Dying Light 2 offers a distinctive blend of parkour movement, brutal zombie combat, and open-world exploration that will keep players entertained for dozens of hours.
Techland did a fine job crafting the game’s intricate world and finding ways to improve the series’ gameplay systems while ramping up the tension and action throughout its branching narrative.
In this list, we’ll highlight the best games like Dying Light 2 to play in 2025 for anyone who beat the campaign and is famished for more survival horror games.
We’ll be updating this list in the future with new titles, so make sure to check back and let us know if we missed any of your favorite games similar to Dying Light 2!
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Dead Island: Definitive Edition
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Linux, Mac
If you’re a longtime Dying Light fan then there’s a good chance you’ve already heard of its forerunner, Dead Island.
Created by Techland and released in 2011, the game doesn’t feature any parkour movement but shares many other similarities with Dying Light.
This includes an emphasis on close-quarters combat, weapon crafting, online multiplayer support, and an unlimited supply of flesh-eating enemies to tear through.
We recommend picking up the Definitive Edition, which bundles together all previously released DLC and features full HD graphics, models, and lighting.
Resident Evil Village
Platforms: Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Following after the interactive madhouse that was RE7, Resident Evil Village takes the first-person survival horror franchise to new heights with even bigger set pieces and bossfights.
This time around, players are transported to an unusual eastern European setting where they’ll have to guide an improbable hero through an onslaught of battles with otherworldly creatures.
In addition to zombies, you can expect to face off against werewolves, vampires, ghouls, and other paranormal monstrosities.
So if you’re looking for another thrilling horror game that emphasizes exploration, combat, and crafting, you don’t want to miss out on Resident Evil Village.
Metro Exodus
Platforms: Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Linux, Mac
Metro Exodus continues the story established by 2010’s Metro 2033 while keeping things coherent with the 2002 novel by Dimitry Glukhovsky it’s based on.
In it, players take on the role of a Russian scavenger named Artyom as he and his new family ride a train through the icy wasteland looking to reconnect with civilization.
Much like the original Dying Light to Stay Human, Metro Exodus broadens its scope to include bigger open-world environments for players to explore and engage with.
Additionally, the game features a crafting system, substantial story choices, and an array of varied biomes that introduce unique enemies and obstacles.
Far Cry 6
Platforms: Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Often cited as one of the most impactful open-world franchises, the Far Cry games are known for their first-person combat, unbridled exploration, and stunning backdrops.
Far Cry 6 delivers on all three fronts while upping the mayhem and telling a fresh, politically-charged story about a group of rebels fighting against a tyrannical dictatorship.
Set in the lush tropical island of Yara, the game sees you infiltrating enemy bases, gathering resources, and meeting new characters who can either hinder or help your progress.
While there’s no parkour-inspired movement, Far Cry 6 does feature an extensive array of vehicles including cars, boats, helicopters, and more.
The Last of Us Part II
Platforms: PS4, PS5
The Last of Us Part II is another game with visually-striking environments that feel a lot closer thematically to Dying Light 2’s post-apocalyptic open world.
Throughout the story, players go from exploring lush forests that have been reclaimed by nature, to sneaking their way through once-bustling city streets that look and feel abandoned.
Like Dying Light 2, the game’s storyline centers on competing factions that are either vying for control, holding deep-seated grudges, or simply trying to survive the zombie outbreak.
Even if the third-person combat and movement may feel quite distinct than Dying Light 2’s, both games do a superb job of scratching that survival horror zombie itch.
The Forest
Platforms: Windows, PS4
Coming up next, The Forest is a challenging horror game where you are the sole survivor of a plane accident trying to find your missing child.
As you explore the titular forest, you’ll make increasingly sinister and disturbing discoveries that will bring you face to face with its not-so-friendly inhabitants.
Similar to Dying Light 2, the game features a crafting system that allows you to construct new tools, weapons, and medicinal items in addition to shelter and other apparatus.
Lastly, The Forest also supports online multiplayer for up to 8 players on PC, meaning you can bring your Dying Light cooperative crew along for the exhilarating ride.
Mist Survival
Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android
Mist Survival is another immense open-world survival game that’s sure to appeal to fans of Dying Light 2.
For one, it presents you with the challenge of staying alive in a zombie-infested world by utilizing the resources around you to manufacture tools, construct structures, and eliminate zombies.
Over time, you’ll develop a formidable base complete with fortified walls and animal traps that will see you through the toughest of swarms.
Like Dying Light, the game also increases the level of challenge when exploring outside at night or during inclement weather.
World War Z
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
There’s no dearth of 4 player co-op shooters and World War Z is one of the few games that gets the formula correct while throwing zombies and character classes into the mix.
Not too surprising seeing as it draws most of its influence from zombie hits like Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2, both of which are still beloved and played to this day.
