The Astonishing Secrets Unveiled: Untangling the Mind-Boggling Enigma of Dead Island 2

Dead Island 2 expands on the zombie outbreak narrative from its predecessors, Dead Island and Dead Island: Riptide, but with a notable distinction - the game is not actually set on an island. Instead, it takes place amidst the streets and beaches of Los Angeles, or "Hell-A" as the game playfully refers to it, with the notion of an island serving as a metaphor. Although the inclusion of "Island" in the title may raise questions for some players, there is a logical justification that also allows for potential Dead Island DLC and future games.

Dead Island 2 achieved significant success for publisher Deep Silver, being touted as their largest launch to date in terms of sales and revenue. Moreover, two forthcoming DLC expansions, namely 'Haus' scheduled for Q4 2023, and 'Sola Festival' planned for release in Q2 2024, will further progress the storyline. The triumph of Dead Island 2, despite its departure from the literal island setting, highlights the notion that the game's location may not necessarily be a decisive factor. Nonetheless, players may still be intrigued by the symbolic meaning of the metaphorical island and its implications for the franchise's future.

Why Is The Game Called Dead Island 2 If Not Set On An Island?

Dead Island 2 diverges from its predecessors, which were set on the tropical islands of Banoi or Palanai. Instead, the game's setting is described as a 'metaphorical island' by Creative Director James Worrall in an interview with The Gamer. This means that the game's location, Los Angeles, has been transformed into an isolated quarantine zone due to the zombie outbreak. This concept of a restricted area is also seen in other zombie franchises, like the movie Army of the Dead, where Las Vegas is cut off by a massive wall to contain the undead.

The choice to set Dead Island 2 in a city rather than an island also aligns with the game's ending and story, particularly in relation to the Autophage explanation. Players discover that the outbreak is not a simple accident, but rather part of a grand plan for humanity's survival, requiring the sacrifice of millions to save billions. Consequently, a densely populated city setting makes more narrative sense than a smaller island population. Additionally, there are elements in Dead Island 2's setting that pay homage to the original game, such as the tropical beach atmosphere and improved sewer levels, creating a sense of continuity between the two games.

What Locations Might There Appear In Dead Island 2's DLC Expansions?

The DLC expansions of Dead Island 2 offer a potential exploration of new and vibrant party areas that have not been seen before, such as 'Haus' and 'Solar Festival'. The game's depiction of a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles suggests that these locations could be lively and active, in contrast to the aftermath scenes witnessed at the Halperin Hotel and Goat Pen. The possibilities for Dead Island 2's DLC are virtually limitless, given the game's metaphorical representation of topical or abandoned islands. With the ability to travel by helicopter, the protagonists can now venture to various destinations. The setting of Dead Island 2 is as vast and unpredictable as its ending, leaving players intrigued to discover what lies ahead in the metaphorical island of Los Angeles.

Dead Island 2 is out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.