Dying Light: The Beast — An Evolution of Survival Horror
Techland’s Dying Light: The Beast expands the franchise into darker, more ambitious territory. Originally teased as a major expansion, it has since evolved into a standalone title, blending the series’ trademark parkour with brutal new combat mechanics and a story that digs deeper into the infection’s origins. With a focus on survival, player choice, and atmosphere, The Beast raises the stakes for veterans and newcomers alike.
Gameplay and Exploration
At its core, The Beast retains the exhilarating first-person parkour mechanics that defined the series. Scaling rooftops, leaping across decaying skylines, and chaining wall-runs together remain fluid and satisfying, but traversal feels even more responsive thanks to refined controls and new abilities like grappling-led combos. Exploration is heightened by expanded verticality, with cities now offering layered levels of danger from underground tunnels to towering skyscrapers.
The day-night cycle remains one of the series’ greatest strengths. Daytime exploration focuses on scavenging, parkour challenges, and encounters with hostile survivors. At night, the infected evolve into terrifying predators, forcing players to plan carefully or risk becoming prey themselves. The shift between cautious exploration and frantic survival creates a rhythm of tension and release that keeps gameplay gripping.
Combat and Mechanics
Combat in The Beast is rawer and more visceral than ever. Players have access to a wider range of melee weapons, from makeshift blades to heavy blunt instruments, each with its own weight and impact. The new “Ferality System” adds a brutal edge to encounters, letting players tap into the infection within their character to perform devastating finishers—though using it too often risks losing control.
Firearms are rarer but pack significant impact when used. Resource scarcity encourages improvisation, pushing players to adapt in real time. The crafting system has been expanded to allow for weapon mods, throwable tools, and survival gear tailored to different playstyles. Multiplayer and co-op modes return, offering seamless drop-in sessions and replayable missions that extend the game’s longevity.
Story and Lore
The narrative centers on Kyle Crane, who has survived long enough to discover unsettling truths about his own infection. Caught between human factions vying for dwindling resources and the growing dominance of mutated infected, Crane must face both external enemies and the beast within. The story explores themes of control, sacrifice, and the blurred line between humanity and monstrosity.
Lore is richer than in past entries. Through journals, survivor testimonies, and ruins of the old world, players uncover the virus’s evolution and the societal collapse it caused. The infection feels less like a backdrop and more like a living force shaping the world.
Playtime Estimate
Completing the main storyline of The Beast takes approximately 12 to 15 hours for focused players. Those who dive into side quests, faction missions, and optional survival challenges can expect closer to 25 to 30 hours of gameplay. Completionists aiming to unlock every ability, craft every weapon mod, and clear every dark zone may invest 40+ hours.
Verdict
Dying Light: The Beast is an unflinching evolution of the franchise. Its refined parkour, brutal combat, and emotionally charged narrative make it the most ambitious entry yet. While some pacing issues remain and its intensity may overwhelm casual players, the overall package delivers one of the most memorable survival horror experiences in years.
Final Score: 9/10 — A brutal, atmospheric, and rewarding survival horror game that expands the Dying Light formula while staying true to its roots
