Dead Island 2 does not continue the story of the original characters; they are not part of the game’s narrative.
The original characters from the first Dead Island game—Xian Mei, Sam B, Logan Carter, and Purna—do not make a return in Dead Island 2. The sequel takes a different direction with a new set of characters and is set in a different location, namely California. The developers decided to focus on a new storyline and a fresh cast for the sequel, leaving the fates of the original characters unresolved within the game’s universe.
The first Dead Island game, developed by Techland and released in 2011, was set on the fictional island of Banoi, near Papua New Guinea. The story revolved around the four playable characters who found themselves in the midst of a zombie outbreak while staying at the Royal Palms Resort. Each character had a unique backstory and a specific set of skills.
When the development of Dead Island 2 was announced, it was revealed that the game would take place in California, with Los Angeles and San Francisco being prominently featured. The change in location and narrative focus meant that the original characters’ stories were not continued in the sequel. Instead, Dead Island 2 introduces a new group of survivors, each with their own abilities and personalities, as they face the zombie apocalypse in a sun-soaked, yet chaotic, California.
The decision to not include the original characters has been a topic of discussion among fans, with some expressing disappointment at not being able to continue their journey, while others have been open to the idea of exploring a new setting with new faces. The developers have not provided an in-game explanation for the absence of the original characters, leaving their stories at the conclusion of the first game and its expansions. As a result, the narrative of Dead Island 2 is considered a standalone experience, separate from the events of the original game.