Dead Island 2: Is there level scaling (for enemies)? Dead Island 2 guide, tips

In our guide to Dead Island 2, we explain whether the game has level scaling and whether the game scales monster levels to the player's level. You will also learn about the level cap for your character.

Last update: 20 April 2023

Before playing Dead Island 2, you may wonder whether the game has the so-called level scaling - enemies' levels are scaled to the player's. This can significantly affect the way you play the game. In addition, we write about the maximum experience level in Dead Island 2.

• Maximum experience level
• Experience levels of opponents
• Deadly zombies - skull icon
• Upgrading equipment

Maximum experience level

Level cap in Dead Island 2 is 30. It is almost certain that you won't be able to achieve it by focusing only on the main storyline. By the time you finish the main story, your character will probably be at level 23-25. It mainly depends on the number of side quests you have completed. Fortunately, you can continue playing the game after finishing the story and level up.

There is no need to grind so you can finish the main storyline. You should be able to finish the main storyline just with the XP gained from story quests.

Experience levels of opponents

There is level scaling in the game, i.e. the game adjusts the experience level of zombies accordingly to the player's level. Its key rules are:

1. As you explore the game world, you may encounter zombies at the same level or lower by 1 point than the main character.
2. In selected situations (e.g. first visit to a new district), you may encounter zombies with level higher than yours by 1 point.

The monster levels are not tied to specific districts. For example, when exploring the Bel Air district for the first time, you may encounter level 2 zombies, but when returning to this district with a level 20 character, most of the enemies will be at levels 19-20.

Deadly zombies - skull icon

The exception to the above rule is deadly zombies - they are marked with a skull icon. You can encounter the first such monsters in Bel Air. We don't recommend facing them, because thanks to their level, they are very tough and inflict much more damage. You may have problems with defeating even a single walker or runner.

Deadly zombies are an artificial obstacle to avoid visiting certain locations too early. Memorize places with strong monsters and return there later after leveling up your character. Instead of the skull icon, you may then see information about the level of the monster - you will have even chances to win.

Upgrading equipment

Due to the level scaling, you need to get increasingly better equipment. Otherwise, your weapons may deal less and less damage.

1. Collect new weapons. They should be at a higher level right away.
2. Use the Level Match option to match your weapons to the character's level. This will increase their base statistics. Unfortunately, this process can be very expensive, costing up to several thousand dollars.
3. Upgrade the weapons you own. You must have schematics and crafting materials - a particular weapon will then gain valuable traits (e.g. setting a monster on fire or applying a bleeding effect).