Dying Light: The Beast Features Over 170 Zombie Variants and September 18 Release

Techland has confirmed that Dying Light: The Beast will officially launch on September 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The date comes after a minor shuffle in scheduling, with the game originally planned for August 22 before being pushed to September 19. In celebration of over one million pre-orders, Techland decided to release the game a day earlier than its rescheduled target.

Although The Beast is not technically Dying Light 3, the studio has been treating it as a full-fledged successor, expanding far beyond what was initially envisioned as DLC content for Dying Light 2. Players will once again step into the shoes of Kyle Crane, the protagonist of the original 2015 game, marking his first return since the series’ debut. Techland has stated that it is “going big” with the project, investing in cinematic cutscenes, new gameplay features, and high-end graphical fidelity that pushes the franchise further than before.

One of the most striking details about Dying Light: The Beast is the scale of its enemy design. The game features more than 170 different character models for zombies, a number that far exceeds previous entries. Techland revealed that this design philosophy is intended to maintain both realism and humanity in the infected. Concept artist Charidimos Bitsakakis spearheaded the effort, focusing on an unsettling blend of lifelike features and grotesque deformities that dive deep into the uncanny valley.

Techland has released the Retouched update for the original Dying Light, marking a major refresh a decade after its launch. Released on June 26 for all platforms except Nintendo Switch, the update delivers enhanced visuals and audio while keeping the same system requirements. The overhaul focuses on maximizing the old engine’s potential without increasing file size or excluding older hardware.

The majority of these variants belong to the series’ iconic Biters. With over 110 different forms, Biters have been completely reimagined, abandoning their older mummified look for a fresh and bloated appearance. These enemies vary widely in body shape and size, with special versions providing unique hazards. Some even carry subtle traces of their human past, such as staring in disbelief at missing limbs after sustaining injuries. This approach underscores Techland’s emphasis on horror grounded in disturbing realism.

Alongside Biters, nearly 60 new versions of Virals will appear throughout the game. These are not standard infected but rather the result of twisted experiments carried out by The Beast’s main antagonist, known only as the Baron. Virals come with distinctive appearances and behaviors, with some exhibiting enhanced abilities such as spewing acid or displaying unnatural strength. Their variety ensures that encounters with them feel unpredictable, blending fast-paced combat with moments of tense survival.

While less numerous, Chimeras represent the deadliest threat in The Beast. These hulking monstrosities are the most heavily mutated of all the infected, their designs informed by research into human musculature and tissue. Skinless abominations with protruding bones, split jaws, and distorted weapon-like hands, Chimeras embody the pinnacle of body horror within the series. Their presence is designed not only to challenge players mechanically but also to evoke dread through their grotesque and unnatural appearance.

Techland has also tied the release of The Beast to its existing audience. Players who previously purchased the now-delisted Dying Light 2: Ultimate Edition will automatically receive The Beast for free, ensuring that early supporters gain access to the expanded project. In addition, those who pre-order the new title will unlock the “Hero of Harran” bundle, which includes exclusive outfits, weapons, and a vehicle. Techland has also promised an additional pre-order reward to be revealed closer to launch.

The release of Dying Light: The Beast comes with high expectations. Not only does it serve as a continuation of Kyle Crane’s story, but it also carries the weight of being marketed as a full sequel in everything but name. With its redesigned zombie ecosystem, cinematic ambitions, and renewed focus on horror, the game aims to build on Techland’s reputation for blending parkour-driven gameplay with brutal combat and atmospheric survival.

By offering more than 170 unique enemy designs and pushing its horror aesthetic further than ever, Dying Light: The Beast sets itself apart as one of the most ambitious entries in the series. With a strong pre-order response already in place and a release date just around the corner, it looks poised to capture both returning fans and new players who are eager for a fresh take on zombie survival.