Dying Light: The Beast strives to deliver one of the most immersive open-world experiences available. Discover the ambitious vision from franchise director Tymon Smektala below.

Dying Light: The Beast Crafts a Highly Immersive Open World

The Beast Blends the Best of Both Dying Light Games

In open-world gaming, vastness doesn’t always equate to quality, and according to Dying Light: The Beast director Tymon Smektala, map size is often overrated. In a recent GamesRadar+ interview, Smektala emphasized that Techland’s latest parkour-infused zombie adventure isn’t chasing the sprawling scales of titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Grand Theft Auto. Instead, it aims to be among the most engaging and content-rich open-world games available.

“Open worlds thrive on immersion, not just size,” Smektala stated. This bold perspective challenges the trend of sprawling maps cluttered with icons. Reflecting on Dying Light 2 in a separate GamesRadar+ interview, he acknowledged that its ambition to appeal to a broader AAA audience may have diluted the raw charm of the original game.

“We may have taken some wrong turns,” Smektala admitted, noting Dying Light 2’s strong sales of five million copies in its debut month of February 2022. Yet, some longtime fans felt the sequel prioritized accessibility over the gritty essence that defined the first Dying Light.

Dying Light: The Beast seems to address these critiques head-on. Players will navigate the infected Castor Woods, a tightly woven map designed to keep every moment engaging. While it may not match the vastness of Elden Ring’s 80-square-kilometer world, its compact size—less than a tenth of that—emphasizes depth over breadth.

“Many open-world games have active hubs with empty spaces in between,” Smektala told GamesRadar+. “We’re crafting a Dying Light experience where players are always engaged, always interacting with the world.”

This approach shapes The Beast’s environments. The “Explore Castor Woods” Behind the Beast video showcases a decayed urban landscape, from abandoned hotels and crumbling streets to overgrown national park forests. Every corner teems with parkour opportunities and lurking dangers, true to the Dying Light legacy.

Zombies naturally amplify the sense of constant threat, but Smektala stresses that immersion comes from staying “in the zone.” “You’re always alert, always immersed in the experience,” he explained.

With The Beast, Smektala aims to balance the strengths of both prior titles. “We’re targeting AAA polish while proving we haven’t lost our edge,” he said. “If players feel the raw energy of the original Dying Light alongside stunning visuals, we’ll have succeeded.”

As The Beast launches on August 22, its success remains to be seen. Smektala’s vision, however, signals Techland’s clear focus. Dive into more details about Dying Light: The Beast in our article below!