Dying light's free 'restored land' update brings brutal new challenges

Survivalists who conquered Dying Light: The Beast's punishing zombie-infested world are about to face an even more daunting test.

Techland unleashes restored land, a brutal new mode that strips away comforts and cranks up the difficulty.

In this harsh, post-apocalyptic landscape, resources are scarce, and every decision comes with deadly consequences. Enemies don't respawn, activities are one-and-done, and loot is unique per playthrough.

You'll need to scavenge for supplies, manage hunger and light sources, and make the most of your limited inventory. But that's only half the challenge. Restored Land also introduces a Volatile Alpha that only emerges at night to stalk and ambush survivors.

For the truly hardcore, there are two difficulty modes to choose from - Survivor and Brutal. And if you're feeling suicidal, opt for Permadeath, where death really means starting over from scratch.

But don't think this is all about hardship. Finish Restored Land and you'll earn exclusive rewards like a special outfit and hidden in-game items.

And for those who prefer a more traditional Dying Light experience, Techland has also included a slew of new features, including uncharted rallies and improved crash site looting. You can even compare your times and rankings with friends and the global community.