In a move that caught fans completely off guard, "Dead Island 2" has unexpectedly landed on Xbox Game Pass for console players. Developed by Dambuster Studios and published by Deep Silver, this sequel to the beloved 2011 zombie survival game has found a new home on Microsoft's subscription service without any prior announcement or marketing hype.
The Sudden Availability
As of February 22, 2024, Xbox Game Pass subscribers on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S can jump into the gore-filled streets of Los Angeles without purchasing the game separately. This stealth drop has been confirmed through the official Xbox store, where "Dead Island 2" now features a Game Pass badge, indicating its availability to Ultimate subscribers. However, this addition is exclusive to console platforms, with the PC version of Game Pass still missing out on the action.
What to Expect
"Dead Island 2" transports players to a zombie-infested Los Angeles, now humorously dubbed "HELL-A." The game offers an intense first-person action RPG experience, characterized by its blend of horror, dark humor, and over-the-top zombie slaying. Players can choose from six unique characters, each with their own backstory and abilities, to navigate through iconic locations, from the luxurious Beverly Hills to the vibrant Venice Beach. The game emphasizes brutal melee combat, allowing for creative and gruesome ways to dispatch the undead.
The unexpected addition to Game Pass has been a pleasant surprise for many, especially following the game's long, troubled development journey which saw multiple studio changes before its release in April 2023. With its availability on Game Pass, players now have an opportunity to experience this title's narrative and gameplay without the financial commitment of a full purchase.
Community Reaction
The gaming community has reacted with excitement to this news, with many expressing their joy on social media platforms like X. The sentiment is clear: an unannounced addition to Game Pass is always a welcome surprise, especially for a game that offers cooperative gameplay, allowing friends to join in the zombie-slaying festivities.
The Catch: No PC Game Pass
While console players are celebrating, PC gamers will have to wait for another opportunity. Currently, "Dead Island 2" is not available on the PC version of Game Pass. This exclusivity might be due to contractual agreements, as the PC edition has been exclusive to the Epic Games Store until recently. There's anticipation that it might join PC Game Pass once this exclusivity period ends, but no official confirmation has been provided by Microsoft or Deep Silver yet.
What This Means for Xbox Game Pass
This surprise drop underscores Xbox Game Pass's strategy of frequently adding high-profile games to its library, often without fanfare, to keep subscribers engaged and excited. It also highlights the service's strength in providing access to a wide array of games, including those that might have been overlooked due to mixed reviews or high initial purchase costs. "Dead Island 2" adds value to Xbox Game Pass, potentially attracting new subscribers or reigniting interest among current ones.
Conclusion
The addition of "Dead Island 2" to Xbox Game Pass for consoles is a testament to the service's dynamic nature, offering gamers unexpected delights in their gaming library. For those who haven't yet experienced the sequel's take on zombie survival, this is the perfect time to dive into the action. Meanwhile, PC gamers can only look forward to potential future availability. Whether you're in it for the story, the gore, or the co-op play, "Dead Island 2" on Game Pass is an opportunity to explore one of 2023's more unique gaming experiences without additional cost.