Where WWZ stands out is its class system, which lets players tailor their playstyle and unlock unique skills along with permanent weapon upgrades that carry over between characters.
Much like Dying Light 2, the game offers an array of zombie enemy types that require you to think tactically and coordinate with teammates to defeat without getting wiped.
Back 4 Blood
Platforms: Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Another game that leans even further into Left 4 Dead-style zombie shooting is Back 4 Blood, which has the added benefit of being made by the same developer as L4D.
In it, 1-4 players explore levels teeming with deadly zombies, including some specialized zombie types and bosses that possess unique behaviors and pose a greater threat.
To survive, each squad will have to keep their eyes alert and communicate when they need backup, healing, or a minute to catch their breath and reload.
Just like Dying Light, the game features an assortment of close-quarters melee weapons to wield in addition to various guns.
Days Gone
Platforms: Windows, PS4
For a more story-driven zombie game akin to Dying Light 2, we suggest checking out Days Gone, a former PlayStation-exclusive that’s since been ported to PC.
It sees players taking on the role of Deacon St. John, an outlaw biker on a mission to survive the Oregon wilderness as hordes of zombies called “Freakers” descend upon him.
Along the way, he meets a host of characters who help him along his journey in exchange for a favor or two and grant him new customizable traps, weapons, and components for his motorcycle.
Similar to Dying Light 2, the game features crafting and skill trees alongside an undeniably rudimentary faction system that does come into play during the story.
Dishonored 2
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One
Straying away from zombies for a second, Dishonored 2 is a first-person action game that looks and feels very comparable to Dying Light 2 in terms of game dynamics.
For one, it plays like a stealth game with fluid movement that incorporates free-running techniques and maneuvers.
Secondly, it places a big focus on melee combat, with some slight variation depending on which of the two playable characters is selected.
And while there aren’t any zombies in the game per se, the plagued enemies you’re going up against do exhibit some undisputedly undead qualities.
Mirror’s Edge Catalyst
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One
Speaking of free-running, if you enjoy Dying Light and Dying Light 2’s take on parkour-inspired movement systems, then Mirror’s Edge is going to be your bread and butter.
Considering the initial released way back in 2009, we’re emphasizing the sequel, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst, which was launched for PC and console in 2016.
In it, you play as Faith Connors, an underground courier whose task is to transmit messages while evading government authorities in a sleek urban city.
Much like Dying Light 2’s protagonist Aiden, Faith can leverage her superb athleticism to pull off acrobatic feats such as jumping between rooftops, running across walls, and more.
Zombi
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Wii U
Back on the zombie train, our next suggestion is Zombi, a Ubisoft-developed and published title that was originally released as ZombiU for Nintendo’s Wii U console.
Like Dying Light, the game is a first-person survival game where players must try and navigate a zombie-infested setting in the form of modern London.
However, the twist is anytime your character dies, their supplies and equipment stay with their body, forcing you to either risk your life getting your gear back or start with a clean slate.
This adds a substantial deal of tension to each playthrough without straying too far from the traditional zombie survival formula.
State of Decay 2
Platforms: Windows, Xbox One
If you enjoyed determining the fate of Dying Light 2’s factions and the metropolis itself, then the State of Decay series is worth contemplating.
Primarily a third-person zombie survival game, State of Decay, State of Decay 2, and the upcoming State of Decay 3 put players in charge of a community of survivors.
The goal is simple: stockpile resources, recruit characters to lend a helping hand, and defend your base from horde invasions while navigating each character’s unique personality and traits.
While the game’s combat and movement systems are nowhere near the caliber of Dying Light 2’s, it does a great job at making you feel at the center of its world.
Left 4 Dead 2
Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the patriarch of zombie survival games, Left 4 Dead, particularly Left 4 Dead 2.
The series has become the go-to for developers looking to put their own spin on co-op-driven zombie shooters, and for good reason.
While its general premise and gameplay loop are simple and uncomplicated, it’s also one of the most gratifying that focuses on exploring levels, picking up weapons, and killing waves of undead enemies.
It’s best enjoyed with friends and/or mods that allow you to expand upon the base game’s content and add new enemy skins, maps, and graphical enhancements.
Killing Floor 2
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One
Last up on our list is Killing Floor 2, another game created in the same vein as Left 4 Dead but one that manages to shine on its own by upping the carnage any chance it gets.
Whereas Dying Light centers on methodical movements and careful attacks, Killing Floor is all hapless mayhem as you empty an entire clip of ammo on a group of zombies.
It’s another shooter that plays better with companions, allowing you to coordinate attacks, manage ammo consumption, and focus fire special enemy classes.
Speaking of, KF2 supports a broad selection of playstyles through its devoted character classes that grant you access to unique skills, weapons, and tools focusing on different areas of gameplay.