Since 2018, Deep Silver Dambuster Studios has been hard at work on Dead Island 2, working to create what it has referred to as a “pulp horror” zombie game, which delivers in terms of blood, gore and straight-up zombie bloodbaths. That’s what you see in the latest gameplay footage for Dead Island 2, as it introduces its newest cast of characters, which the developers are referring to as “thrivers” instead of “survivors”.

In this hellish vision of Los Angeles, all efforts to evacuate the city have failed. The military has retreated. LA is in quarantine, but you’re effectively alone. What makes Dead Island 2 different from the rest of the shambling hordes is that your character is immune to being totally zombified, but is still undergoing weird changes to their body. As a result, there will be some intriguing implications to work through as you devolve into zombiedom—at least, that’s what the PlayStation Blog insinuates.

In addition to a fun twist on the typical zombie story format, Dead Island 2 will be full of visceral combat with fantastically gruesome effects like “FLESH”, also known as the “Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids.” You’ll be slicing and dicing zombies left and right like you’re at the family barbecue. Looking forward to when you might be able to play this wacky new adventure? We’ve got all the details on the Dead Island 2 release date.

Dead Island 2 Release Date

Dead Island 2 is scheduled for a February 3, 2023 release. Previously, we had no idea when to expect it, as every glimpse of the game was soon followed by a delay—or complete radio silence about when we’d hear more about the title. Unfortunately, a release date is just about all we have right now, as there was no information given about any potential demos or closed betas.

There is a press demo available right now at Gamescom, however, where players will get a chance to see the game in action. The “Boardwalking Dead” quest takes place at the Pier in Santa Monica, and allows players a look at their unique take on LA as well as the newly-redesigned combat system.

Barring any additional delays or need to polish the game further, we should all be taking a trip to “Hell-A” very soon to see the sights. Otherwise, this new trailer and gameplay footage will tide us all over until we get to play.

The original Dead Island is currently available to purchase if you want to make sure you’re in the loop before 2023 rolls around.