Dead Island 2 Characters & Skills | Everything You Need To Know

[@HauntMyNight]

The only character I really am connecting with right now is Ryan. He just wants to see his brother, and I think that's adorable. The rest seem very bloodthirsty so far. I'm sure we'll learn more about them later

[@ColossalKiwi]

Apparently each character has their own little objective e.g. Ryan wants to find his brother and Dani wants to make it to a roller derby match. I wonder if we can actually play out a unique questline with each character.

[@creatorF0UR73EN]

I fuck with Jacob.

[@7gamex]

What's wrong with bloodthirsty in a world where anyone that isn't human...is trying to eat you? And $20 says his brother is a zombie by the time you get there and you gotta kill him. =D

[@dragons_red]

OMG it's a beat em up video game, not a novella

[@creatorF0UR73EN]

@@7gamex 20? I’d bet 1M.

[@someguywithnochallenger8178]

What I like about this game is the fact that They did not have to change one bit to capture the california life Game should not be called dead island Should be called california 2 😂

[@gamer-sf6qp]

The reason why is called dead Island 2 is because technically the military cornered off so it's like a little Island

[@scythe_yt678]

Learn to use commas bro cus god damn that took me a minute

[@someguywithnochallenger8178]

@@scythe_yt678 I don't know English I us Google translate lol

[@SirEggo2412]

Swap the zombies with crack heads and it’s a 1 to 1 representation of what living in cali is like

[@tarquinfelding1392]

I like your point of view 😅 I’m gonna subscribed

[@InvisibleLad007]

Easily the best character guide on this game I've seen. Thanks.

[@ColossalKiwi]

Glad you think so! I appreciate the feedback

[@That1CrappyGuy]

Great video breaking it all down, wasn’t aware that skill trees were removed. Side note about the autophage thing. So -phage as a suffix is basically like eat/consume (ie a hematophage eats blood), so an autophage would eat/consume itself. Given the context of the cards all influencing fury and fury being caused by the zombie infection, it would make sense that our character is an autophage as their infected cells slowly consumes them. As such, I’m gonna guess that the autophage bar we’ve seen indicates how infected our character is. Maybe a full meter represents the virus overtaking our character, similar to in Riptide? Also, I thinks its pronounced like aw-toe-f-age instead of aw-taw-fudge if that helps. Autophagy was said right tho

[@ColossalKiwi]

Great info, thanks!

[@spoder6014]

Tldr

[@That1CrappyGuy]

@@spoder6014 thanks

[@exalted_space9224]

I didn't know that their were no skill trees.

[@xcal789]

Curious to see if they'll add more cards in future dlc's or even additional characters like the previous Dead Island games with their own unique card sets! Will be interesting to see how this game evolves once it releases! Thanks for the great info it's a perfect showcase for what to expect in Dead Island 2!

[@Nic_Fit]

4:27 that caught me so off guard but damn that was funny😂

[@chasewalker445]

Stuck between Jacob, Dani or Bruno. I was dead set on Jacob but after listening to ypu explaining their abilities I can't decide. Thanks for the video, it was very informative

[@jacobmullins3644]

Um yea don't go with Bruno my buddy has him and he gets one shotted

[@chasewalker445]

@@jacobmullins3644 I ended up going with Bruno, I was getting one shotted earlier on but after building it the way I do I can keep him full health with life steal

[@everforward5561]

Always choose Jacob. The rest of the cast just isn't worth it.

[@GArmand715]

@@everforward5561 yup

[@woder5823]

Best informative video on Dead Island 2 to date! Thank you for going above and beyond.

[@bas919]

Great in-depth analysis there, man. Thank you.

[@efrenarevalo2025]

They need more unique cards if they want to encourage people to use most, if not all of the characters. In DI 1 I find myself wanting to try out the other characters mainly because the skills are so different but in here, I might just stick to 1 or 2 characters and just switch cards often.

