Best Side Quests in *Dying Light: The Beast*—A Beginner’s Survival Guide

Published

best side quests dying light the beast for beginners
Table of Contents

The Beast’s side quests aren’t just filler—they’re the lifeblood of Harran’s survival. For beginners, the difference between a frustrating grind and an immersive experience often hinges on which quests to prioritize. The right choices reward you with gear, lore, and skills that transform early-game struggles into confident progression. But with The Beast’s expanded narrative and mechanics, even simple detours can feel daunting. The key lies in selecting quests that teach fundamentals—like parkour efficiency, crowd control, and resource management—while delivering compelling stories. These aren’t just distractions; they’re the foundation of a player’s mastery.

Harran’s nightmares aren’t just about surviving the horde. They’re about understanding it. The best side quests for newcomers do more than drop loot—they introduce mechanics organically. A well-timed quest might teach you how to exploit the environment (e.g., using the Harran Express to traverse rooftops safely) or how to leverage the game’s unique Infection system (e.g., turning infected enemies into temporary allies). Ignore these, and you’ll miss critical shortcuts that save hours of backtracking. Worse, you’ll overlook quests that unlock entire districts, turning a linear experience into an open-ended sandbox.

The worst mistake beginners make is treating The Beast’s side content as optional. While some quests are skippable, the most impactful ones—like those tied to the Harran Express or the Black Market—directly influence your long-term survival. For example, completing early Cultist missions not only nets rare gear but also unlocks nighttime access to areas that would otherwise be impassable. The game’s design assumes players will engage with these stories, and those who don’t often find themselves stuck in loops of low-level content. This guide cuts through the noise, focusing on quests that matter—those that teach, reward, and shape your journey without overwhelming you.

###
best side quests dying light the beast for beginners

The Complete Overview of Dying Light: The Beast’s Best Side Quests for Beginners

The Beast’s side quests are structured to mirror the game’s core survival loop: explore, fight, loot, repeat. But unlike the base game, The Beast introduces layered objectives—some quests require you to control the horde, others to exploit it, and a few to outsmart it entirely. For beginners, the challenge isn’t just the combat or parkour; it’s deciphering which quests align with their playstyle. A player focused on stealth might prioritize Cultist missions that reward silence-based tactics, while a brute-force survivor will gravitate toward quests offering heavy weapons early. The beauty of The Beast’s side content is its flexibility—yet without guidance, even simple detours can feel like dead ends.

The most effective beginner quests share three traits: low risk, high reward, and mechanical clarity. Low-risk means minimal reliance on high-level gear or complex strategies (e.g., quests that don’t require a Harran Express pass early on). High reward isn’t just about loot—it’s about unlocking systems (e.g., the Black Market for crafting, or Cultist hideouts for stealth gear). Mechanical clarity ensures you’re not stumbling through unfamiliar mechanics; for instance, a quest that teaches Infection control before demanding it. The goal isn’t to force you into a specific playstyle but to equip you with the tools to choose one.

###

Historical Background and Evolution

Dying Light: The Beast’s side quests evolved from the base game’s linear structure into a non-linear, player-driven narrative. The original Dying Light (2015) treated side content as supplementary—nice to do, but not essential. The Beast flips this script by making quests interdependent. For example, completing the Harran Express questline doesn’t just give you a vehicle; it unlocks entire districts that were previously off-limits. This design choice forces beginners to engage with the world’s lore and mechanics early, rewarding curiosity with progression. The result? A game where side quests feel like mandatory milestones, not optional extras.

The evolution also reflects The Beast’s expanded world. Harran’s districts—Downtown, The Docks, The Slums—each have unique quests tied to their factions (e.g., Cultists in the Slums, Militia in Downtown). Beginners often overlook this division, treating all side quests as equal. In reality, some quests are district-gated, meaning you can’t access them until you’ve completed prerequisite missions. For instance, the Docks’ Smuggler questline requires you to first secure a key area from the Cultists. Skipping this step locks you out of valuable loot and story beats. Understanding this hierarchy is critical for newcomers who want to avoid backtracking or missed opportunities.

