Deep Silver announced that the zombie-infested hack and slash action arena is now in Open Beta as Deep Silver unleashes Dead Island: Epidemic for all users to play for free on Steam. 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.