[@treystone7128]

there are more unique skill cards per slayer think of it like this each slayer has a pool of skill cards and they are laid out to you throughout the game. but each slayer has their own unique pool the idea is when u dive into said pool that there are many combinations within a singluar pool. like a couple dozens builds around jacob can be entirely different from a dozen ryan builds. its a make your own skill tree system with both unique skills and non unique skills like the first game. the first game had three skill trees for each survivor, yes but 70% of those skills were shared amongst others. so just take that system and make it super customizable and BOOM thats dead island 2 also trying other characters in dead island was fun yes but besides their fury and a good amount of skills. not much was unique about them. like two xian played 99% the same if that makes sense. due to the level cap being what it was in riptide and 1 as well as the 70% generic skills also dont get me started on how not really impactful alot of survivor skills were in dead island 1 or riptide

[@psycholaw4394]

(laugh) I stoped caring about card after bervely hills

[@seanbrown2294]

Ryan, Amy, and Jacob are the three I'm trying to decide on first. Afterwards, it's off to find Sam B and see how he's doing nowadays. Hopefully he made a third song by now we can listen to.

[@ediet2203]

Same, I reckon I'll replay the game with the others just to see what they're like and their gameplay, but Ryan wins only cause he seems to have the most interesting character

[@magiloulou]

I definitely miss characters being strong with specific weapon types, I would love to see a system like Riptide where you gain proficiency with a weapon type by using it a lot. It could be a really nice way to allow people to focus on the weapon type they like, and get stronger with it. But either way, I'm still really looking forward to the game!

[@The_Queen_Chrysalis]

so far, Ryan, though I wish he was an actual fireman instead of a stripper, but I can see a full tank brawler build using the block to constantly keep your health topped off, status effects off, and still be able to stay in the fight.

[@brodyhouchin2248]

Ironically Amy sounds more like how I played Xin Mei than Bruno does. Both would probably be good options for me though. I'll have to see when the game comes out what I end up doing more.

[@miroslavzima8856]

Ryan was my first pick and it was hell of a fun in HELL-A. Also he was well-rounded.

[@danhill99]

Gonna roll with Ryan, and I’ll depending on the cool-downs that abilities have I’m liking the idea of a paladin-y build with that war cry heal effect. The ability to specialise in throws led sounds pretty nuts as well, might have to roll out a grenadier in some way!

[@The-Ent1ty]

Do, Ryan's voice lines are funny

[@L11ghtman]

Yeah I always pick soldier/knight in RPGs so Ryan and Carla were good picks.

[@trudahkness9976]

Man, i kinda wish that Sam B would've been returning as a playable Character. Cause he was my boy in Dead Island 1 & Riptide.

[@ColossalKiwi]

I feel you. He was my main in Dead Island, Riptide, and Epidemic. Perhaps they'll do some Sam B DLC at some point.

[@trudahkness9976]

@@ColossalKiwi As cool as it'd be to see Sam B become a Playable DLC Character, i can't see them doing that since he's gonna have some part in the Story.

[@TheJokersAreWild]

I think I’m leaning towards Dani or Carla. But I really want to try them all out.

[@Swagberryy]

I heard Carla is the best survivor to play in game.

[@TheJokersAreWild]

@@Swagberryy I'll have to try her out but I went with Dani and so far I'm not disappointed.

[@savingpurity1750]

Awesome video. Thanks! Soo stoked to play this game!!

[@TheGSMartin]

Hmm toss up between Bruno or Dani. I will try the others eventually. Bruno's back stab gonna help against those slow and tough enemies like Thugs and Floaters. And as you mentioned in the video I want to see if Backstab works with firearms as well. (-;

[@Nate-Boi]

I’m debating between Jacob or Amy, I like Amy’s one liners but Jacob seems good too, I’m leaning towards Jacob tbh 😁

[@Mk-gk3wv]

I've always been more related to Dani, Ryan and Carla than anyone else of the DI-2 crew. I choose to go in and cause a smackdown rather than speeding around the enemy and hitting them while they lack. I connected most with Ryan's protectiveness for his little sibling (I've got mine), and Dani's ass-whooping, "Let's dance, fecker!" Attitude. It's also Calra's "get some if you dare!" Style. I think for me, it's honestly the wry, pitch-black humor attitude and willingness to jump in and lay a zed out for your people. And I always loved playing as the great king SAM-B!

