Dying Light: The Beast’s Nighttime Experience Makes It a ‘2-in-1 Type of Game’

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A key feature that sets Dying Light apart is its gripping nighttime gameplay, as the transition from day to night dramatically alters the environment into something darker, more dangerous, and unpredictable. This is when the game’s scares are at their most intense, making the world a dangerous labyrinth for players to traverse. It’s during these nights that the gameplay reaches its zenith, with heightened tension, risk, and the excitement of the chase, all while providing satisfying parkour moves. The torch has now been passed to Dying Light: The Beast, where seasoned players will encounter fresh nighttime challenges.

In a recent chat with Game Rant, Tymon Smektala, director of the Dying Light franchise, and Nathan Lemaire, game director, discussed the unique nighttime experience in the series, and how Dying Light: The Beast will maintain excitement for both newcomers and veterans of the game. They hinted that while the fundamental rules and mechanics remain the same, Dying Light: The Beast introduces some unexpected elements to amplify the already nerve-wracking nighttime gameplay.

Dying Light: The Beast Treats Nightfall Like a Genre Switch

Experiencing the sunset in Dying Light is unlike anything else, a moment many gamers probably still remember vividly from their initial foray into the franchise. The first night in this series was undeniably terrifying, and it’s a key element that has stayed with players, even prompting some to linger until nightfall just to relive the thrill of a Volatile hot on their heels. This heightened excitement is largely due to the design of Dying Light games, where the day-night cycle serves not only for aesthetic purposes but also as a platform for a new gameplay dynamic. As Lemaire put it, this feature isn’t just about changing the visuals and scenery; it’s an opportunity for a fresh gaming experience.

In this franchise, ‘night’ isn’t merely an atmospheric factor; it’s a comprehensive encounter. During the day, you may roam freely amidst the infected and engage in combat, but night serves as a reminder that you are still vulnerable prey. This transition from a survival action adventure to a chilling stealth horror experience is significant.

Lemaire’s statement, “The night serves as a reminder that you remain vulnerable,” is chilling enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. In Dying Light, light functions like a protective blanket, making players feel secure against the infected they battle. This sense of invincibility is heightened because more dangerous zombies emerge in the cover of darkness due to their weakness towards light. Furthermore, limited vision during nighttime transforms the open world from a playground for the player into a domain of the infected.

Now, “Dying Light: The Beast” isn’t aiming to completely overhaul the rules, but instead seeks to alter the setting of these rules. This shift might be just enough to keep players from feeling overly comfortable as darkness falls. Smektala further elaborated on how the new game intends to enhance the nighttime formula that made “Dying Light” famous.

From the onset of this series, our ambition has been to craft a comprehensive “nighttime adventure,” not merely darkening the usual daytime setting. We’d often joke about designing a “dual-purpose” game, but in truth, these quips carry weight – the day and night aspects of Dying Light play distinctly, with various rules, altering your emotional connection to the world, making you feel more vulnerable or fragile, influencing your thoughts, and shaping your decisions during gameplay. In The Beast, we leverage a fresh setting once more, adding a new layer of excitement to the experience. While our players are accustomed to nights in urban settings, a night amidst the forest or swamps – even with the same rules and mechanics – offers an entirely new feel.

Indeed, in essence, Dying Light: The Beast generally adheres to established guidelines, but with a twist. Exploring the city during the dark hours is challenging enough, yet when gamers are suddenly plunged into a dense forest or foggy marsh and tasked with outmaneuvering or eluding the infected, it could catch them off guard. This aged gameplay mechanic infuses new suspense, making Dying Light seem perilous once more. It subtracts the security players might have relied on from rooftops and UV traps, compelling them to invent novel methods of enduring the night.

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2025-08-23 20:12