Summary

  • Dying Light 2's Nightmare Mode offers a brutal challenge with stripped UI, faster enemies, and no auto-regen health.
  • Techland continues to support Dying Light 2 with new content, tweaks, and fixes, showing dedication to fans.
  • The latest update not only introduces Nightmare Mode but also adds co-op for community maps and new gear options.

Back in January 2022, just a month before launch, developer Techland made the incredibly bold promise that Dying Light 2 would receive at least five years of post-launch support. Though it seemed outlandish at the time, all the evidence is pointing to Techland actually making good on its lofty promise, with Dying Light 2 having received continuous updates for well over two years now.

From smaller patches that fix various bugs and issues, to huge updates that add new weapons, missions, cosmetics, and even gameplay mechanics, Dying Light 2 has received a lot of support over the last two and a bit years. Even when the game's been at its lowest, one thing has always remained true, and that's that Techland always listens to its fans. But despite all the new content, tweaks, and fixes, it still seems as though Techland has more left up its sleeve, and the latest Nightmare Mode update exemplifies that.

Everything Included in Dying Light 2's Nightmare Update

Dying Light 2's New Nightmare Mode Explained

Released on April 18, 2024, Dying Light 2's Nightmare Mode update adds a wealth of new content to the game, most of which revolves around this titular new difficulty setting. The most challenging way to play Dying Light 2, Nightmare Mode strips back the game's UI, removes some vital gameplay crutches, and makes some important tweaks to enemies. Some of the biggest changes and additions in this mode are as follows:

  • Flashlight can flicker and turn off after constant use
  • The game is no longer paused while in a crafting or inventory menu
  • Survivor Sense no longer shows enemy outlines
  • Inhibitors offer less immunity
  • Player's armor and resistance are reduced
  • Volatile chases are triggered faster but they have shorter sightlines
  • Stamina regeneration takes longer to activate and is generally slower
  • Health no longer regenerates automatically
  • More Legend XP points are awarded, but any Legend XP gained in between ranks is lost upon death after level 50

Put simply, Dying Light 2's Nightmare Mode is not for the faint of heart, and certainly not for those still relatively new to Dying Light 2. This mode has been tailor-made for Dying Light 2 veterans looking for an even greater challenge than the one the game currently provides. That being said, Techland has made a number of tweaks and changes in this update that will make this difficulty level - and all the others - a tad more balanced.

For instance, Dying Light 2 will now feature fewer Volatiles, particularly on rooftops, and they've received a number of nerfs such as slightly reduced vision. But even with these changes, Dying Light 2's Nightmare Mode is going to pose a significant challenge. But if players can somehow manage to complete the game in its entirety while on this difficulty tier, they'll unlock the exclusive Waltz outfit for their character.

Everything Else Coming in Dying Light 2's Nightmare Update

While the new Nightmare Mode is the centerpiece of this latest Dying Light 2 update, a few additional surprises await players:

  • Added co-op functionality for community-made maps
  • Added a range of new tools for community map making, such as a pixelated visual filter, assets from the Bloody Ties DLC, and new prefabs
  • New gear loadout system that lets players save up to 4 custom loadouts
  • Improved cutscene lighting, animation, and special effects
  • Power Shot skill rework
  • Tactical Stamina option
  • Grappling Hook customization

On top of these exciting additions, Dying Light 2's latest patch has also brought a slew of fixes and tweaks to the game. These range from a mountain of co-op fixes, to some tweaks to firearms to make them more powerful, to general animation and bug fixes across the board.

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Dying Light 2 Stay Human Tag Page Cover Art
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
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Released
February 4, 2022
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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It’s been 20 years since the events of the original game. The virus won, and humanity is slowly dying. You play as Aiden Caldwell, a wandering Pilgrim who delivers goods, brings news, and connects the few remaining survivor settlements in barren lands devastated by the zombie virus. However, your true goal is to find your little sister Mia, who you left behind as a kid to escape Dr. Waltz's torturous experiments. Haunted by the past, you eventually make the decision to confront it when you learn that Mia may still be alive in Villedor — the last city standing on Earth.

You quickly find yourself in a settlement torn by conflict. You’ll need to engage in creative and gory combat, so hone your skills to defeat hordes of zombies and make allies. Roam the city, free run across Villedor’s buildings and rooftops in search of loot in remote areas, and be wary of the night. With every sunset, monsters take control of the streets.

ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
Developer(s)
Techland
Publisher(s)
Techland
Franchise
Dying Light
Genre(s)
Action, RPG, Survival Horror
Metascore
76
Player hanging off ledge in Dying Light 2
7 Images