The PlayStation 4 is nearly thirteen years old, and it is still getting brand-new games. One of them is Dead of Darkness 2, a sequel to the isometric survival horror that launched on PS4 in July 2025. The original currently sits at an average user score of 4.72 out of 5 from more than 230 reviews, so the follow-up arrives with a solid reputation behind it.
Developer Retrofiction Games has confirmed the sequel for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, with publishing handled by Eastasiasoft. If you want to catch up on the series first, we collect everything in one place in our Dead of Darkness coverage.
New heroes, new setting
Just like the first game, the sequel is an isometric zombie survival horror with deliberately old-school visuals. The story, however, moves elsewhere. The original played out on a strange island in England, while Dead of Darkness 2 takes you to Pennsylvania in the USA, with a fresh set of protagonists.
What is new in the gameplay
Visuals have been upgraded, but the biggest change is mechanical. Retrofiction Games highlights these additions:
- Seamless character swapping – according to the developer you can switch between different characters and continue the game from their perspective.
- Animated cutscenes inspired by 90s anime, which apparently serve as the game’s story sequences.
- A reworked UI/UX for the inventory, which still follows the classic Resident Evil style of item management seen in the first game.
- New weapons, including a Thompson SMG shown briefly in the first trailer.
The original was widely praised for gameplay that resembled the classic Resident Evil titles, and based on the debut trailer, those foundations are staying in place.
Nearly twice as many characters
One of the complaints aimed at the first game was its thin story. The sequel seems to be answering that with a much bigger cast: Dead of Darkness 2 features 28 characters, compared to roughly 15 in the first game. A larger roster on its own doesn’t guarantee a gripping plot, but combined with a more emotional premise it should add narrative depth to what is otherwise a minimalist survival horror.
Platforms and release date
PlayStation consoles are not the only destination. The game is planned for most modern platforms, including Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC. There is no exact release date yet, and since Retrofiction Games is a solo developer, the launch may still be some way off.
The store page for the sequel is already live, so if you are into retro-style horror you can add Dead of Darkness 2 to your wishlist on the PS Store and get a notification when it launches.
FAQ
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC.
No. No exact date has been announced yet, and because the game is being made by a solo developer, the launch may not be near.
In Pennsylvania, USA. The first game was set on a strange island in England.
Seamless character swapping. You can switch between characters and keep playing from their perspective. The sequel also adds 90s anime-inspired animated cutscenes and new weapons.
28, compared to roughly 15 in the first game.
It is developed by Retrofiction Games and published by Eastasiasoft.