The undead are stirring again, and this time, Kyle Crane is back. Techland has officially unveiled Dying Light: The Beast, a new standalone installment in its acclaimed zombie survival franchise, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated action-horror games of 2025. Slated for release in Summer 2025, the game will launch on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC—a rare cross-generation release that continues Techland’s support for legacy consoles even as current-gen hardware takes center stage.
Kyle Crane Returns from the Dead
Perhaps the biggest shocker? Kyle Crane is alive. Fans of the original Dying Light will remember Crane’s ambiguous fate in the game’s “Following” expansion, where he seemingly succumbs to the virus. But in The Beast, he’s back—and he’s not quite the same. Voiced once again by Roger Craig Smith, Crane has undergone years of brutal experimentation that have altered him in dramatic ways.
He now possesses enhanced abilities that form the core of the game’s new “Beast Mode” system—granting him superhuman powers that go beyond what players have experienced in previous Dying Light games. Think faster reflexes, stronger melee attacks, and a darker, more visceral combat style that aligns with the game’s grittier tone.
Set in the Infested Wilderness of Castor Woods
The Beast leaves behind the urban ruins of Harran and Villedor for a new open-world region: Castor Woods, a once-bustling vacation destination now lost to chaos. This rural, forested region introduces vertical terrain, derelict cabins, decaying campgrounds, and winding backroads that all make for a fresh parkour experience. Unlike the tightly packed rooftops of past entries, players will use their acrobatic skills to scale rocky cliffs, leap over ravines, and survive in a landscape where danger lurks behind every tree.
The new location also marks the debut of a driveable 4×4 vehicle, an evolution of the buggy from The Following. It plays a key role in both traversal and combat, offering upgrades, customization, and zombie-smashing fun.
A Standalone That Grew Beyond DLC
Dying Light: The Beast began life as a major expansion for Dying Light 2: Stay Human, but as the scope grew, Techland spun it into its own game. According to developer statements, the project evolved as a way to satisfy longtime fans who wanted a more grounded, story-driven experience centered around Crane.
In a show of goodwill, players who own the Ultimate Edition of Dying Light 2 will get The Beast for free, which speaks volumes about Techland’s continued support for its fanbase.
Meet the Baron – A New Threat Rises
The game’s antagonist, Marius Fischer, also known as “The Baron,” made his debut in the cinematic trailer shown at The Game Awards 2024. He’s described as a cult-like figure with a messianic obsession with power and control—part warlord, part scientist. Expect to face psychological torment and moral dilemmas alongside the usual blood-spattered encounters with the infected.
Fischer’s presence introduces a more narrative-heavy tone, with themes of identity, mutation, and sacrifice front and center. Early reports suggest this entry may lean more heavily into horror than its predecessors, drawing inspiration from games like Resident Evil Village and The Evil Within 2.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
Trailers so far have focused on the game’s gritty tone, showcasing sweeping forest landscapes, intense melee combat, and a hardened version of Crane dealing with his inner demons. Techland has promised more details in the months ahead, including a deep-dive into the Beast Mode system and a full breakdown of how the game fits into the larger Dying Light lore.
One thing is clear: Dying Light: The Beast isn’t just a return to form—it’s a resurrection, both literal and metaphorical, of everything that made the original a cult hit. And with next-gen hardware at its disposal, Techland is poised to push the series into bold new territory.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the summer 2025 release window.
Key Takeaways
- Dying Light: The Beast is scheduled for release in Summer 2025 across multiple platforms.
- Players will control Kyle Crane in a standalone adventure set in a rural environment.
- Techland is developing the game as a continuation of the popular zombie parkour franchise.
Game Overview and Features
Dying Light: The Beast marks a thrilling new chapter in the zombie survival franchise. This standalone adventure brings back fan-favorite character Kyle Crane in a tightly-crafted rural setting with enhanced gameplay mechanics.
Storyline and Setting
The Beast follows Kyle Crane, the legendary Hero of Harran from the original Dying Light. After being held captive and experimented on for over a decade, Crane manages to break free. The game takes place in Castor Woods, a rural post-apocalyptic area that offers a stark contrast to the urban environments of previous titles.
Players will explore this new region while unraveling the mystery of what happened to Crane during his captivity. The rural setting provides fresh challenges with dense forests, abandoned farms, and small settlements overrun by the infected.
The narrative appears to take a darker turn, possibly exploring how Crane’s experiences have changed him and what new threats emerge in this isolated region.
Gameplay Mechanics
The Beast builds upon the franchise’s signature parkour and combat systems while introducing new survival elements. Players will navigate the dangerous terrain of Castor Woods using enhanced movement mechanics, allowing for more fluid traversal through natural environments.
