The combat system in Dying Light 2 has been given a major overhaul from the original Dying Light. Now more fleshed out and central to the game, mastering combat is just as important as nailing the parkour mechanics presented in the adventure.

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While of course zombies are the main threat, human enemies and their mechanics can prove challenging at times and are much more present than in the previous game. Therefore, learning and perfecting the different combat skills available in Dying Light 2 can greatly improve your odds of avoiding defeat at every encounter.

10 Stab

Dying Light 2 Combat Skill Stabbing a Zombie From Behind

Standard takedowns in Dying Light 2 are effective. They allow you to enter dark hollows and take down groups of zombies undetected. However, the time it takes for the combat action to carry out can accidentally result in surrounding enemies being notified of your presence.

The Stab combat skill eliminates this delay by speeding up the takedown process and reducing the potential risk of detection. However, using the Stab skill does require you to have knives crafted and at your disposal, so make sure to craft a few before stepping into a stealth-based combat situation.

9 Air Kick

Dying Light 2 Combat Skill Air Kick Hitting a Zombie

One aspect of Dying Light’s combat that can be a great source of fun and creativity is how it incorporates an acrobatic-based set of skills that can be used to great effect. The Air Kick skill is one such example of this.

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When jumping down on enemies, executing Air Kick will hit them with such a powerful kick and force that will knock them to the floor. This can be a great ability to combine with other combat skills such as Head Stomp, allowing you to take down enemies without even needing to use your melee weapon.

8 Power Attack

Dying Light 2 Image of the Landscape and buildings

Human enemies will block most attacks thrown their way unless they are staggered or otherwise occupied. The Power Attack combat ability serves as the main attack skill that can knock through blocks and deal damage in the process. While it does deal major damage against human and zombie enemies, using it against human foes is when it is at its most effective as a result of its ability to break through its guards.

This skill isn’t without risk, however. Charging a Power Attack up can leave you vulnerable and open to being attacked, disrupting your Power Attack, and causing you to lose health. Therefore, make sure to plan your move carefully.

7 Perfect Dodge

Dying Light 2 Combat Gameplay Attacking a Zombie

Dodging zombies is something that will become second nature throughout the Dying Light 2 experience. As the game progresses, the need for dodging becomes more and more pivotal, with higher-level zombies having the power to deal massive damage if you get stuck in the way of their attacks.

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Perfect Dodge is a combat skill that relies on timing and requires patience to get right. When acquired, Perfect Dodge will stagger the attacking enemy, rendering them vulnerable for you to then deal damage back.

6 Stab Followup

Dying Light 2 Combat Skill Tree Stab Followup Image

Serving as a sort of upgraded version of the skill Stab, Stab Followup will give you the chance to take down a second opponent immediately after performing a Stab takedown kill. Fans of the Far Cry series, this combat ability is for you.

Simply aim at another enemy while performing a takedown, and you’ll be given the chance to throw another knife at a foe. This skill is of course flashy, but it's also a great way to take down two zombies or human enemies in one go. Plus, it can help prevent the second enemy from realizing your presence and therefore take away the element of surprise from you. Like Stab, this skill requires you to have knives crafted and available for use.

5 Ground Pound

Dying Light 2 Combat Skill Tree Menu Ground Pound

With strong guards and the ability to counter most of your hits, staggering human opponents is key to dealing with any damage. One of the quickest and most risk-free ways to stagger said enemies is through the Ground Pound combat skill.

As the name suggests, this combat skill involves smashing into the ground from a height with a big force. It'll produce a force that can stagger multiple enemies within a short radius and range, which can then be followed up with attacks or other combat abilities to deal damage. A foolproof strategy for any fight is to use this ability continuously, mixing it with the parkour skill Enemy Jump to propel yourself in the air — you'll come crashing down with Ground Pound.

4 Perfect Parry

Dying Light 2 Gameplay Image of combat

While you may be able to hack and slack your way through bundles of zombies in Dying Light 2, Human enemies pose a much more annoying and challenging match-up. Rather than mashing buttons, your best bet at getting an opening against these types of foes is countering their attacks and rendering them vulnerable.

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Made available after unlocking Vault Kick, Perfect Parry is a combat skill that is simple but very effective. Blocking an attack at the right time with this skill acquired means the attacking enemy will be staggered and knocked off balance, giving you the chance to retaliate and do some damage. Timing is everything with this skill, so be prepared to get it wrong a few times before you master it.

3 Head Stomp

Dying Light 2 Combat Skill Head Stomp Skill Menu Tree

A classic combat move from the first Dying Light, Head Stomp is featured again in the sequel to great effect. Head Stomp can be used on any enemies that are lying on the ground. Simply stand above the downed target and press the required button to then leap up and stomp directly on their head to finish them off.

Brutal but useful, Head Stomp deals major damage and can quickly take down high-level human and infected opponents that would alternatively take lots of hacking and lashing to defeat.

2 Smash

Dying Light 2 Zombies On Fire Gameplay

In combat, utilizing height is key to getting the upper hand in any fight. The Smash Combat ability is almost like Dying Light’s version of a death from above Assassin's Creed assassination. Except instead of a hidden blade, Smash simply involves destroying an enemy’s head against the ground.

During stealth-based sequences or combat against human enemies, Smash is a great ability to help get the drop on foes and avoid a more direct and difficult fight. To unlock the ability, you simply require 200 Health and the Vault Kick combat skill.

1 Drop Kick

Dying Light 2 Combat Drop Kick Skill

While Dying Light 2 may have given the combat system a massive upgrade, one thing this game made sure to keep and even expand was the use of kicking as a way to take down enemies. Drop Kick is a combat skill that can be acquired by unlocking the Air Kick skill first and also having a minimum of 180 Health.

The Drop Kick returns with a vengeance. Simply run at an enemy, jump, and press the correct buttons to fly straight into them. This kick deals major damage and, when upgraded, can knock enemies to the ground. Of course, it can also be a great source of entertainment, sending infected flying off rooftops and into the streets below.

NEXT: Dying Light 2 Complete Guide