[@JamieLeece]

Probably gonna go with Jacob. I tend not to bother with defense in games like these, and I like the idea of the Shakespeare quotes.

[@GloriousStalinium]

Had to like for the mom joke and now I'm subscribing for Carla.

[@Takeoi]

MY BOY IS BACK i haven’t watched your content in years but I know there was a time period where you didn’t have much content to make. GLAD TO SEE YA KEEP GROWING! You inspired me to start my own channel and I can’t wait to do a review on dl2 and make content on it

[@ColossalKiwi]

Glad to be back!

[@Takeoi]

@@ColossalKiwi ME TO!!! YOU GOT THIS BRO!!! I believe in ya

[@pl2578]

Difficult choice between Jacob and Ryan. Jacob for blades, Ryan for blunt. Probably going to play the intro as both to see who I like more.

[@Xtatbabex]

Ryan is good but his running speed is not good

[@takotajarrett5357]

Honestly i just love this oddly enough i get so many memories of the first dead island, this game looks gorgeous and i love ryan the most 🤣 hopefilly so great dlc with be out

[@KesslerCOIL]

Autophage is Auto-Fauge(Gauge). I presume it's called that due to being infected, so they would be infection enhancements. So benefits gained due to being infected.

[@ZOXEY555]

6:15 "Those skills ensure that his targets wont talk about Bruno - no, no." Encanto reference, BOI!!!!

[@ColossalKiwi]

HOW. DID. I. NOT. GET. THIS. REFERNCE?

[@ZOXEY555]

​@@ColossalKiwi Did you even watch Encanto?

[@ColossalKiwi]

@@ZOXEY555 Once but I was pretty sleepy. Good movie though

[@Beer_Wolf]

Went with Amy for her innate abilities to do more damage to unique zombies 1 on 1. Just wish there was more character specific perks.

[@Sqaidz4Life]

I started with her too. But I'm getting my butt kicked lol.

[@Beer_Wolf]

@@Sqaidz4Life Spam that Dodge! 😅

[@estrellaescobar5723]

I wish they had added more difference in their personalities. All of them seem variants of the "i'm crazy, i don't give a fuck about anything" type. The only exception is Ryan (witch makes sense since he's a OG character from the 2014 Dead Island 2). He's the only one who seems genuinely concern by the zombie outbreak and has a solid motivation to escape AL (being reunited with his brother).

[@darulezlulez2625]

I like how Jacob is acting like Deadpool. He knows exactly he is the main character in this game, lol

[@PhoniexStudio]

I think Numen cards will affect your abilities during your Fury attacks. After all, numen does mean divine power, and being able to turn into a zombie destroying zombie is pretty divine sounding.

[@robertwatson6880]

Techland has mastered unrelatible characters I still played dying light and dead island definitive collections.

[@Radial3clipse]

The fact you called me out on just listening while doing something else along with the great content I instantly subbed. Thanks son

[@ticozayas6430]

Just got the game and I went with Jacob for my 1st playthru... the "slayers" don't really feel any kind of specialized in the way the original games were... like if u wanted to keep ur distance and throw stuff it was Logan no questions asked, if u wanted to crush things with the biggest weapons possible it was sam b... here all the characters seem like a grab bag of multiple things. Going away from the trees to the cards is interesting but I need more time with the game to fully be able to game the new way things work. It's an adjustment from the previous games, but I'm having alot of fun with it and plan to experiment with different characters and builds :)

[@HighSummoner_Izzy]

I went with Dani, we’re both Irish so yeah. I love her, she’s hilarious and I’m surprised how well they were able to integrate Irish slang we use. Her character is a hoot! 😂

[@loganangell9905]

I am literally cooking right now while watching gave me chills getting called out like that

[@SubaruWRC1996]

Think I'll be going for either Dani or Carla but leaning more to Carla

[@barbarianking82799]

5:10 my dude with all respect but I might have to fight u for Carla lol 😆 👀. But great video 💯

[@ColossalKiwi]

BACK OFF

[@barbarianking82799]

@@ColossalKiwi NEVER!!!! LOL

[@brandonyoungblood462]

If Carla yours can I just have dani.s then you keep Carla but give me dani.s

[@brandonyoungblood462]

​@ColossalKiwi have you got a edition yet because I got the hell a edition

[@ColossalKiwi]

@@brandonyoungblood462 Dani is all yours. And nope, I don't pre-order games.

