Character Skills - Dying Light

Character Skills Guide for Dying Light

This guide covers all playable character skills in Dying Light (including The Following expansion). The protagonist, Kyle Crane, progresses through three distinct skill trees: Agility, Power, and Survivor. Each tree unlocks passive and active abilities that define your playstyle. There is no character class selection—your skills depend solely on how you play. This guide details every skill, its effects, cooldowns, upgrades, synergies, and provides recommended builds for each tree.

Note: Skill names, levels, and mechanics are based on the latest version of Dying Light: The Following – Enhanced Edition. Some skill names differ between platforms (e.g., PC vs console button prompts), but functionality is identical.

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1. Agility Skills

Agility skills enhance movement, parkour, and climbing. They are unlocked by earning Agility experience (parkour actions, free-running, climbing, and sliding).

#### 1.1 Sprint

Unlock: Default (Level 0)

Effect: Hold Shift (PC) / left stick click (console) to sprint. Increases horizontal movement speed by ~30%. Drains stamina.

Cooldown/Stamina: Consumes stamina continuously; stops when stamina depletes or when you release the button.

Upgrades: None directly; stamina management improved via other Agility skills.

When to use: Chases, exploring open areas, escaping hordes.

Synergies: Combine with Kick (Power) to shove zombies while sprinting.

Unlock: Agility Level 1

Effect: While sprinting, press Crouch (Ctrl / B on console) to slide. Sliding covers ~5 meters and lets you pass under low obstacles. Reduces fall damage if you slide off a ledge.

Cooldown: None; can be chained repeatedly.

Upgrades: Slide speed and distance increase slightly with Agility level, but no explicit upgrade.

When to use: Quickly transition from sprinting to low profile, evade grabs, or pass under barriers.

Synergies: Follow slide with jump for a speed boost; slide into tackle (Power) for knockdown.

Unlock: Agility Level 2

Effect: While sprinting toward a low obstacle (railing, car hood, small wall), press Jump (Space / A) to vault over it. Momentum continues. Can vault over zombies if you approach them from the front.

Cooldown: None; press at the right moment.

Upgrades: Vault height and success window increase with Agility level.

When to use: Traversing cluttered environments, jumping over small fences, or dodging zombie attacks mid-combo.

Synergies: Vault into a dropkick (Power) or stomp.

Unlock: Default (Level 0)

Effect: Press Jump near a vertical surface (wall, ledge) to grab and climb. Hold forward and press Jump repeatedly to scale walls. Stamina drains while climbing.

Upgrades: Climbing speed and stamina efficiency improve with higher Agility levels. Skills like "Fast Climber" (see below) further enhance.

When to use: Reaching high vantage points, escaping zombies, exploring.

Unlock: Agility Level 3

Effect: Press Jump while climbing a wall to perform a small upward leap, climbing faster than normal. Costs extra stamina.

Cooldown: None; can be used repeatedly as long as stamina allows.

Upgrades: None.

When to use: Escaping a pursuer or quickly scaling a tall building.

Synergies: Combine with Climb + Vault for vertical parkour.

Unlock: Agility Level 4

Effect: While holding a throwable (e.g., throwing star, grenade), hold the aim button (right mouse button / LT) to enter a precision aiming reticle. Press throw to release with better accuracy. Distance and drop affected.

Cooldown: None; uses item inventory.

Upgrades: No skill upgrades, but accuracy improves with practice.

When to use: Sniping distant Volatiles, landing elemental throwables, or tossing firecrackers precisely.

Synergies: Use with Camouflage (Survivor) to throw items while hidden.

Unlock: Agility Level 5

Effect: While sprinting, press Crouch + Jump (Ctrl+Space / B+A) to perform a powerful two-footed kick. Launches zombies backward, knocking them down. Can break wooden barricades. Deals moderate damage.

Cooldown: 2 seconds after landing.

Upgrades: Damage and knockdown distance increase slightly with Agility level.

When to use: Clearing a path through a crowd, stunning a Viral, or kicking a zombie off a ledge.

Synergies: Vault into dropkick for aerial attack; dropkick into finishing move (Power).

Unlock: Agility Level 12 (Base game story reward; also obtainable via the "Grappling Hook" blueprint)

Effect: Equip the grappling hook (weapon slot). Aim at a surface (walls, ledges, ceilings) and press fire to attach and pull yourself toward it. Can be used to swing, zip up, or pull enemies close (though limited). No cooldown but consumes stamina per use.

