The zombie genre has probably run its course by now, but once in a while, there comes a game that changes everything. Luckily, Dead Island 2 is an extremely fun zombie game that came out after a long time and tons of delays. If you are craving similar experiences, we have curated a list of 8 games like Dead Island 2 just for you.
The games mentioned on this list will not only feel similar but also hold out on their own. If you are a fan of the zombie genre, make sure that you check out all of the games mentioned to find the next big thing. With that said, let’s dive right in and get started.
State Of Decay 2
Release Date: May 2018
Platform: Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Starting off our list, we have a game that focuses highly on zombie survival mechanics rather than just killing enemies all around the map. State of Decay 2 features a lot of similar zombie mechanics like Dead Island 2, which makes it a great game if you are craving a familiar experience.
You will have to focus on crafting, building your ideal base, collecting important resources, and fighting zombies. Players will have to lead a settlement of survivors through a number of trials and ensure their safety.
There are different types of zombies that you will encounter while exploring the open world of the game. This keeps the game fresh and ensures that you are on your toes since each zombie type has a different weakness.
Dying Light 2
Release Date: February 2022
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
When talking about games like Dead Island 2, we cannot ignore Dying Light. The first game was an improvement over Dead Island 1, and then it got a sequel. Both of the games play identically and have tons of familiar mechanics.
This is especially true for the combat mechanics and the types of enemies that you can find across the map. The major difference between the two – aside from the narrative – is that you have the ability to effectively parkour in Dying Light 2.
You can run across walls, hop fences, climb on ledges, and so much more in the game. This changes how you normally play a zombie game, as now you can rely on your speed to either get away or tackle zombies in a different way.
Dead Rising 3
Release Date: November 2013
Platform: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Dead Rising 3 offers a more over-the-top zombie-killing experience that a lot of players will enjoy. The game doesn’t take itself seriously, which falls in line with the humor of Dead Island 2 perfectly.
If you are looking for a familiar setting to Dead Island 2, Dead Rising 3 also takes place in LA and puts the player in a similar spot as well. If you are looking for a fun time and want to play a zombie-killing game casually, Dead Rising 3 is perfect.
Apart from the humor and tons of zombies, the game also features a fun crafting system as well. You can create tons of unique things, like a bat with a chainsaw sticking out of it or a paddle with a katana. Craft different items to see which works best together and have fun with the game.
Atomic Heart
Release Date: February 2023
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
While Atomic Heart isn’t a zombie game, it does feature mindless robots that are after you and want to take you down no matter what. Plus, if you are a fan of the humor in Dead Island 2, you’ll love the witty banter and one-liners in Atomic Heart.
While it can get a bit annoying at times, it keeps things fresh and entertaining. You will have to take down tons of strong robots that are roaming around aimlessly like zombies. The gunplay and other skills feel amazing in Atomic Heart, and it is a must-try if you like Dead Island 2.
Dead Island
Release Date: September 2011
Platform: Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Speaking of games like Dead Island 2, we cannot ignore its predecessor – Dead Island 1. The game came out almost 12 years before its long-awaited sequel, but it is still fun to this day. Since the game came out a long time ago, chances are that many players have not played it.
As expected, you can find tons of similar mechanics and the fun humor as well, which is found in the Dead Island series. Whether you are a new player to the series or want to revisit the first game, Dead Island is always worth playing.
Plus, you can see how much the sequel improved upon things like combat, exploration, and zombie mechanics by playing the first game.
Left For Dead 2
Release Date: November 2009
Platform: Xbox 360, Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS
Probably the most iconic game in the zombie genre, Left For Dead 2 is one of the best games ever made. Despite it being quite old at this point, the game still holds up in terms of fun, combat, and zombie fighting.
Any zombie game that came out after Left For Dead 2 probably has mechanics that it took inspiration from. Just like in Dead Island 2, you can expect a wide variety of enemy types that keeps the game fresh and entertaining.
Plus, you can also play co-op with your friends, which will feel familiar to fans of the Dead Island 2 multiplayer. Co-op is extremely fun in Left For Dead 2, and you can play with up to 3 other players excluding yourself.
Back 4 Blood
Release Date: October 2021
Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Similar to Left For Dead 2, Back 4 Blood features tons of mechanics that fans of the series will appreciate. However, it’s not just similar to Left For Dead 2. The game is also quite similar to Dead Island 2 as well.
Killing hordes of zombies is extremely fun, and it truly tests your skill to see how you can use your ammo efficiently and run around while mowing down hundreds of enemies. The game also features a diverse range of enemy types which can keep you on your toes.
Plus, since it is a relatively newer game than Left For Dead 2, the mechanics, like gunplay and other aspects, are more fleshed out and feel modern rather than being a bit dated.
Killing Floor 2
Release Date: November 2016
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux
Finally, let’s talk about Killing Floor 2. You will have to go up against swarms of zombies – called Zed – and mow them down. It is an open-world game that you can either play solo or with up to six additional players. Fans of the Dead Island 2 multiplayer will love the co-op in this game as well.
The best part is that you can choose between various classes, each with its unique weapons and abilities. This keeps the game extremely fun as you can try out different characters to see which one you like most.
Conclusion
And there you have it; those are 8 games like Dead Island 2. If you finished Dead Island 2 and are craving a similar experience, make sure that you try out some of the games mentioned on this list. They not only feel similar, but some of them also have a lot of familiar mechanics as well.
What do you think of Dead Island 2? Which game do you think feels similar to it? We would love to hear which game you found to be the best on this list in the comments below!
