Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Inverse
Inverse
Technology
Joseph Yaden

'Dead Island 2' release date, trailer, gameplay, and pre-orders


Zombies have a knack for not staying dead. Dead Island 2 has been in the works for over eight years. Publisher Deep Silver has reminded players that the project has not been canceled, though, it was unclear if the game would ever see the light of day. Now, thanks to a new showcase during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022, we know exactly when we’ll get to play the long-awaited zombie game. Here’s what you need to know about Dead Island 2.

When is the Dead Island 2 release date?

After more than eight years of development, Dead Island 2 will launch on February 3, 2023.

This release date leaked on Amazon prior to the Gamescom re-reveal, spoiling the surprise ahead of the show.

Is there a Dead Island 2 trailer?

Yes, there are two trailers! The most recent one from Gamescom Opening Night Live featured the re-reveal of Dead Island 2, showcasing the game’s new look, the main character Jacob, and release date. Be sure to check it out to see just how far this game has come since 2014.

There was also a brief “gameplay” trailer that reveals what this game will look like in action.

The first trailer was from E3 2014, over eight years ago. It’s worth checking out because it’s a fun trailer, but the game has likely evolved tremendously since then, so it might not be the most accurate representation of the final product.

Who is the Dead Island 2 developer?

Dead Island 2 has had a tumultuous development cycle, going through numerous developers including Yager Development, then Sumo Digital, and now Dambuster Studios. Polish developer Techland was originally supposed to work on Dead Island 2, but then shifted to creating Dying Light.

What are the Dead Island 2 pre-order details?

Dead Island 2 is available to pre-order across various retailers now. There are multiple versions of the game, including a fancy Day One Edition.

Here’s what to expect from all versions:

Day One Edition: $70

  • Copy of Dead Island 2 for previous and current-gen
  • Pre-order bonus — Memories of Banoi Pack

Pulp Edition: $75

  • Copy of Dead Island 2 for previous and current-gen
  • Pre-order bonus — Memories of Banoi Pack
  • Bonus Content — Pulp Weapons Pack

Hell-A Edition: $100

  • Copy of Dead Island 2 for previous and current-gen
  • Pre-order bonus — Memories of Banoi Pack
  • Bonus Content — Pulp Weapons Pack
  • Bonus Content — Golden Weapons Pack
  • Bonus Content — Character Pack 1 & 2
  • Expansion Pass
  • Steelbook and physical items

What do we know about the Dead Island 2 gameplay?

Dead Island 2 will take place across various sections of Los Angeles (referred to as “Hell-A”), including Beverly Hills and Venice Beach. In it, players will utilize melee weapons and other wild armaments to mow through zombies. It’s a first-person RPG featuring a variety of quests, a story packed with dark comedy, and plenty of replay value.

The game will feature six playable characters, each with different dialogue options. There will also be a new skill system that caters to a variety of playstyles.

Dambuster also confirmed that — just like the first game — Dead Island 2 will incorporate cooperative gameplay.

Set just shortly after the events of the first game, Dead Island 2 features a city overrun with zombies. It’s your job to survive while working towards uncovering what caused the outbreak.

Dead Island 2 will launch for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, and PC on February 3, 2023.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.