Summary
- Dead Island 2 is now on Xbox Game Pass but only for Ultimate members on consoles, as the PC version remains exclusive to the Epic Games Store.
- Fans were surprised to find Dead Island 2 added to the service without any marketing beforehand. A few games, like Tales of Arise, have had similar surprise releases on Game Pass.
- It's possible Dead Island 2 may come to Game Pass on PC once its Epic Games Store exclusivity ends in April.
Much to the surprise of fans, Dead Island 2 released on Xbox Game Pass earlier today, but is only available to Ultimate members on consoles. This is likely due to Dead Island 2's PC edition being exclusive to the Epic Games Store until later this year.
Dead Island 2's Game Pass release caught fans off guard due to its total lack of marketing from Microsoft or developer Dambuster Studios. However, this isn't anything new for Game Pass, which recently added Tales of Arise with a similar approach. Dead Island 2 is a well-received follow-up to 2011's Dead Island and receives regular updates, making it a promising addition to Xbox's subscription service. However, a significant portion of Game Pass' subscriber base has been left out of this offering.
Those subscribed to PC Game Pass Ultimate might be able to download the game on April 22 when Dead Island 2's Epic Games Store exclusivity ends. However, it should be noted that Dead Island 2 might not still be on Game Pass by then, although a lifespan that short would be surprising. Dead Island 2's Game Pass release gives console Ultimate subscribers access to the full base game, and users can also claim new rewards, like the Trickster's Smile knife, by linking their account to Dead Island 2's PROS platform. Additionally, users can now earn the legendary-tier Malibu Nightstick bat by dismembering 1,000 limbs.
Is Dead Island 2 Available for PC Game Pass Subscribers?
- No, although it may be added to PC Game Pass on April 22 when its Epic Games Store exclusivity ends
Eligible Game Pass subscribers only having access to the base game suggests that fans will have to fork over some extra cash to download Dead Island 2's Sola Festival DLC once it drops later this year. The expansion does not have an exact release date yet, although it does have a Q2 2024 release window. Not much else is known about the DLC, except that it will feature some sort of post-apocalyptic rave community. Haus, a previous Dead Island 2 expansion, similarly featured human characters and was a hit with many fans.
Dead Island 2 might have more up its sleeve for 2024, including a potential Switch release. Dead Island 2's parent company previously confirmed that the game will release on a new platform this year, although its approaching Steam release may have been what the announcement was describing.
Game Pass subscribers have more additions to look forward to in the near future. PC and console subscribers will have access to Maneater on February 27, Indivisible on February 28, Space Engineers on February 29, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun on March 5, and Diablo 4 on March 28.
Dead Island 2
- Released
- April 21, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
The open-world zombie slaying action RPG makes its long-awaited return. Dead Island is back, and with it comes a host of enhancements to its winning combination of creative first-person zombie slaying, pitch-black humor and open-world exploration. Welcome to HELL-A. The City of Angels has been transformed into a hellish sprawl, its populace now mutated into disgusting zombies with an insatiable appetite for humans. In this extensive, visceral RPG experience you’ll journey to iconic LA locations, taking on quests, meeting eccentric survivors and enjoying a joyously pulpy narrative along the way. The game’s brutal melee combat gives you access to an expansive array of inventive zombie-slaying weaponry that lets you slice, smash and tear through the hordes before they get the chance to do the same to you. Can you survive HELL-A?
- Developer(s)
- Dambuster Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
- Franchise
- Dead Island
- Platform(s)
- PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