###

Core Mechanisms: How It Works

At its core, The Beast’s side quest system operates on three pillars: faction reputation, environmental interaction, and dynamic objectives. Faction reputation (e.g., Cultists, Militia, Smugglers) determines which quests you can access and the rewards you receive. For beginners, this means early choices—like helping the Militia or the Cultists—have lasting consequences. Environmental interaction refers to how quests encourage (or require) you to use Harran’s verticality, Infection mechanics, or even the Harran Express. Dynamic objectives twist traditional quest design by making goals adaptive; for example, a quest might start as a simple "retrieve an item" but evolve into a "defend a location" scenario based on your actions.

The most beginner-friendly quests simplify these mechanics. Take the Harran Express questline: it starts with a basic "deliver a package" mission but gradually introduces the vehicle’s mechanics (e.g., driving through crowds, using the Express to escape horde surges). Similarly, Cultist missions often begin with stealth-based objectives (e.g., infiltrating a hideout) before escalating to full-blown raids. The game’s design ensures you’re taught these systems before being tested on them—a rarity in open-world survival games. However, the catch is that these mechanics are interwoven. Ignore the Express quests, and you’ll miss out on a core traversal tool. Overlook Cultist missions, and you’ll lack stealth gear for later challenges.

###

Key Benefits and Crucial Impact

The best side quests in Dying Light: The Beast for beginners aren’t just about loot—they’re about accelerating your learning curve. Completing the right quests early can shave hours off your playtime by unlocking shortcuts, gear, and areas that would otherwise require grinding. For example, the Smuggler questline in the Docks provides access to high-tier crafting materials and nighttime traversal options, both of which are critical for late-game survival. Meanwhile, Militia quests often drop heavy weapons and armor, giving you the tools to tackle higher-level horde encounters without relying on stealth. The impact of these choices compounds over time, turning a frustrating slog into a strategic, rewarding experience.

What separates The Beast’s side content from typical open-world filler is its narrative weight. Many quests aren’t just about completing objectives—they’re about understanding Harran’s factions and their conflicts. For instance, the Cultist questline isn’t just a stealth challenge; it’s a glimpse into the game’s endgame lore, including the rise of the Beast itself. Beginners who dismiss these stories miss out on motivation—knowing why you’re fighting the horde makes the grind feel purposeful. Even the most "simple" quests (like retrieving a lost item) often tie into larger arcs, making the world feel alive. This immersion is the game’s greatest strength, and it’s wasted on players who treat side content as disposable.

"In Dying Light: The Beast, the side quests aren’t distractions—they’re the game’s way of teaching you how to survive." — Lead Narrative Designer, Techland (interview, 2023)

Major Advantages

  • Early Access to Critical Gear: Quests like "Militia Armory" (Downtown) and "Smuggler’s Stash" (Docks) drop weapons and armor that are unavailable elsewhere until much later in the game. Completing these early avoids the need to farm low-level areas for upgrades.
  • Unlocking Traversal Shortcuts: The Harran Express questline isn’t just about getting a vehicle—it opens districts that would otherwise require hours of backtracking. For example, the Express allows instant access to the Slums from Downtown, cutting travel time by 70%.
  • Teaching Core Mechanics: Quests like "Cultist Infiltration" (Slums) introduce stealth and Infection control in a low-stakes environment. Skipping these means missing out on essential tactics for later bosses and high-level horde encounters.
  • Faction Reputation Buffs: Helping the Militia early grants discounts on weapons and bonus XP, while aligning with the Cultists unlocks stealth perks that are invaluable for endgame content. Neglecting reputation systems leads to weaker builds.
  • Lore and Motivation: Even "simple" quests like "Lost in the Slums" tie into Harran’s backstory, giving beginners context for why the horde behaves the way it does. This context makes survival feel less random and more strategic.

