Dead Island 2 throws players into the chaotic, zombie-infested streets of Los Angeles, where survival hinges on your ability to defend yourself with any weapon you can find. Whether you’re picking up a rusty wrench, a flamethrower-modified sword, or a high-powered rifle, knowing how to equip weapons effectively is crucial. For both new players and returning fans of the series, understanding the inventory system and weapon loadout mechanics will make a massive difference in staying alive during intense combat scenarios.
Accessing the Inventory Menu
Opening the Inventory Screen
To equip weapons in Dead Island 2, you first need to access your inventory. This can be done by:
- Pressing thetouchpadon PlayStation
- Pressing theView buttonon Xbox
- Pressing theI’ keyon PC by default
Once opened, you’ll see a categorized inventory menu that includes weapons, consumables, mods, and gear. The interface is clean and intuitive, designed to help you quickly find and assign weapons.
Understanding Weapon Slots
Your character can carry a certain number of weapons in quick-access slots, usually visible in a radial menu. These slots allow you to switch between different weapons mid-combat without opening the full inventory. Initially, you’ll start with a few slots, but as you progress through the story or upgrade your character, more slots will become available.
Equipping Weapons to the Weapon Wheel
Assigning Weapons to Quick Slots
To equip a weapon to your radial menu for quick access:
- Open the inventory screen.
- Select the weapon you want to equip.
- Choose the option that says Assign to Slot or simply drag it to the desired slot (depending on your platform).
- Place it in one of the open quick-access slots on the weapon wheel.
This weapon will now be available for instant use by bringing up the weapon wheel during gameplay and selecting it.
Using the Weapon Wheel
The weapon wheel is your main tool for switching gear on the fly. You can bring it up by:
- Holding downR1orL1on PlayStation
- HoldingRBorLBon Xbox
- Holding the designated key (usuallyTab) on PC
From there, you can select any weapon assigned to your quick slots. The game slows down while you’re navigating the wheel, giving you time to choose wisely in the middle of a fight.
Managing Weapon Durability and Condition
Weapon Durability
Most weapons in Dead Island 2 have a durability stat that depletes with use. As you fight zombies, your melee weapons especially will degrade over time. When a weapon’s durability runs low, it becomes less effective and eventually breaks if not repaired.
Repairing and Replacing Weapons
To maintain your combat efficiency, keep an eye on the durability meter. You can:
- Repair weaponsat workbenches using cash and resources.
- Replace broken weaponsby switching to backup options in your inventory.
- Mod weaponsto increase their durability and add elemental effects.
It’s wise to carry a mix of high-damage and backup weapons to ensure you’re never caught off guard when a favorite tool breaks during battle.
Tips for Choosing the Right Weapons
Consider Enemy Types
Different zombies react differently to weapon types. For example:
- Fire weaponsare great against basic infected but can backfire in close quarters.
- Shock modsare effective against water-soaked zombies.
- Heavy melee weaponsare best for breaking enemy guards or armored foes.
Tailoring your loadout to the enemy you expect to face will significantly improve your odds of survival.
Balance Weapon Types
A good weapon loadout includes a balance of:
- Light, fast melee weapons (e.g., knives, crowbars)
- Heavy, high-damage options (e.g., sledgehammers, fire axes)
- Ranged weapons (e.g., pistols, shotguns)
- Elementally modded weapons for status effects
This ensures that you’re prepared for all combat scenarios, whether you’re fighting in close quarters or holding off a horde from a distance.
Upgrading and Modding Weapons
Using Workbenches
Throughout Dead Island 2’s world, you’ll find workbenches that allow you to upgrade, repair, and mod weapons. When equipping a weapon, it’s smart to visit these stations frequently to:
- Increase weapon level to match your current character level
- Add elemental damage types (fire, shock, caustic)
- Attach perks that improve performance (e.g., extra damage, health on kill)
Upgrading and modding helps keep older weapons viable as you progress through tougher enemies and new zones.
Weapon Tier System
Weapons come in various tiers common, uncommon, rare, epic, and legendary. As you explore and loot, you’ll find better versions of weapons you’ve already equipped. Always compare stats and mod potential when replacing weapons to ensure your loadout stays effective.
Customizing Your Playstyle
Dual Specializations
Some players prefer melee-focused builds, while others opt for ranged combat or elemental attacks. The beauty of Dead Island 2’s weapon system is that it allows you to mix and match your loadout to fit your preferred playstyle. You can go all-in on brute force with a heavy melee build or lean into agility and speed with lightweight gear and quick swapping.
Favorite Weapon Slots
You can assign specific favorites in your weapon wheel for faster switching. Make sure your go-to weapon is in the most accessible position, especially if you often panic swap in combat. Having one slot dedicated to crowd control and another to one-on-one DPS helps you handle most situations.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Neglecting backups: Always carry more than one weapon to avoid being caught with no options.
- Forgetting to repair: Check weapon durability frequently, especially before heading into dangerous areas.
- Ignoring element synergies: Combine mods and perks strategically for maximum effect.
- Overloading with one weapon type: Diversify your loadout to be effective in all combat scenarios.
Equipping weapons in Dead Island 2 is more than just dragging an item into a slot it’s about strategy, balance, and adapting to the evolving threats around you. Mastering your inventory, managing durability, and utilizing the weapon wheel effectively will help you survive the zombie apocalypse in style. Whether you’re going in with a fire axe blazing or using an electrified baton, your weapon choices define your path through the chaos of Los Angeles. Make every swing, slash, and shot count.