[@dusty111]

After some back and forth i went with Ryan because of the good surviveability. The fact that a simple dropkick can knock down multiple zombies which in return give you health is a gamechanger.

[@HopelessRomantic91]

1:05 i just beat the game with Jacob. And I will start over as Bruno. But i can't wait for October 22nd for the update for new game plus!!!!! SHOUT-OUT TO THE PLAYERS WHO ALREADY BEAT THE GAME BACK IN 2023!!!!! US 2024 PLAYERS MAY HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT THE GAME!!!! BUT IT'S IN LOS ANGELES FOR FUCKSAKES!!!!! LOVELY!!!!!

[@mortalwombat3954]

I haven't seen any mention of transportation yet. In the original dead island, we're able to use a ute (truck) to make those several hundred meter journeys feel like nothing. I wonder if the zones are large enough to warrant this. Or we may end up getting the fast travel option back. I guess it really doesn't matter. I just want more zombies.. larger mobs. Make me work for my glory!

[@ColossalKiwi]

They've confirmed that vehicles aren't a thing. Just running on foot + fast travel.

[@phantomvulpe791]

​@@ColossalKiwi good. I didn't like driving in first person from the first dead island game

[@karawithgun8148]

A fellow Carla simp? Clearly a man of culture.

[@furyrust]

Great breakdown ! Thank you !❤️

[@tsunahmefit6239]

Well explained thank you Jacob is a great character that’s what I started with

[@Freyafanboy90]

Gonna link up with Jacob. He's an infinite attacking machine and he's a Brit so that automatically makes him a pick. The rule of cool after all.

[@coolcolt2611]

Yooo awesome. Looking forward to this game

[@Lunatic108]

Auto-Phage Auto means "automatic" or "universal" Phage means to conume or absorb. Its latin and generally used in regards to microbes/bacteria or other biological processes in living beings. In this case it means as much as "self consume" i.e. you start consuming the build up virus parts in your body to trigger the rage meter and after a while all of the are "consumed" and you revert back to normal.

[@Flamestormq]

Thanks for the breakdown video. Between the epic exclusive and removal of certain features this is definitely a wait and see game instead of a buy now game for me. I think they muddled character gameplay identity with this new card system. If they don't have enough character specific cards that build to a certain combat identity, then it won't matter how much "personality" the characters have, they will largely just play the same.

[@HoodedDude]

Great video buddy. Really excited about this game :)

[@LocoRoco2009]

I really like the previous skill tree system from the first game, those character specialties were really something else. Sam B ragdolling Thugs and Bulldozers like it’s no one’s business was a sight to behold, and Logan nuking an entire area by throwing an electric stick (AND getting it back) was funny asf

[@colmduggan8230]

Ryan seems to be the only normal person out of all the protags even with his unorthodox line of work which is why i play as him

[@Eivor85]

I think it's safe to say the next game I buy will be Dead Island 2 since there's nothing like beating zombies to a bloody mess

[@FifthReichJoker]

There’s a card called voltaic scream which gives your scream electric properties and effects Which is similar to the power of Voltaic screamers

[@TheGateShallStand]

Kind of dissapointed i cant play as Sam B again, considering hes my favorite character in the series, but Ryan and Carla will certainly replace him well enough!

[@kitsunehanyou09]

I'm torn between Dani and Amy. On one hand, it sounds awesome to be able to keep my stamina up between groups of infected by throwing a weapon, finishing them off, and then doing it again. On the other hand, Dani's heavy attacks are explosive, what's not to love about that? And then there's Ryan's neat counter style

[@dusty111]

The explosive heavy attacks is a special perk that can be found on random weapons too. Altough i went with Ryan i got two sledge hammers with this perk.

[@Kurliston]

Calling it now Jacob will be the strongest crit is always busted.

