Dead Island 2 is already one of the most anticipated video game releases this summer. However, some gamers may feel intimidated to try the game out since it is the second installment in the zombie hack-and-slash franchise. In this article, we will answer the question on whether you should play the first game before moving on to Dead Island 2. Aside from that, we’ll also be giving you a brief overview of Dead Island 2’s plot. Stay with us!
Do you need to play Dead Island 1 before playing Dead Island 2?
The short answer is no. Although they belong to the same franchise, Dead Island 2 is not a sequel to the first Dead Island game. They are both set in a universe where an outbreak takes place and turns people into flesh-eating monsters. You take on the role of the survivors in the game and utilizing their skills, you must do whatever it takes to survive and find a way to escape.
READ MORE: Dead Island 2: Characters and Skills List
First released in 2011, Dead Island 1 focused on four survivors who need to survive on a fictional island resort called Banoi. The island resort is found near Papua New Guinea, definitely far from Dead Island 2’s Los Angeles apocalypse. As you try to escape from the zombies, players encounter all kinds of monsters, dead and alive.
The four survivors in the first Dead Island game are the following:
- Logan Carter
- Purna
- Xian Mei
- Sam B.
Each one of these characters have different abilities and skills players can use to survive. You can explore the island resort called Banoi and uncover the truth behind the zombie outbreak.
Dead Island 2 has a completely different plot with a few similarities to the first installment
If the first game took place in an island resort in Asia, we move over to the sunny land of Los Angeles in Dead Island 2. With the entire city being put under quarantine, the military has left citizens to their own devices. However, six characters play significant roles in the story as they are resistant to the virus that’s spreading.
As we mentioned, the second game is not a sequel to the first. It doesn’t pick up from where we left off after finishing the main story of Dead Island 1. However, both games take place in the same universe. The virus that we can only assume originated from Banoi has found its way to Los Angeles ten years later.
READ MORE: Hell-A in Dead Island 2: Map Size and Regions + Is it Open-World?
- You can choose from six different characters in Dead Island 2. Similar to the first game, they have their own skills and abilities. It’s up to you to find the perfect character that suits your preferred playstyle in zombie games like this.
- Players can still team up with their friends to explore Hell-A while gathering resources that will help them complete quests easily.
- Each character has their own motivation to survive the zombie apocalypse that is plaguing California. You will get to learn more about them as you progress through the game. So far, we’ve found each character to have interesting backstories. Have you chosen your favorite out of the six yet?
READ MORE: Dead Island 2: Zombie Types List
Playing the first installment is not necessary, but it has its pros
Both Dead Island 1 and 2 offer their players an immersive zombie hack-and-slash experience in two totally different environments. Even though their stories are not directly related to one another, there are still some benefits to playing the first installment.
- You can get a better understanding of how a Dead Island game works. This is great for gamers who worry that they might get overwhelmed with how to play Dead Island 2 if they are going into it blindly.
- By doing so, you’ll learn a few gameplay mechanics and features present in both Dead Island games. You can also familiarize yourself with the best ways to fight enemies off and survive against a horde of zombies.
This is optional, of course. It doesn’t matter if you’ve played the first Dead Island game or not. The franchise is great in a way that you don’t have to take it too seriously. Think of this as a perfect way to unwind, just casually strolling around Los Angeles while taking down flesh-eating zombies trying to get a piece of you.
Dead Island 2 comes out April 21, 2023. It will be available on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Did we mention that the game also supports co-op multiplayer?
READ MORE: Dead Island 2: How to Play Co-op? Multiplayer Explained
Have you played the first installment in the Dead Island series? Do you think it’s important for new players to play the game first before moving on to Dead Island 2? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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