Cooldown: None; stamina cost ~20% of bar.

Upgrades: None; but higher Agility improves stamina regen for repeated use.

When to use: Rapid traversal, escaping overwhelming encounters, reaching high ledges, or creating distance.

Synergies: Use with parachute (The Following) for extended flight; grapple then dropkick for aerial combat.

Unlock: Agility Level 7

Effect: While airborne and above an enemy, press Crouch (Ctrl / B) to stomp downward. Deals heavy damage and knocks down nearby zombies. Can be performed from any height.

Cooldown: None; requires being above an enemy.

Upgrades: Stomp radius and damage increase with Agility level.

When to use: From a small jump or drop to instantly incapacitate a lone zombie; excellent for cluster of prone enemies.

Synergies: Vault + stomp; dropkick into stomp.

Unlock: Agility Level 8

Effect: While locked on to an enemy (aim button), press a direction + Jump (Space / A) to perform a backflip or side roll, evading attacks. Grants brief invincibility frames (i-frames).

Cooldown: None; can be chained with stamina cost.

Upgrades: Repeat dodges cost increasing stamina; no direct upgrade.

When to use: Avoiding Viral lunges, Volatile grabs, or charged attacks from human enemies.

Synergies: Dodge into attack (Power) for counter-attack; dodge behind an enemy for stealth kill.

Unlock: Agility Level 10

Effect: When throwing a weapon (e.g., knife, axe) while locked on, if you release the throw button at the exact moment the reticle turns red, the throw becomes a perfect throw. The weapon arcs and hits with extra damage and a chance to stagger. If the enemy dies, the weapon may stick for retrieval.

Cooldown: None; timing-based.

Upgrades: Perfect throw window slightly larger with higher Agility.

When to use: Conserving throwing weapons, taking out distant Imps or Toads, or finishing off enemies in style.

Synergies: Use with Aimed Throw for precision; combine with Power weapon throw skills (if any).

Unlock: The Following story reward (escaping the Antenna)

Effect: Equip parachute (utility slot). Jump from heights and press action button to deploy. Glide with directional control. Can be cut by pressing crouch or landing safely.

Cooldown: None; can be used as long as you have height.

Upgrades: None; but speed and control improve with practice.

When to use: Extreme vertical drops, crossing large gaps, or escaping pursuers.

Synergies: Grappling hook + parachute for long-distance travel.

2. Power Skills

Unlock: Default (Level 0)

Effect: Press Melee Attack while not holding a weapon (or with weapon, performs a weapon swing). Kicks push zombies back and can stagger. Deals 0 damage but good for spacing.

Cooldown: ~0.5 seconds.

Upgrades: None; kick strength increases slightly with Power level.

When to use: Pushing zombies off ledges, creating distance, interrupting lunges.

Synergies: Kick + weapon swing for safe combos; kick + dropkick for big knockback.

Unlock: Power Level 1

Effect: While in midair (from a jump), press Melee Attack to smash downward with your weapon. Deals area damage and knocks down enemies in a small radius. Damage based on weapon.

Cooldown: None; requires being airborne.

Upgrades: Radius and damage increase with Power level.

When to use: From a short jump to hit multiple zombies clearing a room; powerful if using a heavy weapon.

Synergies: Vault into Ground Pound; slide into Ground Pound.

Unlock: Power Level 2

Effect: While standing over a prone or staggered enemy, press Melee Attack to stomp on their head. Instant kill on regular and biters; damages goons. Deals 100% damage based on weapon's base damage (no weapon needed).

Cooldown: None; can be chained as long as an enemy is on the ground.

Upgrades: No explicit upgrades, but faster execution speed with higher Power.

When to use: Finishing downed enemies instantly—most efficient kill method.

Synergies: Dropkick or ground pound -> stomp; kick -> stomp.

Unlock: Power Level 4

Effect: When an enemy is low health (below ~15% HP), hold Melee Attack while facing them to perform a cinematic kill animation. One-hit kill. Animation length varies by enemy type.

Cooldown: None; only triggers on eligible enemies.

Upgrades: Finisher speed increases; later finishers (Power level 6) unlock for stronger enemies.

When to use: To execute dangerous zombies quickly (Virals, volatile runners) or to conserve weapon durability.

Synergies: Use after a stagger or knockdown to initiate quickly.