Combat remains a core aspect, with players fighting zombies using both melee weapons and firearms. The game likely retains the weapon crafting and modification systems from previous entries.
New to the franchise might be deeper survival skills and mechanics reflecting the rural setting. Players will need to:
- Hunt and gather resources
- Craft essential items for survival
- Navigate day/night cycles that affect zombie behavior
- Utilize stealth techniques in natural environments
Co-op gameplay is expected to return, allowing friends to tackle the zombie adventure together.
Editions and Platforms
Dying Light: The Beast is scheduled for release in Summer 2025. The game will be available across multiple platforms including:
- PC (via Steam)
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
While specific edition details haven’t been fully revealed, fans can expect standard and possibly ultimate editions with varying content and bonuses. Previous Dying Light games offered special editions with exclusive in-game items, art books, and season passes.
The game appears to be a standalone title rather than DLC, meaning players won’t need previous Dying Light games to enjoy it. This approach makes it accessible to newcomers while still appealing to longtime fans of the franchise.
Development and Release
Dying Light: The Beast has been in development at Techland since its original conception as DLC content. The project evolved into a standalone game with its own unique story and gameplay elements.
Creation Process
Techland initially planned Dying Light: The Beast as downloadable content for Dying Light 2 Stay Human. However, as development progressed, the team decided to expand the concept into a full standalone game. This decision allowed them to create a more robust experience featuring Kyle Crane, the protagonist from the original Dying Light.
The game returns to a rural setting that contrasts with the urban environment of Dying Light 2. Techland brought back Craig Smith as the voice actor for Kyle Crane, ensuring continuity with the character fans know from the first game.
The development team focused on creating a horror-centric experience while maintaining the parkour and combat mechanics that made the series popular.
Post-Launch Support
Techland has announced plans for extensive post-launch support for Dying Light: The Beast following its Summer 2025 release. The developer has established a solid reputation for long-term game support, as demonstrated by their years-long content updates for the original Dying Light.
Players can expect a mix of free updates and paid DLC expansions after launch. Techland has indicated they will continue their community-focused approach, incorporating player feedback into future content updates.
The specific roadmap details haven’t been fully revealed, but based on Techland’s history with previous titles, support will likely include new weapons, challenges, story expansions, and gameplay improvements over multiple years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have been eagerly seeking details about Dying Light: The Beast since its announcement. The following questions address the most common inquiries about this upcoming title featuring Kyle Crane.
When is the official release date for Dying Light: The Beast?
According to recent announcements, Dying Light: The Beast is scheduled for release in Summer 2025. While an exact date hasn’t been confirmed, the release window spans from June to September 2025.
The game was officially announced at The Game Awards 2024, with developer Techland confirming the summer release timeframe in subsequent trailers.
Will Dying Light: The Beast be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Dying Light: The Beast is expected to launch on current-generation consoles including PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game is being developed with these platforms in mind.
PC availability has also been confirmed, maintaining the series’ cross-platform approach. Techland has focused on leveraging current hardware capabilities for this release.
What is the pricing strategy for Dying Light: The Beast?
The exact pricing for Dying Light: The Beast has not yet been announced by Techland. Industry standards suggest it could be priced similarly to other major releases in the series.
Fans should watch for pre-order announcements in the coming months, which will reveal the final pricing structure. Special editions with additional content may also be available at premium price points.
Can players expect a simultaneous release on all platforms for Dying Light: The Beast?
Techland typically aims for simultaneous releases across all supported platforms. While not explicitly confirmed, Dying Light: The Beast will likely follow this pattern.
Platform-specific optimization requirements sometimes cause slight delays between releases. Official announcements about platform release timing should come closer to the summer 2025 window.
Is Dying Light: The Beast an expansion or a standalone game?
Dying Light: The Beast is a standalone game, not an expansion. It features Kyle Crane, the protagonist from the original Dying Light.
The story takes place after the events of Dying Light 2, with Crane having been held captive and experimented on for more than a decade before breaking free. This positions the game as a full entry in the series rather than DLC.
What are the unique features of Dying Light: The Beast anticipated by fans?
The return of Kyle Crane as the protagonist has generated significant excitement among the fanbase. His character has apparently undergone changes during his captivity.
The game’s title suggests new gameplay mechanics potentially related to Crane’s transformation after experimentation. Players are anticipating evolved parkour systems and combat mechanics that have been hallmarks of the series.
The narrative connection between the original Dying Light and Dying Light 2 is another anticipated feature, as The Beast will bridge story elements between these two games.
