Dead Island 2 Surprise-Launches on Xbox Game Pass [IGN]

Dead Island 2 is available to play via Xbox Game Pass right now.

Dambuster Studios’ well-received zombie kill ‘em-up surprise-launched on Xbox Game Pass this morning, without an announcement from either Microsoft or publisher Plaion, leading some to wonder if its addition is a mistake. But for now, Dead Island 2 is available through Xbox Game Pass, but not PC Game Pass.

UPDATE: Dead Island 2’s availability on Xbox Game Pass is now announced with a blog post confirming it is only available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. Here’s the official blurb:

“With the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate version, you’ll have unlimited access to the base game on Xbox, including co-op functionality. So, there’s no need to go it alone – gather your squad and take on the horde together in thrilling co-op action!”

Spread the word to your fellow gamers! This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. And remember, the more, the merrier – invite your friends to join you in the fight for survival!

Dead Island 2 launched in April last year, selling more than one million copies in just three days. It’s a rare hit for embattled parent company Embracer, whose ongoing restructure has seen the closure of multiple studios and over 1,000 staff lose their jobs.

IGN’s Dead Island 2 review returned a 7/10. We said: “Dead Island 2 is a hilarious gore-fest and a competent zombie-slaying adventure, but lacks creativity outside of its great sense of humor.”

Earlier this week Microsoft announced the Xbox Game Pass lineup for the second half of February (Dead Island 2 is not on the list), and today’s addition is down as Bluey: The Videogame (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 22.

If you’re jumping into the game for the first time, check out IGN’s comprehensive Dead Island 2 guide.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.