The Dying Light franchise has always been about survival, parkour, and tension. From the original game’s terrifying nights in Harran to the expanded world of Dying Light 2: Stay Human, the series built a reputation as one of the best open-world zombie experiences ever made. Now, Techland is back with Dying Light: The Beast, a standalone entry that was first meant to be DLC but later grew into a full game.
This release promises a return to the roots of the series. With Kyle Crane’s long-awaited comeback, a new setting, and refined horror elements, The Beast feels like the proper sequel fans have wanted for years. But does it really deliver? Let’s break it down.
What Is Dying Light: The Beast?
Dying Light: The Beast is the third installment in the franchise. Unlike its predecessors that focused on sprawling cities, this game takes place in Castor Woods, a rural environment filled with mountains, small towns, and hidden paths.
Originally developed as an expansion to Dying Light 2, Techland quickly realized the scope was too large for DLC. Instead, they built a standalone release that doubles down on what the series does best: open-world survival horror with day-and-night tension.
Key features include:
- Open-world exploration in Castor Woods
- Kyle Crane’s return as the protagonist
- Dynamic day-and-night gameplay with terrifying nights
- Expanded parkour traversal with rural terrain challenges
- Crafting tools, weapons, and items
- Plenty of side quests and hidden activities
- A more compact map with no fast travel
Story – 7/10
The biggest draw for longtime fans is the return of Kyle Crane, the hero of the first game. His absence in Dying Light 2 left fans wondering about his fate, and The Beast finally answers those questions. The narrative explains how Crane survived the events of the past and why he is back in action.
The plot centers on Crane confronting the Baron, a ruthless warlord who controls Castor Woods. While the setup is exciting, the story itself plays out as a fairly generic revenge tale. Some characters, like Olivia and the Sheriff, feel underdeveloped and don’t leave the same impact as the memorable cast from the first game.
However, Techland improves the cinematography of cutscenes. With third-person angles, Crane’s expressions and emotions are finally visible, making him more relatable. While not groundbreaking, the story succeeds in bringing back the tone and atmosphere that fans missed in Stay Human.
Gameplay – 8/10
The biggest strength of The Beast is how it feels to play. Techland doesn’t reinvent the formula but instead polishes every system to make the experience tighter and more engaging.
Parkour and Exploration
Parkour remains the heart of Dying Light. Jumping across rooftops, climbing ledges, and wall-running feel smoother than ever. But Castor Woods adds new layers to exploration. The countryside terrain limits verticality, forcing players to adapt. You’ll rely more on vehicles and ground-level navigation, which creates fresh challenges.
The map is also more compact and dense. Instead of wide empty zones, every corner hides something—whether it’s loot, enemies, or a side mission. This makes exploration rewarding without overwhelming players.
Combat
Combat feels brutal and impactful. Swinging a machete, smashing skulls with a hammer, or setting traps all carry weight. The new Beast Mode lets Crane temporarily unleash superhuman strength, tearing through hordes. It’s fun, but it sometimes feels more like a “get-out-of-jail-free card” than a strategic tool.
The downside is that combat can feel one-dimensional at times. Enemies are relentless but not very diverse, and the skill tree for Beast Mode doesn’t add much depth. Still, the sheer brutality of finishers and executions makes fighting satisfying.
Day and Night Cycle
The day-and-night system is back and more terrifying than ever. During the day, you can explore freely, but when night falls, Volatiles come out. These monsters are faster, stronger, and much harder to avoid. Nights become a game of survival where you hide in shadows, sprint to safe zones, or risk death.
This system recaptures the horror that defined the first game. Every sunset brings dread, and every sunrise feels like relief.
Visuals – 8/10
Dying Light: The Beast isn’t the most visually groundbreaking game of 2025, but it delivers a solid presentation.
Castor Woods looks stunning, with misty forests, rocky cliffs, and eerie small towns. The countryside setting is a refreshing change of pace from city skylines. While textures and lighting aren’t mind-blowing, the art direction is strong.
Animations for combat and executions have been upgraded, making fights feel more intense. Gore effects are more brutal than ever, with limbs flying and blood soaking the environment. The night visuals, with glowing eyes of Volatiles stalking in the dark, are particularly chilling.
Audio – 9/10
If visuals set the stage, audio steals the show.
The sound design is incredible. Every groan of a zombie, every creak of a door, and every snap of a twig builds tension. The chase music is heart-pounding, making you panic even if you’re prepared.
Voice acting is strong, especially for Crane, giving his character more depth. Supporting characters don’t shine as much, but the performances are serviceable.
And of course, the atmospheric soundtrack ties it all together. From quiet, haunting melodies in the woods to loud, frantic beats during pursuits, the audio keeps you on edge throughout.
Value for Money – 9/10
At $59.99, The Beast is a strong value.
The main story takes around 25 hours to complete, but with side quests, collectibles, and co-op play, you can easily sink in 40+ hours. The map is smaller but denser, meaning less wasted space and more meaningful activities.
While the game doesn’t reinvent itself, it refines the series into its best form yet. For fans of open-world horror, this is money well spent.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔ Intense survival horror atmosphere
✔ Refined parkour and exploration
✔ Compact but dense open world
✔ Strong audio and music design
✔ Kyle Crane’s return
Cons:
✘ Story and characters are weaker than expected
✘ Beast Mode lacks depth
✘ Combat can feel repetitive
Final Verdict – 82/100
Dying Light: The Beast is the sequel fans have been asking for. It doesn’t drastically change the formula, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, Techland has taken the best parts of the franchise—horror, parkour, and atmosphere—and polished them into their strongest form.
The story may stumble, and some mechanics feel shallow, but the experience as a whole is thrilling. From tense nighttime runs to brutal combat encounters, The Beast captures the fear and adrenaline that made the series special.
If you are a fan of survival horror, or if you loved the first Dying Light but felt Stay Human missed the mark, this game is worth your time.
Dying Light: The Beast – Product Information
- Title: Dying Light: The Beast
- Release Date: September 18, 2025
- Developer: Techland
- Publisher: Techland
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Horror, Survival
- Price: $59.99
- Playtime: 25–40+ Hours
- Modes: Single-player, Online Co-op (1–4 players)