Dead Island 2 guide: Everything you need to slay your way through Hell-A

Dead Island 2
(Image credit: Deep Silver)

Dead Island 2 is finally here and it's a hell of a good time. Dambuster Studios has delivered a blood-soaked co-op experience that shines brightest when you're slicing, smashing, and slashing everything that comes shambling towards you. That's why you'll want to get the best weapons and abilities in Dead Island 2, work with the character that best suits your playstyle, and get the most of our trip to Hell-A. 

In our Dead Island 2 guide you'll find all of that and more, with walkthroughs to help make you a better zombie-killing machine, and tips on where to find all of those pesky keys and fuses. You can also find details on the multiplayer side to the game, our full review, and other information that you may find useful. So keep reading on to find our Dead island 2 walkthrough guide.

Dead Island 2 guide

Dead Island 2 review

Dead Island 2 screenshot

(Image credit: Deep Silver)

In our Dead Island 2 review, we found that the long-awaited sequel is "zombie hacking at its purest." Despite years of delay, "Dead Island 2 takes some simple ideas and works them to perfection in a well-made and fun game. It's a one note thrill, but does well to make that note absolutely sing."

Dead Island 2 release date and platforms

Dead Island 2 screenshot

(Image credit: Deep Silver)

The Dead Island 2 release date is April 21, 2023. The game is now available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One. 

Dead Island 2 tips

Dead Island 2 screenshot

(Image credit: Deep Silver)

Dead Island 2 is a pretty wild time, with the game constantly pushing massive hordes of undead monsters in your direction. While you'll want to take on any fight you can find – seriously, the gore system in Dead Island 2 is truly wonderful, in a stomach-churning sort of way – you'll want to fight smartly if you want to avoid dying. That's why you'll want to follow our top Dead Island 2 tips to help you survive Hell-A, and get the most out every mission and encounter. 

How long is Dead Island 2?

Dead Island 2

(Image credit: Deep Silver)

Dead Island 2 may have spent almost a decade in development, but that doesn't mean you should rush through the game in anticipation now it's finally here. In our time the experience, we found it best to take your time and smell the viscera-covered roses. In this guide we answer the question how long is Dead Island 2 – factoring in both an average playthrough, and accounting for those of you who may want to stick around Hell-A a little longer to complete all the side quests and beat all the challenges. 

Dead Island 2 multiplayer and crossplay

Dead Island 2

(Image credit: Deep Silver)

While Dead Island 2 can be enjoyed as a single-player experience, it is a lot more fun to team up with two of your friends and create the ultimate zombie-slaying squad. Sadly, this option isn't available from the beginning of the game and you'll need to complete a few missions before it unlocks, so you'll want to visit our Dead Island 2 multiplayer guide – it'll answer all of your questions around online co-op, matchmaking, and more. Oh, and if you're curious, sadly there is no Dead Island 2 crossplay support for friend groups split between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. 

Dead Island 2 characters explained

Dead Island 2 characters

(Image credit: Dambusters)

If you've just loaded up the game and find yourself wondering who the best Dead Island 2 characters are, we're here to help! There are six characters to choose between, each with their own unique statistics, character abilities, and other proficiencies. So click the link above to find a guide to the characters, their stats and skills, as well as our pick of the best people to play as in Hell-A – regardless of whether you're planning to go into the zombie apocalypse alone or with a group of friends. 

The best Dead Island 2 weapons

dead Island 2 weapons

(Image credit: Dambusters)

Here's something you should know: There's a hell of a lot of Dead Island 2 weapons to choose between. Dambuster has absolutely stacked this shooter with a wide variety of melee weapons, ranged weapons, and legendary variants which make the act of smashing hundreds of undead skulls more fun than it has any right to be. So given the massive amount of choice here, we've put together a guide to help you find the best weapons to suit all of your most gruesome zombie killing needs. 

Dead Island 2 skill cards and abilities

Dead Island 2 skill cards

(Image credit: Dambusters)

One of the biggest new additions to Dead Island 2 are the skill cards and Autophage abilities. You'll use collected cards to give your characters specific moves, abilities, and buffs which help improve your viability in combat and survivability out on the streets of LA, while the Autophage options come equipped with their own specific pros and cons. If you're looking for the best of them, you'll want to dive into our exhaustive guide on how to use Dead Island 2 skill cards and Autophage abilities – you'll also find our favorite Survivor, Slayer, and Numan skill cards here too. 

How to use fast travel in Dead Island 2

Dead Island 2 fast travel

(Image credit: Deep Silver)

Dead Island 2 isn't an open world game, in the traditional sense. Instead, you'll find 10 unique zones that make up the city of Los Angeles. Given that you'll want to dip between each of the areas while pushing through the main missions, and working on completing both the Side and Lost & Found quests, you may want to take advantage of faster movement. In our Dead Island 2 fast travel guide we break down how you can unlock the system and where you can find the fast travel maps scattered around the world. 

Dead Island 2 perks and mods detailed

Dead Island 2 perks

(Image credit: Deep Silver)

One of the best aspects to the original Dead Island was the weapon customization systems, something which has been greatly expanded for this long-awaited sequel. The best Dead Island 2 perks and mods will let you apply elemental effects to your favorite weapons, turning them into deadly killing machines. Naturally, given all of the choice available you may want a little advice – which is why you'll want to click the link above to find our top tips on how to find, apply, and use perks and mods throughout the adventure. 

Dead Island 2 keys and fuses

Dead Island 2 tips

(Image credit: Deep Silver)

While there's a hell of a lot of zombie smashing to do in Dead Island 2, it isn't the only activity that's going to keep you occupied. In fact, one of the biggest gore-adjacent distractions are keys. If you're wondering how to find and use Dead Island 2 keys, we've got you covered. You may also begin finding fuse boxes which block off access to locked doors, and for those you'll want our guide on where to find Dead Island 2 fuses and how to use them.

And if you're looking for help finding a specific set of locks or keys, you'll want to follow the links below: 


If you can't get enough of the undead, check out our pick of the best zombie games.

Josh West
UK Managing Editor, GamesRadar+

Josh West is the UK Managing Editor of GamesRadar+. He has over 10 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.

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