The zombie hack and slash genre has been done to death (pun intended).
Yet, it stands to reason that you would be on the hunt for games like Dying Light 2 as Techland blew the tendons off what is possible with its most recent instalment! From roundhouse kicking zombies off rooftops to traversing an open world littered with danger, Dying Light 2 is one of the best zombie survival games around.
But what about games that are similar to Dying Light?
Not played Dying Light 2? → Read Dying Light 2 review here
In this short guide, we’ll be exploring games like Dying Light 2 that you can pick up and play right now on a variety of consoles. While we cannot guarantee all games on this list will be as polished as Techland’s zombie survival game, each title comes with similarities to match any of the reasons why you might be on the hunt for more zombie action.
So, without further ado, here are 10 games that are similar to Dying Light that will get you back into the thick of the action.
Shotguns at the ready!
Killing Floor 2
Developer: Tripwire Interactive
Platform: PS4, Xbox One & PC
At times throughout Dying Light, you can often forego strategy and dive headfirst into the bloodshed. For anyone who likes that about the game, you’ll absolutely enjoy Killing Foor 2. As the name suggests, Killing Floor 2 just flat out sticks a middle finger up to strategy with the best approach always in favour of slaughter.
As a cooperative horde shooter slightly akin to Call Of Duty Zombies, you will quickly enter a total bloodbath and that is essentially the entire premise of the game. Clearing our waves of mutant science experiments that literally depict everything you could imagine from hell, Tripwire Interactive clearly woke up during the morning of developing this game and chose carnage. Pure, honest carnage.
While strategy is not at the forefront, teamwork is definitely a major factor in success with this game. So, be sure to pair up with friends who are also on the march for games like Dying Light 2. After all, should they quit on you mid-game through boredom (or most likely fear), you will be royally f*cked.
State of Decay 2
Developer: Undead Labs
Platform: PC & Xbox One
State of Decay 2 is probably the most similar game to Dying Light 2 from the standpoint of surviving a zombie apocalypse. Instead, rather than parkouring your way to safety, you will build settlements, develop strongholds and take care of your local community. Yes, there will be difficult choices with your friends and foes but you must remember at all times, your own survival is critical.
Fending off hordes of zombies that look like death ate them for breakfast, State of Decay 2 is must more complex that Dying Light 2. After all, you don’t have lightning sharp parkour at your disposal. No. Here, you will need tact and a mind to fine-tune your escape from each wave of the dead.
Although State of Decay 2 is not like Dying Light as there is a strong lack of creative combat, the reward systems and ability to manage your own progression is extremely fun and lifelike. In addition, the narrative is also very rewarding as you problem solve your way to survival. A must play for anyone who wants games that are similar to Dying Light but enjoy tactful approaches to survival.
Dead Island
Developer: Techland
Platform: Microsoft Windows
What would an article on the best games like Dying Light 2 be without an entry from the same development studio? A bad one indeed!
As Techlands’ first major attempt at the Dying Light series many moons ago, Dead Island is often forgotten as the predecessor to Dying Light. You should expect much less of this game given that it was developed eons prior to Dying Light. However, it does entail close-quarter combat with hordes of zombies, plenty of weaponary and the sole mission of staying alive to tell the tale.
Admittedly, stepping down from Dying Light 2 and into Dead Island will definitely be noticeable. To be frank, Dead Island has not aged well. However, you can still have a good time with Dead Island nevertheless. In addition, for anybody who enjoyed the multiplayer mode of Dying Light 2, Dead Island is very similar in the sense that this is also included.
Dead Rising 4
Developer: Capcom
Platform: PS4, Xbox One & PC
If you’re a fan of Capcom gameplay mechanics and zombie survival adventures then Dead Rising is one of the best games like Dying Light 2 that you can pickup and play.
As a third-person zombie action game, Dead Rising 4 puts plenty of weight into scavaging, foraging and crafting weaponry to eliminate zombies with acute precision. No, there is no ‘out the box’ weaponary and the gameplay (in true Capcom style) can be expected to be a little more fun. Nevertheless, brutality will follow.
Overall, Dead Rising is much simpler to play than some of the other games like Dying Light on our shortlist and there are 4 instalments for you to choose from. To be honest, we love the first Dead Rising but the most recent instalment, Dead Rising 4, has some very good qualities that the others do not possess.
Far Cry 5
Developer: Ubisoft
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC
To be honest, the Far Cry series was becoming a bit of a drag. Every title seemed all too familiar with the exception of just more fluff being added to keep us buying copies. Then came along Far Cry 5 which swept the fluff to one side and presented a lean, focused experience. To this end, we totally loved it!
Situated within America’s rural lands, players can enjoy a picturesque landscape with plenty of encampments and strongholds to liberate. From the sidequests to the main storyline, everything about Far Cry 5 is more polished and ultimately worth playing. But how is Far Cry 5 anything like Dying Light 2?
Zombies of course… and there are plenty of them!
While Dying Light is all about hordes and hordes of zombies, Far Cry 5 present numerous ways to fail and ultimately keeps you on your toes. Will you be distracted too much by the landscape? Or will you survive with a dozen rifles at your disposal?