Unlock: Power Level 5

Effect: Hold Melee Attack for a charged swing. Deals 1.5x weapon damage and increased stagger. Drains stamina. Longer charge time = more damage (up to ~2x). Can break wooden doors.

Cooldown: None; stamina cost.

Upgrades: Charged time reduces slightly; damage bonus scales with Power.

When to use: Breaking open locked crates, dealing heavy damage to a Demolisher, or finishing a Goon.

Synergies: Power Attack after a dodge to counter; follow with stomp.

Unlock: Power Level 7

Effect: Hold Aim + Quick Throw (or dedicated throw button) to hurl your melee weapon at an enemy. Deals weapon damage plus bonus (1.2x). Weapon will stick and can be retrieved if not lost. If the enemy dies, weapon returns to inventory (with durability loss).

Cooldown: None; uses weapon (one at a time).

Upgrades: Throw damage and range increase with Power; skill "Combat Throw" (Level 12) reduces stamina cost.

When to use: Ranged finish on a fleeing enemy, hitting a distant bomb barrel, or disarming a human enemy (if they block, weapon may be deflected).

Synergies: Combine with Perfect Throw (Agility) for increased accuracy.

Unlock: Power Level 3 (also requires Survivor level 1 for Camouflage? No, standalone)

Effect: While sneaking behind a human enemy (not zombie), press Melee Attack to perform a silent kill. No sound alert. Works only on unaware humans or those in Camouflage from zombies.

Cooldown: None; requires stealth approach.

Upgrades: Speed of takedown increases with Power; later upgrades allow takedowns on biters (Power level 8).

When to use: Clearing human outposts silently, avoiding alarms.

Synergies: Camouflage (Survivor) for stealth on zombies; use Boomerang instead of attacking.

Unlock: Power Level 9

Effect: When an enemy attacks (melee or projectile), press Block (right mouse button / R2) at the correct timing to parry. Temporarily stuns the enemy and leaves them open for a counter (quick attack). Works against humans, Virals, and some special infected.

Cooldown: 1 second after a successful parry (if you follow up).

Upgrades: Parry window widens with Power level.

When to use: Against human raiders with weapons, or Volatile swipes; essential for high-level combat.

Synergies: Parry -> Power Attack -> Stomp; Parry -> Finisher.

Unlock: The Following story quest "The Gate" reward

Effect: Press a hotkey (default Q on PC) to enter Frenzy mode. For 10 seconds, attacks are faster, stamina regenerates, and you take 50% less damage killing zombies. Can be activated once per 60 seconds (cooldown).

Cooldown: 60 seconds.

Upgrades: Duration increases to 15s with Power level 13 (The Following); damage bonus 20%.

When to use: Surrounded by a horde, fighting Volatiles, or finishing a difficult encounter.

Synergies: Use before entering a nest; combine with UV flashlight (Survivor) for night safety.

3. Survivor Skills

Unlock: Survivor Level 0 (default blueprint)

Effect: Craft firecrackers from 1 Alcohol + 1 Paper. Throw to attract zombies within a radius for 5 seconds. Loud noise. Draws attention.

Cooldown: None; uses inventory item.

Upgrades: Survivor level increases crafting yield (craft 2 per materials at Level 4, 3 at Level 8).

When to use: Distracting zombies from a path, grouping them for a single explosion, or escaping a pursuer.

Synergies: Use with Gas Tanks for area damage; follow with a grenade or Molotov.

Unlock: Survivor Level 0 (default blueprint)

Effect: Craft medkit from 2 Herbs + 1 Alcohol. Heals 25% health over 3 seconds. Can be used while moving. Starts healing immediately.

Cooldown: None; uses inventory.

Upgrades: Survivor level increases medkit healing percentage (35% at Level 5, 50% at Level 10). Faster heal speed.

When to use: During combat, after taking heavy damage, or before a tough fight.

Synergies: Keep several crafted; use with UV flashlight (night) to survive.

Unlock: Survivor Level 1

Effect: Craft camouflage consumable (1 Herbs + 1 Alcohol). When applied, zombies ignore you for 30 seconds (does not affect Volatiles or Rais's men). Walking near zombies will not trigger attacks. Attacking breaks camouflage.

Cooldown: None; uses inventory.

Upgrades: Duration increases (1 minute at Level 6, 2 minutes at Level 12); allows moving faster while camouflaged.

When to use: Sneaking through infested areas, looting dangerous zones, or passing a horde without fighting.

Synergies: Use for stealth takedowns on humans (they see through it, but zombies ignore you); combined with firecrackers to distract zombies away.