[@shepe7718]

I think the autophog.. how ever you say it I think it will make one of the ability skill you select give more fury points when used

[@tonybishop7215]

Thank you bro. Really looking forward to playing this game.

[@abbsolute5758]

5:06 is my favorite part of the video lol

[@TheMock1ngcrows]

It will never be not surprising to hear Fresno come up. My hometown and the game takes place in Cali so I guess it makes sense lol

[@jarrettowens6073]

Ryan definitely reminds me of Sam B. I played as Sam B A LOT in the first Dead Island. I'll probably play as Ryan in Dead Island 2 when it comes out tomorrow.

[@SmoeStopMotion]

I only found out this recently after buying the game a day after it came out but apparently they're going to be adding more characters to the roster as It seems, can't wait to see how that works this winter

[@Kenny_Random]

My four characters Jacob, Dani, Ryan, and Carla. Jacob: overall fun character to play especially when it comes a dialogue Dani: probably the most balanced character despite lack of health recovery Ryan: pure defensive tank Carla: resistance tank

[@r.wilson2348]

I’m late to the game but I really wanted to play as Amy. One I saw her skills, my next gut was Carla and Dani. Easy choice between the two. Safe to say I went with the feisty Carla. I absolutely love this game. Just beat Dead Island two weeks ago. Started playing Riptide and got to maybe 50 percent and then my hubby buys me the Dead Island 2. Easy to say Riptide is on a standstill until I beat 2.

[@ghostface9666]

Gonna have to go with Jacob or Amy

[@MrUpTheScore]

Feel like Dani the go too at least for me

[@agent4poyato956]

Jacob just fits right with me

[@w.d.scarfboyanonymouscolam3963]

When you have a slayer named after you: Ryan. Me: Welp, this is a no brainer.

[@poultry-lover6665]

Ryan trailer seems like the coolest. Bros down to earth asf

[@rileymiller3154]

The fourth fury skill is just the old fashioned slap em with the power of Thor or something Also if you're wondering how to pronounce autophage thing that's there it's auto-phage also confirmed this by way of the game also calling it in this way

[@demontorch]

Sticking with Bruno. He's a cool dude

[@dandyboi7738]

Numen cards are very powerful, the first one I got makes you invincible as long as you have fury.

[@treystone7128]

there are more unique skill cards per slayer good video but this is what ive learned think of it like this each slayer has a pool of skill cards and they are laid out to you throughout the game u get from finding them or leveling up both unique and generic skills similar to that of the first. but each slayer has their own unique pool the idea is when u dive into said pool that there are many combinations within a singluar pool. like a couple dozens builds around jacob can be entirely different from a dozen ryan builds. its a make your own skill tree system with both unique skills and non unique skills like the first game. the first game had three skill trees for each survivor, yes but 70% of those skills were shared amongst others. so just take that system and make it super customizable and BOOM thats dead island 2 also trying other characters in dead island was fun yes but besides their fury and a good amount of skills. not much was unique about them. like two xian played 99% the same if that makes sense. due to the level cap being what it was in riptide and 1 as well as the 70% generic skills also dont get me started on how not really impactful alot of survivor skills were in dead island 1 or riptide

[@ColossalKiwi]

Thanks for writing all that out, and I totally get where you're coming from! I think Logan is a good example of a character who had a very distinct playstyle, particularly due to boomerang and the fact that he was the only character who could deal AOE damage with weapon throws. Xian Mei may have been the strongest up until midway through the game, but Logan was on a whole different level with endgame skills + developer weapons (e.g. AOE Mindblowing Military Knife)

[@treystone7128]

@@ColossalKiwi yeaa

[@keithcarson7638]

Maining Dani, she's just my playstyle, just swing and blow things up to get health. Seems like a heavy risk big reward, type play.

[@vaako1005]

Yeah... I will try her too. 2h remaining 🙄

[@dograffe1]

I am so glad that this game looks so good because I had a $100 pre order on the deluxe edition and I'm glad it paid off I'll probably play as Dani rewards for quick paced combat with explosives on the side and a attractive goth-ish girl? sign me up right now bro.

[@freedorange0525]

8:35 the way he said that🤣🤣

[@harryt7571]

CONGRATS ON 100k!

