspective of those surviving in the post-apocalyptic world. This is not a hero’s tale repeated without critical analysis, but one being re-examined with the benefit, or curse, of hindsight.
The Hidden Shrine
A tangible and poignant reference to Crane lies within a hidden shrine located in the “Lower Dam Ayre” area. Accessible via lock-picking a hanging metal crate, it contains photographs, drawings, and voice recordings from the first Dying Light. This shrine is a clear nod to the player and, within the game’s world, a place of mourning and remembrance. This location isn’t just a collectable piece of fan service, it’s a testament to the enduring impact Kyle Crane had on the survivors, even years after his presumed demise. It highlights that while the world has moved on, the stories and experiences of those who came before are still valued and remembered.
The Viral Connection
The game also hints at a connection between Crane and the enhanced forms of Infected found in Dying Light 2. While never directly stated, the game implies that Crane’s mutation into a volatile might have something to do with the spread of a new, more potent virus that caused “The Fall”. In a recent developer stream, it was confirmed that Crane did become Infected and unwittingly spread the Harran Virus. This reveal transforms him from a hero into a tragic figure who, in trying to do good, ended up being instrumental in the downfall of humanity. This tragic twist reinforces his legacy not as a shining beacon, but as a potent symbol of unintended consequences.
Why Isn’t He Physically Present?
Undermining Aiden’s Journey
The main reason for Crane’s absence lies in the need to tell Aiden Caldwell’s story. Introducing Crane, a beloved and powerful character from the previous game, would overshadow Aiden’s narrative arc and personal development. Aiden’s journey is about finding his sister and dealing with the new world’s dangers and moral dilemmas. Having Crane around could unintentionally create a sense of “the old hero saving the day again” and diminish the impact of Aiden’s choices and growth. The developers made a conscious decision to ensure that Dying Light 2 is a fresh experience, focusing on its new characters and the new challenges they face without the direct influence of established figures.
Thematic Consistency
Furthermore, Crane’s presence could create an unnecessary disconnect between the games’ thematic goals. Dying Light 2 explores the concept of rebuilding a society after a catastrophic event and the difficult choices that come with that process. Crane’s story was about surviving the initial outbreak, and Aiden’s is about surviving the aftermath. Thematically, these are distinct narrative beats, and blending the two might have detracted from the core message of the sequel. Crane’s story is, in a sense, finished; continuing it through a major role in the sequel might have undermined the conclusion that his own game reached.
FAQ: Delving Deeper into Kyle Crane’s Legacy
1. Is Kyle Crane a zombie in Dying Light 2?
While not a traditional zombie, some theories suggest that Kyle Crane may have become a special type of volatile or infected. It’s not confirmed, but the lore hints at his mutation being linked to the spread of the new virus.
2. Does Kyle Crane appear in Dying Light 2?
No, Kyle Crane does not appear physically as a character or NPC in Dying Light 2. He is, however, referenced throughout the game.
3. Why isn’t Kyle Crane the protagonist in Dying Light 2?
The developers wanted to establish a new character, Aiden Caldwell, with his own unique story and motivations. Including Kyle Crane as a main character could undermine Aiden’s journey.
4. What is the shrine dedicated to Kyle Crane?
Located in the “Lower Dam Ayre” area, the shrine is a hidden location containing photos, drawings, and voice recordings from the first Dying Light. It serves as a memorial to Crane.
5. Did Kyle Crane spread the virus?
Yes, it was confirmed that Kyle Crane, after turning into a volatile, was responsible for spreading the Harran Virus to the rest of the world.
6. Is Aiden related to Kyle Crane?
No, Aiden is not related to Kyle Crane. Despite some similarities, their backgrounds and motivations are entirely different.
7. Did Kyle Crane turn into a volatile?
Yes, the end of the Dying Light DLC The Following shows Crane transforming into a sentient volatile. This sets the stage for the events of Dying Light 2.
8. Was Harran nuked?
In one ending of Dying Light, Crane triggers a nuclear detonation which was intended to destroy the surrounding countryside and all of Harran. However, in the game’s main canon, Harran is not destroyed and is instead the source of the new virus spread.
9. Is the entire world infected in Dying Light 2?
Yes, after “The Fall” the Harran Virus spread across the globe, turning most of the population into Infected. This event is attributed in part to Kyle Crane.
10. Why does Aiden sound like Crane?
The voice actor for Aiden, Jonah Scott, intentionally tried to emulate Roger Craig Smith’s portrayal of Kyle Crane, to create a link between the two games and to give a subtle nod to players.
11. What was Kyle Crane’s job before Harran?
Kyle Crane was a government agent sent to infiltrate Harran. His initial mission was to recover a sensitive file but quickly changed after the outbreak.
12. What is Kyle Crane’s real name?
Kyle Crane’s real name is Roger Craig Smith, the same as his voice actor.
13. What are the implications of Crane’s mutation?
Crane’s mutation into a volatile shows that the supposed cure he was searching for was actually a failed bio-weapon. His actions, while trying to do good, had devastating consequences, turning him from hero to vector.
14. Did the developers forget about Kyle Crane?
Not at all. His absence in Dying Light 2 was a conscious choice by the developers, to emphasize a new story and new protagonist while still acknowledging and using the lore that Kyle Crane left behind.
15. What is the best ending for Dying Light 2?
The best ending for Dying Light 2 is often seen to be the Lawan Ending, where you leave Villedor together. This requires sparing Hakon and giving the radio tower to Frank.
Conclusion: A Lingering Presence
Kyle Crane’s role in Dying Light 2 is far more nuanced than a simple cameo or absence. He exists as a foundational element, his legacy woven into the world and the characters that inhabit it. He’s a cautionary tale, a tragic hero whose actions, however well-intended, have led to catastrophic consequences. His story serves as a potent reminder that in the world of Dying Light, even the most courageous heroes can become agents of devastation, and that the past always casts a long shadow. This intricate treatment of his character is a testament to the depth and complexity of the Dying Light narrative, making his absence in the sequel as meaningful as any presence could have been.