Dying Light: The Beast – Everything You Need to Know About the Next Chapter

Dying Light: The Beast marks a bold evolution for Techland’s zombie franchise, emerging from its origins as DLC for Dying Light 2 to become a full-fledged standalone game-what many are calling Dying Light 3 in everything but name. Launching August 22, 2025 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S (with last-gen versions to follow), this entry dives deep into the franchise’s roots, bringing back fan-favorite protagonist Kyle Crane and a more intense survival experience.

Techland’s decision to pivot from DLC to a standalone title stemmed from a 2023 narrative leak and a strong desire to return to the essence of the original Dying Light. Franchise Director Tymon Smektala cited both as reasons for expanding the scope of the project.

The result is a game that pays homage to the past while pushing the series forward with brutal new mechanics, faster development cycles, and a darker, more personal narrative.

The Setting: Castor Woods
Set in Castor Woods, a once-idyllic tourist spot now overrun with the infected, the game draws inspiration from European locales and leans heavily into the eerie atmosphere that fans loved in Harran. While the location is geographically closer to Dying Light 2’s Villador, the tone harks back to the original’s grim survivalist core. Castor Woods will feature familiar elements like day/night cycles and parkour, but its rural landscape limits rooftop traversal, compensating instead with the return of drivable 4×4 vehicles.

The Story: Vengeance Fueled
Kyle Crane, voiced once again by Roger Craig Smith, returns as the unwilling subject of 13 years of experimentation by the villainous Marius ‘The Baron’ Fischer. Inspired by the gritty revenge tale of Oldboy, the story follows Crane’s escape and his quest for vengeance-a more personal, grounded narrative that ditches the bloated storytelling of the previous game.

Gameplay: Survival Reimagined
Combat gets a savage upgrade with Crane’s new beast-like mutations. Expect the series’ signature melee mayhem cranked to eleven-head-ripping, skull-smashing, and raw power clashes. Firearms are also available from the start this time, alongside familiar crafting mechanics. Save zones offer enhanced defenses, including barricading options.

Parkour remains essential, albeit more grounded due to the countryside setting. Co-op for up to four players with shared progression ensures friends can experience the entire campaign together seamlessly.

Tech & Editions
Powered by the refined C-Engine, Dying Light: The Beast brings improved weather systems, lighting, and environmental rendering. While PC specs remain under wraps, the release on older consoles suggests moderate system requirements.

Two editions are available for pre-order: the Standard Edition at $59.99 and the Deluxe Edition at $69.99, which includes exclusive outfits, weapons, and a tourist map of Castor Woods. Early adopters of Dying Light 2’s Ultimate Edition get this game for free.

Looking Ahead
While there’s no official word yet on a Nintendo Switch 2 version, Techland hasn’t ruled it out. One thing’s clear: with a return to gritty horror, improved mechanics, and a fan-favorite lead, Dying Light: The Beast aims to reclaim the franchise’s throne in the zombie survival genre.