[@ColossalKiwi]

Thanks so much, Harry!

[@bryonyamada2620]

Xian was my main stay for both DI and DIRT: So I might start with Amy or Bruno. All I ask is I BETTER have the ablity to CURB STOMP Zombies as a finishing move. That made killing SO MUCH QUICKER. Or with Xian a Jump Stomp.

[@sodablower]

Very interesting and helpful, dude - cheers 👍👍

[@katelynbeaumont]

they should maybe add roller skates as a means of travel

[@Evan-10000]

Had my heart set on Jacob since the Hollywood swinging trailer, now that I heard he was a stuntman I can’t even take anyone else into consideration.

[@YFNSPIDEY]

I was a Sam B main in the other Dead Islands games. Going with Dani 1st go around then maybe Jacob

[@marcoamazo]

In dead island 1, you could choose between 5 if you had the Ryder white dlc, granted his story was a little different.

[@alexsanchez8961]

I got this game I beat it too I played as Jacob and now that it's been updated with DLCs I'm down to go again but the catch is I might have to buy the game again only cuz I moved on to PS4 cuz I had this game on Xbox One

[@rosnar2231]

anyone else think jake looks like lenny kravitz

[@moogiibat5845]

In my opinion Ryan is the only character that is unique in term of writing, all others I just can't tell the difference, they all occupies the same character trope ,generic punk number 1, generic punk number 2, generic punk number 3 ect.

[@HezeChatmon]

Either going to be a bruno or jacob main

[@littlebrodie6988]

Hard pick between dani or bruno, prob gonna play the game twice so I'll play as both of them.

[@kalebbathen3844]

At 13:50 did he say 5 characters because no is suppose to play as Carla or was that a mistake

[@ColossalKiwi]

I was wondering if someone would catch this. Stay away from Carla!

[@raikiri6849]

The only one I’m connecting with is Ryan as he only wants to find his brother which I can understand so that’s who I’m gonna play as

[@AgentDigits]

Outside of their innate skills... They all feel very similar. It's a shame that some characters aren't more proficient with specific weapon types or element types. It would also be cool if characters had more unique skills. Like, if Amy could run faster/dodge further or Carla could upgrade/repair weapons with less resources etc. It would even be cool if weapon proficiency was a thing. I think picking specific weapons should allow your character to get better with those weapon types over time. I love using knives - so it would be cool if my attack speed could increase. Maybe force could increase for blunt weapons etc.

[@tymelthompson4182]

For me the most distinct character had been Dani. She has the highest stamina and can just swing at zombies almost non stop.

[@stellify3184]

Honestly My favorite character is jacob He's such good and funny character

[@mydragonseyes8177]

Who do you voodoo?

[@kevinle1083]

If I could write a character and add it to Dead Island, it would be a jack of all trades slayer with the ability to be proficient in certain weapon types. I would name him Kyle. Kyle “Edge” Walker is a no-nonsense zombie slayer, gun nut, and former rockstar. With an aggressive personality, a thing for guitars, and his Californian charm, this do-everything zombie slayer is hard to kill and a nightmare to deal with for ever the most powerful of zombies. His two innate skills are Gun Nut: Applies a headshot multiplier when shooting tougher zombies in the head and deals 75% overall damage to most zombies. Ammo will pop out of zombies. Slayer’s Testament: Deal 50% more damage to zombies when using multiple weapon types. Can be increased to 95% damage when using a particular or specific weapon type.

[@ashleycline5064]

You sir, earned a new subscriber simply because of the mom plowing joke

[@Specz187]

Picked Ryan since I thought he was a real fireman lol I never remember to block or dodge and just go ham on the zombies. Carla seems like a better choice. Should've watched this video first.

[@The.Evil.Villian]

I hope sam b can soon be a playable character in a dlc or somethign

[@BiracialGodBaby]

Why is everyone saying you have to start a new playthrough to play a new character? Isn’t that how it was in the other games, and every game ever?

[@ColossalKiwi]

Yep, it's the same as it has always been, but there were rumours about being able to swap characters in this game, so most creators like myself throw in a quick little statement just in case.