The hype around Dying Light: The Beast is real, and I can’t blame you if you’re already counting down the days to launch. Techland’s next big entry in its zombie saga has smashed through a massive milestone—1 million pre-orders—and to celebrate, the studio is giving away a set of exclusive rewards that you don’t want to miss.
And here’s the best part: even if you haven’t locked in your copy yet, it’s not too late. Techland confirmed that anyone who pre-orders before the official release date on September 18, 2025, will still get access to all the free gifts.
🎁 Techland’s Free Pre-Order Gifts: What You’re Getting
Now let’s talk about what really matters—the bonuses.
- Hero of Harran Bundle – This is your nostalgic throwback, honoring the franchise’s roots. It’ll be available from launch day itself, so you can jump straight into the action with it equipped.
- APEX Car Skin – Imagine tearing through the Castor Woods in a ride that literally glows in the dark. That’s exactly what the APEX skin delivers. Techland even teased that it “makes every ride through Castor Woods unforgettable.” This skin won’t be there at launch but will drop just two days later on September 20.
- Exclusive Kyle Crane Skin – Yes, the legend himself. For longtime fans of the original Dying Light, this skin is going to hit hard with nostalgia. Inspired by Crane’s iconic look, this tribute will be revealed just before launch and unlocked shortly after the game goes live.
So if you were still on the fence about pre-ordering, these bonuses make a strong case.
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🧟 The Story So Far – Why You Are “The Beast”
Techland isn’t just handing out freebies; they’re also delivering a bold new chapter in the franchise. Dying Light: The Beast puts you back in the shoes of Kyle Crane, but not the same man you remember from Harran.
After years of brutal experiments at the hands of the Baron, Crane has developed terrifying new beast-like powers. These abilities erupt when he’s pushed to the limit—whether that’s taking heavy damage or unleashing it on enemies. Think of it as a “rage mode,” but one tied deeply into his struggle between human and zombie DNA.
I got a glimpse of this transformation during early previews, and let me tell you—it feels like a game-changer. Crane isn’t just surviving anymore; he’s dominating.
🌍 A Brand-New World: Castor Woods
This time around, you’re stepping into a completely fresh setting. The game unfolds in Castor Woods, a massive open-world region that’s never appeared in the series before.
The central campaign alone promises 18+ hours of standalone zombie action, but let’s be honest—you and I both know the open world is where Dying Light truly shines. From random encounters to side quests and hidden loot, there’s going to be plenty to keep you distracted from the main story.
And here’s what excites me most: the environment itself feels like a character. Dense forests, ruined facilities, and chilling night sequences will test both your survival instincts and your beastly powers.
🎮 Free Access for Dying Light 2 Ultimate Edition Owners
Here’s a huge win for longtime fans: if you bought the Ultimate Edition of Dying Light 2: Stay Human, you’re getting The Beast completely free.
Originally, The Beast was pitched as a DLC expansion for Dying Light 2. But when leaks exposed its story and setting, Techland decided to go bigger—turning it into a full-fledged standalone game. Naturally, that raised eyebrows among Ultimate Edition buyers. After all, they had paid for two story expansions.
To their credit, Techland is honoring that promise. If you’re one of those players who purchased the Ultimate Edition between its launch in 2022 and September 2024, you’ll receive The Beast at no additional cost. Even better? You’ll also get the same pre-order rewards as paying customers—the Hero of Harran Bundle, APEX Car Skin, and the Kyle Crane skin.
This move clears up confusion and reinforces something I’ve always appreciated about Techland: they really do look out for their player base.
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🖥️ Release Date and Platforms
So, when can you finally unleash your inner beast?
- September 18, 2025 – PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
- Later in 2025 – PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions are planned, giving last-gen players a chance to jump in before the year ends.
That staggered release makes sense—The Beast is clearly built with next-gen hardware in mind. Still, it’s good to see Techland making sure no one gets left behind.
🥳 Tying Into the 10th Anniversary
The timing couldn’t be better. While The Beast is stealing the headlines, Techland hasn’t forgotten where it all started. Dying Light just turned 10 years old, and fans are being spoiled with anniversary freebies across platforms.
From golden weapons and outfits to special anniversary bundles, the original game is getting new life breathed into it. For me, this is classic Techland—using big milestones not only to celebrate new releases but also to honor the community that’s kept the franchise alive for a decade.
It’s a smart way to remind players why they fell in love with Dying Light in the first place before they dive into Crane’s darkest chapter yet.
💬 Final Thoughts
I’ve been following the Dying Light franchise since day one, and The Beast feels like Techland at its most ambitious. The pre-order milestone of 1 million copies sold before launch proves just how hungry the community is for more, and the freebies are the cherry on top.
Whether you’re pre-ordering now to snag those bonuses, or you’re one of the lucky Ultimate Edition owners getting it free, this game looks set to deliver something special.
Kyle Crane’s return, the beast transformation mechanic, and the haunting new open world of Castor Woods all add up to a release that’s more than just another zombie game—it’s a reinvention of survival horror with teeth.