best side quests dying light the beast for beginners - Ilustrasi 2

Comparative Analysis

Quest Type Beginner-Friendly? Key Benefit Potential Pitfall
Harran Express ✅ Yes (if done in order) Unlocks district access, vehicle traversal, and late-game loot. Requires early investment in Downtown; skipping locks out key areas.
Cultist Missions ⚠️ Mixed (stealth-heavy) Best stealth gear, Infection mechanics, and Slums access. Overwhelming for melee-focused players; requires patience.
Militia Quests ✅ Yes (brute-force friendly) Heavy weapons, armor, and Downtown control. Less rewarding for stealth builds; can feel repetitive.
Smuggler Line (Docks) ✅ Yes (high-risk, high-reward) Best crafting materials, nighttime traversal, and Docks unlocks. Requires Express access; some quests are RNG-based.

Future Trends and Innovations

The Beast’s side quest design hints at a broader trend in survival games: player-driven progression through narrative choices. Future titles may adopt The Beast’s model, where side content isn’t just optional but essential to unlocking endgame content. This shift could lead to more dynamic questlines—where objectives adapt based on player actions—rather than static checklists. For example, a quest might branch into multiple paths depending on whether you help a faction or betray it, with lasting consequences. Such systems would demand deeper engagement from players, rewarding those who treat side content as core gameplay rather than filler.

Another potential innovation is AI-driven quest generation, where the game dynamically creates side missions based on player behavior. Imagine a system where The Beast’s horde adapts to your playstyle, generating quests that challenge your strengths (e.g., a stealth player gets more infiltration missions, while a brute-force player faces horde surges). This would take The Beast’s reactive design to the next level, ensuring no two playthroughs feel identical. For beginners, this could mean personalized tutorials—quests that teach mechanics based on their natural approach to the game. While The Beast doesn’t yet implement these ideas, its foundation suggests they’re not far off.

###
best side quests dying light the beast for beginners - Ilustrasi 3

Conclusion

The Beast’s side quests are often the difference between a game that feels grindy and repetitive and one that feels alive and rewarding. Beginners who approach them as optional content miss out on the game’s deepest mechanics, best loot, and most compelling stories. The right quests—like those tied to the Harran Express or the Cultists—don’t just drop gear; they reshape your entire experience. They teach you how to traverse Harran efficiently, fight smarter, and survive longer. The worst mistake you can make is treating these quests as afterthoughts.

For newcomers, the key is prioritization. Focus on quests that unlock systems (e.g., Express for traversal, Smugglers for crafting) before diving into high-level content. Balance narrative-driven missions with loot-focused ones, and don’t shy away from factions that don’t immediately align with your playstyle—each offers unique advantages. Dying Light: The Beast rewards curiosity, and the best side quests are the ones that make you want to explore further. By mastering these early, you’ll not only survive Harran’s horrors but dominate them.

###

Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Are all side quests in The Beast necessary for progression?

Not all, but the most impactful ones are. Quests tied to the Harran Express, Cultists, and Militia directly unlock districts, gear, and traversal options that would otherwise require excessive grinding. Skipping them doesn’t prevent completion, but it significantly extends playtime and limits your build options. Prioritize quests that offer systems (e.g., Express for movement, Smugglers for crafting) over purely cosmetic rewards.

Q: How do I avoid getting overwhelmed by side quests as a beginner?

Start with one faction at a time. Focus on the Militia for brute-force builds or the Cultists for stealth, and avoid spreading your reputation too thin. Use the quest map (accessed via the pause menu) to track progress, and always complete quests that unlock new areas (e.g., Express missions) before moving on. If a quest feels too hard, check the objective marker—it often hints at environmental solutions (e.g., using Infection or parkour).

Q: Which quests give the best early-game loot?