The Last Of Us 2
Developer: Naughty Dog
Platform: PS4
If you own a Playstation, enjoyed Dying Light 2 and have not spent a single second playing The Last Of Us 2, you need to get your head checked. Kidding. But not.
The Last Of Us 2 is without question one of the best games of all time. Let alone one of the best games like Dying Light!
Regardless of whether you’re brave enough to take on zombie hordes or not, both The Last Of Us and its sequel are absolutely phenomenal games. Similarly to Dying Light 2, you will face terrying zombies and fend off waves of the undead using tact and craft. The combat is intelligent and the storytelling is without question some of the best in the business.
With The Last of Us 2 continuing the story in meaningful ways, there’s a very good reason HBO is making a TV series based on The Last of Us, and there’s never been a better time to experience one of gaming’s finest products.
World War Z
Developer: Saber Interactive
Platform: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Google Stadia & PC
As the modern iteration of the beloved Left 4 Dead, World War Z could be seen as a hybrid between your typical zombie survival thriller and FPS games such as Call of Duty. Regardless of whether you think that’s a stretch or not, World War Z is a game that is very similar to Dying Light in many aspects.
Firstly, teamwork is critical. As a co-op first-person shooter, strategic teamwork with the option to choose different classes to create an organised crew is vital. Then there’s the combat. While different to Dying Light 2 in the sense that weapons are in abundance, the combat is modern and refreshing.
For anyone that enjoyed Dying Light 2 and is looking for a similar game but perhaps with fierce and more furious zombies, World War Z (just like the movie) is an absolute must-addition to your collection. Just remember to pick the right class and team up with loyal soldiers.
Zombi
Developer: Ubisoft
Platform: PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox One & PC
Honestly, Zombi is not very good. In fact, it’s probably one of Ubisoft’s worst titles over the past 10-15 years and that’s saying something. What with some of the Assassin’s Creed Unity. My laaawd.
However, it’s a game like Dying Light nonetheless.
Originally made for the Nintendo WiiU, Zombi delivers a first-person shooter experience that lacks a lot of quality but can still be enjoyed for a fair few hours. As you can imagine, any game from 2012 that was originally made for the Nintendo Wii U is going to be missing a lot of polish but as a base concept there are some smarts here.
As you survive the London streets which are naturally covered with gritted teeth zombies, there is a unique mechanism to the game whereby, when you die, you will drop all of your loot and must find your bearings to recover them back. This makes for an interesting style of play whereby you will be a little more cautious.
After all, you’re not going to get far with your bare knuckles.
Dishonored 1 & 2
Developer: Arkane Studios
Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Not every game like Dying Light 2 has to involve zombies. After all, the parkour mechanics of Dying Light 2 are an absolute joy to play with. As such, Dishonored makes for a compelling entry to this list. The melee combat alone is markedly similar to the Dying Light series.
As for the gameplay mechanics and stealth-like nature of the Dishonored series, these are a class apart from the rest. With free-running and a strong focus on hand to hand combat just like Dying Light 2, you won’t be fighting off waves of zombies but you will be having an absolute blast.
In addition, just like Dying Light 2, Dishonored allows you to make choices on whether to be strategic or jump straight into the thick of the action. While you can get away with behaving totally buck wild throughout Dying Light 2, this becomes increasingly difficult throughout Dishonored. A strategy is needed throughout most of the play unless you really are good at combat.
A must buy for anyone looking for games similar to Dying Light.
Days Gone
Developer: Bend Studio
Platform: PS4
Another game like Dying Light with an incredible map that players can enjoy is the Playstation exclusive; Days Gone. Whether you are with teammates or gunning solo, Days Gone is an immersive open-world experience that will have you thirsty for not only zombies but also for finding new ways to kill the dead.
As much as the open world is expansive, the game is isolated mechanically. Taking down ”Freakers” through stealth, conserving ammo and a little bit of intelligence, Days Gone is not your typical run and gun type of survival game. The NPCs are pale-faced and deadly, the narrative exists and there’s plenty of scenery.
It’s a much slower-paced game if you want it to be.
If you are looking for a lonely, exhilarating road trip with plenty of things to discover then Days Gone is a great title to explore next.
Similar Games Like Dying Light 2 Roundup
No matter whether you simply enjoyed the parkour or have an insane lust for blood, there are plenty of games like Dying Light 2 that you can enjoy. The majority will of course include zombies or beasts. However, there’s a lot to be said about the mechanics of Dying Light that can be found in many other games.
From Mirror’s Edge and Dishonored to Days Gone and World War Z, you can quickly switch up the tempo and enjoy many games like Dying Light 2. Out of all the titles on our list, we would recommend Dead Island the list just because it has not aged too well. With modern-day gaming, something as old as Dead Island might just make you cringe.
But, that can sometimes be a good thing!
Did we miss any? Let us know of any other games like Dying Light in the comments!
Meanwhile, here are some other awesome articles for you to check out!
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- Best Weapons In Dying Light 2
- Awesome Horror Games For Xbox Players
- How To Repair Weapons DL2
- Best RTS Games To Play Before You Die.
- Must Buy RPG Games For Xbox.
- Games Like Ghost of Tsushima.
- Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero Review.
- Best Sports Games On Xbox Consoles.
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