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Dead Island

Dead Island

By ···10 min read·Multi-source verified
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Welcome to the island, survivor! Dead Island throws you into a brutal zombie outbreak on Banoi, where you'll be bashing, slashing, and shooting your way through hordes of the undead. It's a first-person RPG focused on melee combat, scavenging for resources, and completing quests to survive and find a way off this tropical nightmare. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, you'll be managing character progression, crafting makeshift weapons, and exploring a surprisingly detailed island.

This guide is here to help you navigate the chaos. We'll cover everything from character builds and essential crafting blueprints to tackling tough boss encounters like the Thug and mastering crucial quests, including the challenging Chapter 4: The Prison. Plus, we'll help you track down all those pesky collectibles and achieve those coveted Steam achievements.

INTRODUCTION [01.00.00]

Learn how to use this Dead Island guide, covering walkthroughs, collectibles, and craftable recipes. Updates expected.

This guide is designed to help you accomplish your goals in Dead Island, whether that's simply beating the game or achieving 100% completion. To navigate efficiently, use the "Ctrl+F" function and type in the reference code listed in the Table of Contents to find specific sections.

Important items are always bolded and bracketed [LIKE THIS] to ensure you don't miss them.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Use the "Ctrl+F" function and type in the reference code from the Table of Contents to find the section you need.
  2. 2
    Pay attention to items that are bolded and bracketed [LIKE THIS] as they are important.
  3. 3
    Refer to the guide for coverage of the walkthrough, collectibles, and all craftable recipes.
Tips
  • The author has not completed the game at the time of this guide's release. Please refrain from sending emails regarding parts not yet covered.
  • Expect updates between 3 and 7 days until the guide is finished.
  • The guide will be continued as Downloadable Content (DLC (downloadable content — extra missions or items released after launch)) becomes available.

CONTROLS [02.00.00]

Dead Island controls for Xbox, PS3, and PC. Learn how to move, attack, heal, and more with this control scheme guide.

Xbox Controls:

  • Move: Left Stick
  • Look: Right Stick
  • Jump: A
  • Fury: B
  • Heal: B
  • Drop Weapon: Y
  • Action/Use: X
  • Drop Object: X
  • Attack: Right Trigger
  • Throw Weapon: Right Trigger
  • Weapon Change: Right Button
  • Kick: Left Button
  • Aim: Left Trigger
  • Flashlight: D-Pad Down
  • Inventory: D-Pad Up
  • Duck: Right Stick Click
  • Run: Left Stick Click

PlayStation 3 Controls:

  • Move: Left Stick
  • Look: Right Stick
  • Jump: X
  • Fury: Circle
  • Heal: Circle
  • Drop Weapon: Triangle
  • Action/Use: Square
  • Drop Object: Square
  • Attack: R2
  • Throw Weapon: R2
  • Weapon Change: R1
  • Kick: L1
  • Aim: L2
  • Flashlight: D-Pad Down
  • Inventory: D-Pad Up
  • Duck: R3
  • Run: L3

PC Controls:

  • Move: W,A,S,D
  • Look: Mouse
  • Jump: Spacebar
  • Fury: Z
  • Heal: H
  • Drop Weapon: Backspace
  • Action/Use: F
  • Drop Object: F
  • Attack: Left Mouse
  • Throw Weapon: Left Mouse
  • Weapon Change: Middle Mouse
  • Kick: E
  • Aim: Right Mouse
  • Flashlight: T
  • Inventory: I
  • Duck: L-Ctrl
  • Run: L-Shift

Sam B

Learn about Sam B's stats, skills, and Fury mode in Dead Island. He specializes in blunt weapons and has a troubled past.

Sam B was booked by the Royal Palms Resort to perform his well-known song "Who Do You Voodoo?" at a high-profile hotel party, a gig he gladly accepted.

Once strong, self-confident, and proud, Sam B has had a troubled past marked by drug and alcohol abuse, with his private life clouded by fake friends and bad advisors.

Stats:

  • Health: 110
  • Speed: 100
  • Stamina: 90

Specialty: Blunt Weapons

Fury: When Sam's Fury mode is activated, he gains the ability to brutally punch zombies with his fists.

Skill Tree Categories: Fury, Combat, Survival

Xian Mei

Dead Island Xian Mei character guide covering her stats, Fury mode, skills, and background. Learn about her specialties and backstory.

Background: Born and raised in China, Xian Mei sought to experience different cultures and people, making Banoi Island her first placement outside her homeland. She is a fast learner, intelligent, and a passionate sportswoman, quick on her feet. Before the zombie outbreak, she worked menial tasks at the hotel before becoming a receptionist, which allowed her to meet diverse guests and find inspiration for her travel dreams.

Stats:

  • Health: 90
  • Speed: 100
  • Stamina: 100

Specialty: Blade Weapons

Fury Mode: When Xian Mei's Fury mode is activated, she takes out a knife with greatly increased damage and speed.

Skill Tree Categories: Bloodrage, Combat, Survival

Notable Event: The night before the zombie plague, Xian Mei was in the hotel bathroom assisting an injured woman on the floor, presumably infected with the zombie virus.

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