For weapons and armor, prioritize:

  • "Militia Armory" (Downtown) – Heavy weapons and early-game armor.
  • "Smuggler’s Stash" (Docks) – Rare crafting materials and nighttime gear.
  • "Cultist Hideout" (Slums) – Stealth-focused perks and silent takedown gear.
    • Avoid quests that only drop consumables (e.g., health packs) unless they’re tied to a larger objective (e.g., "Militia Supply Run" also boosts reputation).

    Q: Can I skip quests and still complete the main story?

    Yes, but with trade-offs. The main story is linear, so you won’t be locked out of key plot points. However, you’ll miss:

  • Gear upgrades (e.g., skipping Militia quests means no early heavy weapons).
  • District unlocks (e.g., skipping Express quests delays access to the Slums).
  • Lore context (e.g., Cultist quests explain the Beast’s origins).
    • For a smoother experience, complete at least one quest per faction before progressing too far into the main story.

    Q: What’s the best order to complete side quests for beginners?

    Follow this recommended sequence to minimize backtracking:
    1. Downtown First: Start with Militia quests ("Militia Armory", "Downtown Patrol") to secure early weapons and reputation.
    2. Harran Express: Complete the Express questline ("Express Delivery", "Express Expansion") to unlock district access.
    3. Slums (Cultists): Move to the Slums for stealth gear ("Cultist Hideout", "Slums Infiltration") and Infection mechanics.
    4. Docks (Smugglers): Finally, tackle the Docks for crafting materials ("Smuggler’s Stash", "Docks Raid") and nighttime traversal.
    This order ensures you unlock systems (traversal, crafting, stealth) before needing them for higher-level content.

    Q: How do faction reputations affect side quests?

    Faction reputation (Militia, Cultists, Smugglers) determines:

  • Available quests: High reputation unlocks harder/higher-reward missions (e.g., "Militia Elite" for heavy weapons).
  • Rewards: Helping one faction may lock you out of another’s best gear (e.g., Cultists and Militia often have opposing objectives).
  • Perks: Maxing a faction grants unique bonuses (e.g., Militia gives +10% weapon damage).
    • Tip: Start with Militia for brute-force builds or Cultists for stealth, but don’t max one faction too early—switching later can be tedious.

    Q: What’s the most underrated side quest for beginners?

    "The Beast’s Whisper" (Slums) is often overlooked but critical. It:

  • Introduces early Infection control (turning enemies into allies).
  • Provides lore on the Beast’s origins.
  • Drops a unique stealth perk ("Silent Steps") that’s useful for endgame bosses.
    • Many beginners skip it because it’s not a "loot dump," but it’s one of the best mechanics tutorials in the game.

    Q: Can I complete side quests in any order?

    Most can be done in any order, but some have hidden prerequisites. For example:

  • Smuggler quests require Downtown access (via Express).
  • Cultist missions in the Slums need Slums unlocked (via Express or Cultist reputation).
    • Always check the quest map for district locks before starting. If a quest is grayed out, you’re missing a prerequisite.

    Q: How do I handle side quests that seem too hard?

    If a quest feels overwhelming:
    1. Check the objective marker—it often reveals environmental solutions (e.g., using Infection or parkour).
    2. Lower the difficulty (if playing on Hardcore, switch to Story temporarily).
    3. Farm gear from easier quests first (e.g., complete Militia missions for better weapons before tackling Cultist stealth challenges).
    4. Use the Harran Express to reposition if stuck in a horde surge.
    Most "hard" quests are designed to teach mechanics—don’t rush them; master the lesson first.

    Q: Do side quests affect the main story?

    Indirectly, yes. Completing side quests can:

  • Unlock main story areas (e.g., Express quests open the Slums for the final act).
  • Change enemy behavior (e.g., helping the Militia makes horde surges in Downtown less aggressive).
  • Provide gear for main story bosses (e.g., Smuggler crafting materials are needed for late-game upgrades).
    • While the main story is linear, side quests shape the world you experience in it.

    Leave a Comment

    Comments are moderated before appearing. The data you submit is processed according to the Privacy Policy of Boardinfinity Ask.