Dying Light: The Beast - 12 Tips to Stop You From Becoming Zombie Chow

The good news is, you've survived the apocalypse so far. The bad news is, you've been dropped into Castor Woods, a place that makes Harran look like a pleasant holiday destination.

Techland's new zombie-infested playground is a brutal, unforgiving hellscape, especially in the first few hours. The infected are faster, the human enemies are smarter, and you are very, very squishy. Before you become just another bloody smear on the pavement, memorize these 12 rules. They might just keep you alive.

1. Become a Filthy Loot Goblin

Your new religion is scavenging. Every zombie you kill, every car you pass, every dilapidated shack you find is a potential treasure trove. Loot everything. I'm not kidding. Your survival depends on the crafting parts, bandages, and weapon mods you find. And for the love of god, check every wrecked car for gas. The few drivable vehicles in this game are thirsty beasts, and you'll need every drop.

2. Your Pockets Should Never Be Empty

Before you even think about leaving a safe zone, your inventory should be locked and loaded with the essentials. Always carry bandages, because you're going to get hit. Always carry Molotovs, because you're going to get swarmed. And always, always carry a few lockpicks. There's nothing worse than finding a high-tier loot chest and not being able to open it.

3. Fear the Fucking Dark

This should be obvious, but I'll say it anyway: do not go out at night unless you have a death wish. As soon as the sun sets at 7 PM, the Volatiles come out to play, and they are not your friends. If one spots you, your only option is to run like your life depends on it - because it does, and find a safe zone or some UV light. If you need to check the time, hold the Select button to look at Kyle's watch.

4. Embrace your Inner Legolas

Get the hunting bow as soon as you can. The blueprint is available early in the main quest, and it is an absolute game-changer. It allows you to silently pick off zombies from a distance, thinning out hordes before you have to engage in messy close-quarters combat. You'll have to craft arrows, but it's a small price to pay for the massive tactical advantage it gives you.

5. Fight Smarter, Not Harder (Against Humans)

Button mashing will get you killed. The human enemies are far more tactical than the brain-dead infected. They'll block your attacks, they'll parry your sloppy swings, and they'll leave you out of stamina and wide open for a beating. Mix up your attacks. A few quick strikes, a dodge, and a heavy counter is a much better strategy. Let them swing first, parry their attack, and then punish their mistake.

6. Stamina is More Important Than Strength

When you're fighting a horde of infected, your ability to hit hard means nothing if you can't move. Your stamina is your most valuable resource. Every swing, dodge, and jump drains it. If that bar is empty, you're a sitting duck. Don't get greedy with heavy, stamina-hungry attacks. It's better to land a few quick hits and have enough juice to dodge away than to go for a big swing and get eaten.

7. Don't Be a Hero, Be a Ghost

Your Survivor Sense is your best friend. Use it constantly to spot enemies and loot through walls. A stealth takedown from behind is a one-hit kill on most enemies, even if they're a higher level than you. Crouch, turn off your flashlight, and use the environment to your advantage. A well-placed kick can send an enemy flying off a ledge, saving you a messy fight.

8. The Grind is Your Friend (Do the Side Quests)

As soon as you reach the town hall, you'll be flooded with side quests. Do them. Seriously, take them seriously. They give you a ton of experience points and valuable rewards that you will desperately need for the later stages of the game. If you ignore the side content, you will eventually hit a wall in the main story where you are hopelessly under-leveled and out-geared.

9. Unleash the Beast (Literally)

Thanks to some fucked-up experiments, Kyle Crane can now turn into a literal beast. The red bar in the bottom left of your screen fills up as you fight, and when it's full, you'll transform into a clawed killing machine that can rip through enemies. You can upgrade this Beast Mode by spending Beast Points, which you only get by killing the massive "Chimera" mini-bosses. Hunt them down. The rewards are worth it.

10. Your Workshop is Your Church

In every safe zone, you'll find a workbench. Use it. Constantly. You can repair your weapons, but more importantly, you can upgrade them with mods and improve your blueprints for things like bandages and grenades. A fully upgraded weapon is the difference between life and death. Don't be lazy.

11. Explosions are a Dinner Bell

A quick word on loud noises: don't make them. Explosives and firearms are great for emergencies, but they're a dinner bell for every infected in a five-mile radius. Use them sparingly, unless you enjoy being the main course. A silent lure to distract a horde is almost always a better option.

12. Master the Parkour, Or Die Trying

Your ability to run, jump, and climb is your single greatest survival tool. Master it. Learn to read the environment. Look for the telltale white paint that marks a climbable ledge. When a chase starts, your parkour skills are the only thing that will save you. If you can't move fluidly through the world, you're already dead.