Unlock: Survivor Level 2 (blueprint)

Effect: Craft UV flashlight from 1 Battery + 1 Scrap Metal. Attaches to your weapon (melee). When activated, emits a bright UV cone that stuns Volatiles and prevents their attacks. Drains batteries quickly (1 battery per ~5 seconds).

Cooldown: None; uses battery charge. Can toggle on/off.

Upgrades: Survivor level reduces battery consumption (twice as long at Level 8).

When to use: Nighttime exploration, fighting a Volatile or Volatile horde, opening doors near nests.

Synergies: Use with Frenzy (The Following) for night combat; combine with flare gun to blind.

Unlock: Survivor Level 3 (blueprint)

Effect: Craft from 1 Herbs + 1 Alcohol + 1 Antizine (?), actually: 1 Herbs + 1 Alcohol. Activates a green-tinted night vision for 60 seconds. Allows better visibility in darkness. Not as effective as a flashlight but less attracting.

Cooldown: None; uses inventory.

Upgrades: Duration increases (90s at Level 7, 2 min at Level 11).

When to use: Navigating dark interiors without alerting enemies, or when flashlight batteries are low.

Synergies: Use with Camouflage for stealth night movement.

Unlock: Survivor Level 4 (blueprint)

Effect: Craft from 1 Scrap Metal + 1 Alcohol. Fires a bright flare that sticks to surfaces and burns for 10 seconds. Can ignite zombies and cause panic among Virals. Also useful for signaling.

Cooldown: None; uses item.

Upgrades: Burn duration increases (15s at Level 9); crafting yield doubles.

When to use: Crowd control, creating a safe zone (zombies avoid fire), or setting up traps.

Synergies: Combine with Oil Canisters for explosions; use before entering a fight to create barrier.

Unlock: The Following story: "The Gates of Hell"

Effect: Craft from 1 Herbs + 1 Alcohol + 1 Honey (?). Spray on yourself to repel zombies for 30 seconds. They will not approach within a small radius. Does not work on Volatiles.

Cooldown: None; uses inventory.

Upgrades: Radius increases with Survivor level (The Following).

When to use: Looting in enclosed spaces, when overwhelmed, or during daytime exploration.

Synergies: Use with UV light for all-around protection.

Unlock: The Following story: "The Boiling Point"

Effect: Craft from 1 Alcohol + 1 Herbs + 1 Scrap Metal. Injection grants +50% movement speed and +25% stamina regen for 20 seconds. Overdose penalty if used twice in short succession (damage).

Cooldown: None; uses inventory; delayed use penalty.

Upgrades: Duration increases (30s at Level 10).

When to use: Emergency escape, running during night, or completing time-sensitive challenges.

Synergies: With Frenzy for maximum speed and damage.

Unlock: Survivor Level 6 (blueprint)

Effect: Craft from 1 Scrap Metal + 1 Alcohol + 1 Gas Canister. Primed grenade that explodes on impact or after 3 seconds. Massive damage and knockback. Can destroy barriers.

Cooldown: None; uses inventory.

Upgrades: Blast radius increases; crafting yield.

When to use: Clearing large groups, destroying nests, or hitting Demolishers.

Synergies: Use with firecrackers to group enemies; follow with Molotov for lingering fire.

Unlock: Survivor Level 8 (blueprint)

Effect: Craft from 1 Copper Wire + 1 Scrap Metal + 1 Gunpowder. Place a tripwire bomb that detonates when an enemy passes. One-time use. Can be placed on walls or ground.

Cooldown: None; uses inventory.

Upgrades: Damage and trigger radius increase.

When to use: Setting traps during defense missions, protecting a position, or killing Volatiles at a bottleneck.

Synergies: Combine with firecrackers to lure enemies into minefield.

Unlock: The Following story: "The Prodigal Son"

Effect: Craft from 1 Battery + 1 Scrap Metal + 1 Copper Wire. Place a device that creates an electric shockwave, stunning enemies in a large radius. Lasts 5 seconds.

Cooldown: None; uses inventory.

Upgrades: Stun duration increases; rechargeable? No, single use.

When to use: Crowd control in a pinch, especially against Volatiles.

Synergies: Follow with Power Attack or explosive.

4. Skill Tree Synergies & Recommended Builds

Core Skills: Sprint, Vault, Dropkick, Grappling Hook, Air Downward Stomp, Dodge.

