Dying Light

Developer: Techland
Release: Mar 12th 2025
Platforms:
Action
RPG
Addictive
Innovative
Immersive
Repetitive
Occasional Bugs
Dying Light Poster

" Thrilling action RPG with fluid parkour and visceral combat but occasional repetitive missions "

Dying Light Review

Dying Light is widely praised as a thrilling open-world zombie survival game that masterfully blends parkour mechanics with intense melee combat. Players step into the role of Kyle Crane, an undercover agent navigating the quarantined city of Harran, where the dynamic day-night cycle significantly impacts gameplay tension. The fluid parkour system allows for immersive exploration and escape, while brutal and weighty combat keeps encounters engaging. The game world is richly detailed, with atmospheric environmental storytelling and a variety of weapons and crafting options enhancing survival strategies.

While the story is generally seen as serviceable but somewhat predictable, and some voice acting is mixed, these narrative shortcomings are overshadowed by the game's core gameplay strengths. The game remains enjoyable even years after release, with ongoing updates and DLCs adding value. Co-op play and replayability are also highly valued, making Dying Light a standout in the zombie survival genre.

Highlights

Players especially praise the fluid parkour mechanics that make traversal across the open world exhilarating and natural. The dynamic day-night cycle adds a compelling survival horror element, with more dangerous enemies appearing at night.

The combat system is noted for its visceral, weighty feel and creative weapon crafting, enhancing the tension and satisfaction of close-quarters fights. Graphically, the game is still considered impressive and atmospheric despite its age, contributing to an immersive post-apocalyptic setting. The storyline, while not groundbreaking, is engaging enough to keep players invested, particularly the relationships between characters.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the storyline, which some players find formulaic and less compelling compared to other aspects of the game. The voice acting receives mixed reviews, with some characters feeling flat or clichéd.

Additionally, some players mention repetitive mission design and occasional grind, which can detract from the overall experience. A few note minor bugs and occasional technical issues, though these are generally not game-breaking. Some find the movement system's 'auto-magnetizing' to ledges somewhat annoying, and a small subset experience motion sickness due to the game's visuals and camera movement.

Pros

  • Fluid and exhilarating parkour movement enhances exploration and escape.
  • Dynamic day-night cycle increases tension and survival challenge.
  • Visceral, weighty melee combat with satisfying weapon crafting.
  • Rich, atmospheric open world with detailed environmental storytelling.
  • Engaging co-op mode adds replayability and social fun.
  • Strong longevity with ongoing updates and valuable DLC content.
  • Balanced gameplay keeps zombies threatening without overpowering the player.

Cons

  • Storyline can be predictable and lacks depth compared to gameplay.
  • Voice acting is inconsistent, with some flat or clichéd performances.
  • Missions sometimes become repetitive and grind-heavy over time.
  • Minor bugs and occasional technical issues reported by players.
  • Movement system’s auto-magnetizing to ledges can feel frustrating.
  • Some players experience motion sickness due to camera and visuals.
  • Certain weapon balancing feels odd, e.g., weaker guns outperforming stronger ones.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

First-person action survival game set in a post-apocalyptic open world overrun by flesh-hungry zombies. Roam a city devastated by a mysterious virus epidemic. Scavenge for supplies, craft weapons, and face hordes of the infected.

Release Date Mar 12th 2025
Publisher Techland
Developer Techland
Required Age 17+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (88,535)
95% Positive 5% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
87