Introduction
Dying Light: The Beast is shaping up to be the most exciting entry in Techland’s survival horror franchise. After spending four hours with the latest build in Los Angeles, I can confidently say this game feels like a deliberate return to what made Dying Light special, while still pushing the boundaries with new mechanics, darker storytelling, and some of the most brutal combat in the series.
Unlike its predecessors, The Beast doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it perfects the formula, blending the best elements of Dying Light 1 and Dying Light 2 into a refined, terrifying experience. If you’ve been waiting for a true horror-driven survival parkour game, this is it.
The Return of Kyle Crane
Yes, Kyle Crane is back — but this isn’t the same Crane we knew. After being captured and experimented on by the sinister Baron, Crane is broken, unstable, and vulnerable. His new journey is one of rediscovery, where survival means adapting and evolving through Beast Mode.
Instead of an all-powerful protagonist, you start off weaker and must rebuild Crane’s strength by hunting terrifying zombie bosses called Chimerias. Defeating them earns you Beast Points, unlocking devastating new abilities. This progression system gives The Beast a roguelike intensity and a brutal survival edge that keeps every encounter meaningful.
Beast Mode – Brutality Unleashed
The highlight of my demo was easily Beast Mode. Once activated, Crane transforms into a savage, unstoppable force of nature. The finishers are jaw-droppingly violent: ripping zombies in half, tearing off heads, smashing skulls, and hurling enemies like ragdolls.
Unlike Dying Light 2, where combat often felt inconsistent, The Beast finally nails the sweet spot between fluid melee gameplay and horrific impact. Every hit feels heavy, every weapon swings with purpose, and every finisher leaves you stunned by the sheer gore on screen.
In multiplayer co-op, this is going to be absolute chaos — and I mean that in the best way possible.
Parkour & World Design
Techland has always excelled in parkour, and The Beast continues that legacy. While the cityscapes of Harran and Villedor are gone, the Caster Woods environment offers a refreshing new twist.
Instead of skyscrapers and scaffolding, you’ll vault across tree branches, rock ledges, and natural terrain. It feels handcrafted, immersive, and surprisingly fluid. Classic moves like wall-running and active landing return, but the addition of stamina-free climbing makes traversal smoother than ever.
Driving also makes a comeback, with pickup trucks scattered throughout the woods. They don’t have the upgrade depth of The Following expansion, but they’re fun to drive — especially with the option to switch between first- and third-person cameras.
Atmosphere & Horror Vibes
Here’s where The Beast truly shines: horror.
When night falls in the Caster Woods, the game becomes terrifying. Unlike previous titles, which often struggled to deliver true fear, this one nails the atmosphere. With just a flashlight (or sometimes without), the woods are pitch-black, suffocating, and relentless. The tension is real, and the survival horror roots finally feel alive again.
The lighting and weather systems add another layer of immersion. Storms roll in, fog creeps through the trees, and the eerie quiet is shattered by distant screams. It’s a chilling reminder that you’re never truly safe.
Storytelling & Characters
Now, here’s where things get complicated. While The Beast nails gameplay, the story and dialogue still feel like the weakest link. Some conversations sound outdated and awkward, pulling me out of the otherwise dark, gritty atmosphere.
Kyle Crane himself is engaging, especially with his jaded personality and vulnerable state, but side characters lack the emotional depth needed to keep the narrative compelling. Techland has clearly improved cutscene direction — dynamic camera angles and cinematic transitions add flair — but the writing still lags behind the gameplay.
If Techland can polish the dialogue and tighten the story pacing, The Beast could finally bridge the gap between its gameplay excellence and narrative ambition.
Final Verdict – Why Dying Light: The Beast Matters
Dying Light: The Beast is not trying to be the biggest, longest, or most ambitious game in the world. Instead, it knows exactly what it is: a brutal, focused, survival horror experience.
Brutal and satisfying combat
Parkour adapted beautifully to the woods
Beast Mode is pure chaos and fun
True horror atmosphere finally achieved
Weak dialogue and inconsistent narrative
Some ragdoll/feedback issues still remain
Techland has built a stronger foundation here than ever before. The Beast isn’t about reinventing the franchise — it’s about reclaiming its identity. And because of that, the future of Dying Light looks brighter (and bloodier) than ever.
Final Word:
If you loved the original Dying Light and wanted something scarier, more brutal, and refined, then The Beast is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. It’s not perfect, but it’s confident — and that’s what makes it so exciting.
What do you think — will Dying Light: The Beast bring the series back to survival horror glory?