Support Skills: Fast Climber, Aimed Throw, Perfect Throw, Parachute.

Playstyle: Constantly moving, using verticality and tightropes. Rely on dropkicks and stomps to deal damage. Escape easily. Use grappling hook for repositioning.

Weapon: Light weapons (knives, machetes) to maintain speed.

When to use: Night missions, exploring ruins, fleeing overwhelming odds.

Synergy: Dodge + dropkick = safe offensive; Vault + stomp = mini ground pound.

Core Skills: Kick, Ground Pound, Stomp, Finisher, Power Attack, Weapon Throw, Counter Attack.

Support Skills: Stealth Takedown (for humans), Frenzy (The Following).

Playstyle: Aggressive, upfront combat. Use power attacks to break defenses, ground pound to knock down groups, stomp to finish. Counter attack for high-risk high-reward.

Weapon: Heavy weapons (sledgehammers, two-handed axes) for maximum damage.

When to use: Daytime clearing, boss fights, horde engagements (with Frenzy).

Synergy: Counter -> Power Attack -> Stomp = kill combo; Ground Pound -> Stomp = area kill.

Core Skills: Firecrackers, Camouflage, UV Light, Explosive Grenades, Claymore, Turbo Booster, Night Vision Booster.

Support Skills: Medkit, Flare Gun, Zom Repellent.

Playstyle: Prepared, resourceful. Use CC and traps to control battles. Prefer stealth and gadgets over direct combat. Use Camouflage for safe looting. Use explosives for area denial.

Weapon: Any, but leverage firecrackers for grouping.

When to use: Infested areas, prisoner missions, night expeditions with UV.

Synergy: Firecrackers + Explosive Grenade = massive chain; Camouflage + Stealth Takedown (Power) = silent human elimination.

Core Skills: Mix: Dropkick (Agility), Stomp (Power), Medkit & Firecrackers (Survivor).

Playstyle: Versatile. Adapt to situation. Good for general progression.

Leveling: Try to keep all three trees roughly equal.

When to use: First playthrough, story missions, exploring.

5. Skill Unlock Order & Tips

Early Game (Levels 1-5): Prioritize Agility points to unlock Vault and Dropkick for mobility. In Power, get Stomp for instant kills on fallen zombies. Survivor: craft medkits and firecrackers.

Mid Game (Level 6-12): Unlock Grappling Hook (Agility 12) -> game changer for speed. Power: Counter Attack and Finisher are huge. Survivor: Camouflage and UV Light for night survival.

Late Game (Level 13+): Power: Frenzy (The Following) for insane damage. Survivor: Explosive Grenades and Claymores for heavy enemies. Agility: Parachute for verticality.

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6. Cooldown Table (Active Skills)

Skill	Cooldown	Stamina Cost	Notes
Sprint	None	Continuous	Stops if stamina depletes
Slide	None	None	–
Vault	None	None	–
Fast Climber	None	Extra	–
Dropkick	~2s	Moderate	–
Grappling Hook	None	~20% bar	–
Air Downward Stomp	None	None	–
Dodge	None	Stamina per roll	–
Perfect Throw	None	None	Timing-based
Parachute	None	None	Requires height
Kick	~0.5s	None	–
Ground Pound	None	None	Requires air
Stomp	None	None	–
Finisher	None	None	–
Power Attack	None	Medium	Charged
Weapon Throw	None	Low	Uses weapon
Stealth Takedown	None	None	–
Counter Attack	~1s after parry	None	–
Frenzy	60s	None	Duration 10-15s
Firecrackers	None	None	Inventory item
Medkit	None	None	Inventory item
Camouflage	None	None	Inventory item
UV Light	None	Battery drain	Toggle
Night Vision	None	None	Inventory item
Flare Gun	None	None	Inventory item
Zom Repellent	None	None	The Following
Turbo Booster	None	None	Injection
Explosive Grenade	None	None	Inventory
Claymore	None	None	Tripwire
Typhoon/Blast	None	None	The Following

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7. Summary

Mastering the three skill trees in Dying Light is key to surviving Harran. Agility makes you untouchable, Power makes you a killer, and Survivor makes you prepared. Mix and match skills to suit your playstyle, and always keep your skill levels balanced unless you have a specific role in co-op. The real power lies in synergies between trees—use Camouflage (Survivor) + Stealth Takedown (Power) or Dropkick (Agility) + Ground Pound (Power) for devastating combos. Good luck, runner.