Weapons you find fuel your offense in Dead Island 2 - the better your weapons, the easier it’ll be to fend off the hordes of the undead. Things get off to a fairly slow start in that regard, however, and new players may be wondering… why do my weapons keep breaking? When do I get some GOOD weapons? This page will answer these questions, and more!
(1 of 2) Improvised weapons are fragile, and will break after you defeat a few zombies.
Improvised weapons are fragile, and will break after you defeat a few zombies. (left), After you make it to the safe house in Bel-Air you’ll be given your first uncommon weapon. (right)
How to Get Good Weapons in Dead Island 2¶
When you start the game, you’ll be picking up a lot of common (white) weapons, which come in two types - improvised weapons, and normal weapons. Improvised weapons include burnt timbers, pool cues, steel rebar, and other junk that’s marginally sharper, harder or rangier than your fists. Needless to say, these less-than-ideal weapons aren’t very durable and will break after dispatching a few zombies. These weapons are unfortunately overly-represented in the game’s early hours, and they could leave players with a poor view of the game’s combat - one that’s not representative of the game when it really gets going.
In a nutshell, you’ll get better weapons by progressing the main story and leveling up - the two go hand-in-hand. During the game’s first three main quests you’ll find little of merit aside from the odd swords and perhaps some heftier tools lying around. When you reach the fourth main quest, [Bel-Air Brawl] you’ll meet a notable figure in the Dead Island franchise, who will teach you how to make some proper zombie-killing weapons. As part of this tutorial you’ll get an uncommon (green) machete, which is likely going to be your first proper weapon in the game. You’ll also get a tutorial on upgrading this weapon, likely making it leagues better than anything you’ve found before.
During the next two main quests, [Call the Cavalry] and [Room Service for Major Booker] you’ll start expanding your arsenal with more and more uncommon weapons and, towards the end of the latter quest, perhaps even the odd rare (blue) weapon or two. Not only will the weapons you find increase in rarity, but variety, as well, as you’ll start amassing a collection of proper zombie-slaying weapons, like swords, axes and mauls. You’ll probably be level 6-8 around the time these weapons start appearing, and once properly upgraded they’ll kill zombies much, much faster than any common (white) weapon you’ve found, and will last numerous encounters, unlike improvised weapons. Traffic is a slog at first, but once you start dicing up the undead with an electrified katana, things start to get a bit more interesting.
(1 of 2) Advance the main story and you’ll start finding better weapons, including staples like the katana.
Advance the main story and you’ll start finding better weapons, including staples like the katana. (left), Searching various crates is a good way to score new weapons. (right)
You’ll typically find quality weapons in crates, boxes, and other large containers - especially those hidden away behind [Fuse Boxes]. Some of these respawn, others do not, but it’s always worth cracking them open when you see them. Apex zombies are also more likely to drop better weapons when defeated. You can also buy weapons from merchants or earn them as quest rewards.
Check out our page on Upgrading and Repairing Weapons at the Workbench for more details on this.
Sign up
No Comments