Dead Island is an open-world zombie survival RPG in a tropical resort. Inventive weapon crafting, fun co-op, quirky tone between horror and humour. Buggy at release but endearing and unique in its genre.
Your verdict
Category
Action RPG4 players18+
Co-op
Description
Deep Silver open-world survival action RPG set on a zombie-infested tropical island. Published by Deep Silver, released in Europe in September 2011. Upgraded weapon crafting, four-player online co-op, exploration of Banoi island and visceral close-quarters combat. European version.
Asian and North American edition of Techland's Dead Island, an open-world survival action RPG whose reverse trailer was a landmark of its promotion. The original PS3 version, before the remastered reissues, draws zombie-genre collectors, and the Asian pressing was less widespread. Value lies in regional scarcity and the aura of this much-discussed launch.
Is Dead Island still worth playing in 2026?
An action RPG from Techland, Dead Island plunges four survivors onto a paradise island overrun by a zombie outbreak, in an open world blending beefy melee combat, weapon crafting, loot and four player co-op. The stamina management, the weapon degradation and the sense of vulnerability against the hordes create realistic tension, extended by its Riptide expansion. The bugs and a low-key narrative weigh on it. A good action RPG for fans of zombie survival and tense open world co-op.
