‘Dead Island: Epidemic’ now in Open Beta

The zombie infested hack and slash action arena Dead Island: Epidemic is now in Open Beta as Deep Silver unleashes the game for all users to play for free on Steam, allowing gamers to be part of the final stages of development of the fast paced multiplayer title that sees player duke it out over supply points, using an arsenal of crafted weaponry, a bevy of devastating powers, and good old-fashioned teamwork.

And there’s the usual zombies too, so there’s that… With the Open Beta, Dead Island: Epidemic receives a major content update that includes the following features and improvements:

• All-New PvE-Mode: Crossroads
  Crossroads enriches the PvE experience in DI:E. It offers a bigger variation, higher replayability and more challenge, regardless of skill level. Both beginners and veterans get access to a mode where they can have a lot of fun while at the same time unifying the game experience across both PVE and PvP.
• Progression System Overhaul
  Levels for individual characters have been removed: There is now a global character level that applies to each character and unlocks apply to each character once you reach a new level.
• Crafting Overhaul
  Weapon leveling and workbench levels have been removed and a new loot based weapon modification has been introduced: As they complete matches players can now earn weapon modifications (which are divided into rarity: common, uncommon, rare, epic and legendary) which offer progressively more powerful and unique gameplay altering perks.
• Passive Skills
  Character weapon expertise has been removed and instead every character now has a unique passive ability.
• Loot System Rework
  Smarter drop system has been added which ensures more guaranteed drops and less randomness.

Dead Island: Epidemic is available as a Free-to-Play PC title on Steam now.