
What players like:
Common complaints:
Gameplay feedback:
Performance notes:
Recommendations:
Other player notes:
Review evidence
Great parkour and co-op fun backed by long-term developer support are undermined by overpriced reskinned cosmetics, DLC access failures, and a lack of new content or innovation.
Long-term developer support praised: Players highly appreciate that the developers have continued updating and supporting the game for over ten years. This ongoing care and passion for an old game is seen as a sign of respect for the community.
Best zombie game ever: Many reviewers consider this the greatest zombie game of all time, frequently citing its unique parkour and open-world design. It is praised as fulfilling zombie fantasies and standing above all other zombie titles.
Free DLC and anniversary bundle: The developers are praised for releasing free DLC even after ten years, including the 10th Anniversary Bundle that is seen as a meaningful gift for veteran players. The free content is greatly appreciated.
Excellent parkour mechanics: The parkour system is consistently described as fluid, amazing, and exhilarating, making movement throughout the game world very enjoyable. It is a standout feature that enhances the overall experience.
Masterpiece and all-time favorite: Many reviewers call the game a masterpiece and consider it one of the best games they have ever played. It holds a special place in their hearts.
Overpriced reskinned cosmetic content: The 10th anniversary bundles are criticized for containing mostly reskinned items or reused assets from previous games, sold at a premium price. Many feel the cosmetics are low quality and comparable to free mods.
DLC download and access failures: Multiple reviewers report that purchased or free DLC content cannot be downloaded, accessed, or located in-game, including anniversary bundles and specific weapons. This includes issues where items do not appear in stash or blueprints after installation.
DLC requires additional purchases: Reviewers complain that content is locked behind further purchases or requires ownership of other expansions to be usable. For example, some skins only work in The Following DLC, which some buyers do not own.
Lack of new content or innovation: The DLC adds no new locations, story, mechanics, or significant innovations, focusing mainly on cosmetic and audiovisual improvements. The 10th anniversary update only adds three skins.
Weapons underpowered or bugged: Specific weapons like the revolver and DB Shotgun are criticized for lacking expected effects or being inferior to existing weapons. The machete still suffers from hit-stun issues, and bundle weapons do not exceed damage caps.
Parkour traversal core mechanic: Reviewers repeatedly highlight parkour as a central movement system, including rooftop traversal and smooth transitions. It defines exploration and escape gameplay.
Zombie apocalypse setting: The game is consistently described as a zombie-themed open-world apocalypse with a core focus on fighting and survival against zombies.
Co-op multiplayer support: The game supports cooperative play with friends, including two- or four-player teams and solo options. Multiplayer enables sharing loot and dropping weapons for allies.
DLC and bundle content: Multiple DLCs and bundles add new costumes, weapon blueprints, buggy skins, and graphical improvements. Bundle items become available in the stash after specific progress.
Day-night danger cycle: A day/night cycle significantly increases danger at night, with more enemies chasing players and nighttime being described as difficult and scary.
Strong optimization performance: Players praise the game's optimization, noting it outperforms many modern AAA titles and runs well even on modest hardware. Several clusters highlight smooth performance on varied devices.
Good Steam Deck performance: The game runs well on the Steam Deck OLED, indicating solid compatibility with handheld hardware.
Unstable online connection: Some players report an unstable online connection, which can disrupt the multiplayer experience.
Strong Overall Recommendation: Multiple reviewers strongly recommend the game, with some saying it is a must-play and that skipping it is crazy. This positive sentiment is a key takeaway.
Worth the Money: Reviewers feel the game is worth buying and provides good value. Some specifically recommend purchasing it if you are considering it.
Great with Friends: The game is highly recommended for playing with friends, and co-op play is highlighted as a strong point.
Free Bundle Value: The free 10th Anniversary Bundle is praised for its great value and is recommended for fans to try. It allows players to become stronger and stand out.
For New and Returning Players: The game is recommended for both players who have not tried it yet and fans who want to relive the experience or enjoy it anew.
Reviews describe the game as fun right away, with co-op multiplayer as a major driver of enjoyment and replayability. The only negative note concerns an anniversary bundle's value, not a delayed core-game hook.
Co-op Social Player: Plays in duo or four-player co-op, sometimes solo, and organizes friends or family into team sessions. Motivation: Shared survival sessions with friends and family, plus replayability from multiplayer. Stance: buy.
Parkour Zombie-Slayer: Moves aggressively through environments, chaining parkour with melee combat, sometimes pushing toward speedrunner-level mastery. Motivation: Fluid first-person parkour and satisfying zombie combat. Stance: buy.
Long-Term Franchise Loyalist: Replays the campaign multiple times, follows events and DLC, and values long-lived single-player content. Motivation: Nostalgia and continued attachment to a long-supported zombie classic, including replaying and following updates. Stance: buy.
Long-term developer support: The game has received continuous updates, patches, events, and DLC for ten years, with developers still actively supporting it. This long-term commitment is frequently praised.
Free DLC and giveaways: DLC is offered for free, including giveaways and free packs. The game includes free content updates and DLC promotions.
Tenth anniversary celebration: A tenth anniversary pack or DLC was released, celebrating the game's 10th anniversary. This bundle is often free and includes various items.
Superior to sequel: Reviewers compare the game favorably to its sequel, Dying Light 2, stating it is much better and a landmark title.
Favorable zombie game comparisons: The game is compared favorably to Left 4 Dead, Dead Island, and Mirror's Edge, often cited as one of the best zombie games.