There are six playable “Slayers” in Dead Island 2’s southern California zombie safari, all of whom are capable of taking on Hell-A and winning. Some have it a little easier than others, though. In this guide, we will explore these characters and provide a detailed ranking of the Slayers based on their effectiveness in both solo and co-op play. Whether you're a newbie trying to choose your Slayer or a seasoned player looking to optimize your gameplay, this guide has you covered!
Each Slayer in Dead Island 2 has unique abilities and strengths. Understanding these differences can significantly enhance your gaming experience. From Ryan's toughness to Amy's speed, each character offers distinct gameplay styles that can be leveraged depending on your approach to the game. Let’s dive into the rankings and find out which Slayers reign supreme!
The six playable Slayers in Dead Island 2 fall into three unofficial “classes.” Ryan and Carla are focused on defense with minimal offensive stats, while Dani and Jacob balance constant offensive pressure but struggle with healing. Amy and Bruno are classic “glass cannons” who can be easily taken out if cornered. Understanding these classifications can help players strategize their gameplay effectively.
Additionally, there are numerous ways to tweak your stats in DI2, such as utilizing weapon perks, Skill Cards, and completing in-game Challenges. However, it's essential to recognize that these changes will not completely close the gaps created by your Slayer’s starting stats. Choosing the right character based on your preferred playstyle is crucial for success.
Ryan is designed as a brick wall, boasting maximum Toughness but minimal Agility. He’s slow yet takes significantly less damage from physical hits compared to any other Slayer. His two innate Skill Cards, Seesaw and Retaliation, work excellently together, making him the best character for a solo run in Dead Island 2.
Carla is not far behind Ryan. Her highest stat is Resilience, making her less vulnerable to status-inflicting hazards. In the late game, when zombies are often Shocking, Burning, or Caustic, Carla shines. However, her Skill Card, Dig Deep, which boosts Toughness at critical health, can be ineffective if her health is low.
Dani is a formidable character in the early game but suffers from minimal Health Recovery. Medkits are less effective on her, putting her in a precarious position when health is low. Nevertheless, her innate skills are particularly strong against groups of zombies, allowing her to thrive in chaotic battles.
Jacob is slightly behind Dani, primarily due to his lower Resilience. Environmental hazards can be deadly for Jacob if he finds himself in close quarters. Despite this, his Skill Cards enhance his attack style, making him a compelling choice if played carefully.
If Dead Island 2 were a MOBA, Amy would be the Assassin. She is fast and specializes in taking down isolated targets. However, her low Toughness means she can easily fall if caught by a zombie, making it tricky to get through the game solo.
Bruno shares Amy’s speed and fragility but has two Skill Cards that can be counterproductive. He excels at stealth attacks, yet this rarely occurs in solo play. His unique style requires teamwork to be fully effective.
In co-op play, Jacob’s innate Skill Cards provide the highest consistent damage output in the game. He can engage directly in the fray without relying on positioning or heavy attacks, making him an asset to any team.
Dani shines in crowd control with her ability to launch into a group of zombies and send them flying. Her effectiveness against multiple targets keeps her relevant throughout the game.
Bruno thrives when partnered with teammates who can open fights for him. His stealth attacks can be devastating when paired with the right support.
Amy plays a hit-and-run style, using her special abilities to inflict damage before retreating. In mid-game, she excels at circle-strafe tactics, keeping her safe while causing chaos.
Carla can be a better tank than Ryan due to her ability to manipulate zombie positions. However, environmental hazards still pose a risk, even for her.
While Ryan is designed for solo play, his advantages do not translate as well to co-op scenarios. His playstyle focuses on self-preservation, which can hinder team dynamics.
Ultimately, Dead Island 2 is a fun zombie-smashing playground, and the best team comp is simply having friends to enjoy the experience with!
Dead Island 2 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC.
The above article was updated on 3/16/2024 by Escapist Editorial to clarify information about Dead Island 2.
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