Techland is taking players back to the zombie-infested world of Harran with a surprise update for the original Dying Light called the Retouched update. Arriving on June 26, 2025, this free content drop aims to enhance the experience for players on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
The update promises a slew of visual upgrades, a remastered soundtrack, and more, all while preserving the original charm that has kept fans coming back for a decade.
Despite rumors circulating about a full remaster, Tymon Smektała, franchise director, clarified that the Retouched update isn’t a complete overhaul. Instead, it’s about fine-tuning the original game, offering visual improvements without raising the system requirements. The goal is to improve the experience, not fundamentally change it.
Visual enhancements are a key part of the update. Expect better textures, lighting, and shadow effects that breathe new life into the environment. For example, wooden fences will look more detailed, and metal surfaces will reflect light more realistically. Techland is especially proud of the updated look for floors and cement walls, with new depth and realism in stone paths and surfaces.
On the audio side, Paweł Blaszczak, the original composer, returns to remaster the game’s soundtrack. The tracks have been re-recorded on tape for the Retouched update, with new ambient sounds and hit reaction audio also getting an upgrade. This remaster aims to capture the original soundscape with a more polished, immersive experience.
Although there were delays in the update’s release, Techland cited the challenge of working with a decade-old engine while incorporating modern advancements. Even with the difficulty, the update represents Techland’s dedication to the game and its community.
The player count for the original Dying Light remains impressive, with around 12,000 active players daily, despite the release of Dying Light 2: Stay Human three years ago. It’s a testament to the game’s staying power, especially considering it is largely single-player focused.
Looking forward, the Dying Light saga continues with the upcoming release of Dying Light: The Beast, set for August 22, 2025, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This new entry will continue the story of protagonist Kyle Crane, picking up from where the original left off.
For those who have never played or are just returning, the Retouched update is the perfect reason to dive back into Harran’s parkour-zombie mayhem.