One of the most infamous side quests in Dead Island 2 is Message in a Bottle. Not only is it easy to miss, but finding the food critic once it’s started can be a real hassle. The quest gives you cryptic notes to follow throughout, making finding your way around a bit harder than in other quests. The guide below goes over how to start Message in a Bottle and where to find the food critic in Dead Island 2.

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Tracking down the food critic in Dead Island 2.

How to Start Message in a Bottle in Dead Island 2¶

Message in a Bottle is a late-game quest in Dead Island 2 that won’t show up until you have completed Boardwalking Dead. After this is done, the quest should pop up on the shore south of the lifeguard station. It can be easy to miss, though, as the quest isn’t given by an NPC. Instead, you will need to look for a bottle on the beach.

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Pick up the bottle to start the quest.

The bottle has an SOS message in it, letting you know that a food critic is trapped. You will now need to head on to the pier to make your way through the quest.

Where to Find The Food Critic in Dead Island 2¶

There are three different locations you will need to visit in order to complete Message in a Bottle and get the Caustic Blight skill card. The first stop is near the arcade on the right side of the pier. Head inside Bucket O’ Fish and go down the stairs. You will soon run into several traps, be cautious and look for a crate near the store exit with a glowing note. This is the first critic review and your next clue.

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Throw a weapon at the electric box and grab the clue.

The next crew is a bit cryptic, but you will need to head down the boardwalk toward the city area. This time you will be stopping at the Pier Grill. You won’t be going inside this time. Instead, go to the outside sitting area. You will find the next review on a table in the top left corner.

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The Pier Grill is located closer to the start of the pier.

The next location is more obvious, finishing running down the pier towards the city area. At the end, you should see a hotdog stand in the distance. Behind it is a parking lot where you will meet the food critic who has turned into a Slobber. He has a horde of zombies with him. Try to take him out quickly, as he’s a bit annoying to deal with.

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Ranged weapons are great for taking out J.R. Oliver.

Once you are done, the quest will conclude, and you will get the promised skill card. This card allows you to do melt damage when in Fury Mode.