The Retouched update for Dying Light, a game renowned for its free-running zombie survival gameplay, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Developer Techland is fully dedicated to commemorating this milestone with extensive updates. Earlier this year, they gave away the first DLC for the game in four years, and now, the game has received a major graphical refresh.

This update includes features like higher resolution textures, improved skyboxes and cloud effects, enhanced shadow quality, and a fully remastered soundtrack. As the company describes, the changes are about optimizing existing assets rather than creating a complete overhaul.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve added a lot, customized a lot, and learned how to squeeze more from the tech we already have,” said Grzegorz Świstowski, the technical game director.

The improvements not only enhance the visual quality of textures such as wood and metal but also increase the game’s level of detail range. Players can expect clearer visuals of buildings and objects even at longer distances. This particular update gives players a nostalgia-infused experience with a soundtrack that has been re-recorded to resonate with the game’s retro setting in 2015.

However, Techland emphasizes that while these updates are significant, they do not classify them as a remaster. Tymon Smektała, the franchise director, stated:

“The Retouched update is about squeezing out even more from the Dying Light you already love. It’s not a complete overhaul or remaster.”

The update is currently available, and alongside the graphical enhancements, a new installment titled Dying Light: The Beast is set to bring back the original protagonist, Kyle Crane, with upgraded abilities. This next chapter is highly anticipated, suggesting that Dying Light enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to.