Transitioning from the first game's setting, Dead Island 2 immerses players entirely in a representation of the "Real world". Despite the fictitious narrative of a zombie invasion wreaking havoc, players can explore iconic areas throughout Los Angeles. They have the opportunity to develop their characters and immerse themselves in the madcap world of the game. By comparison to the first Dead Island, which was set on the relatively small Banoi Island, the expansive Los Angeles - cheekily referred to as "Hell-A" in the game - provides a far more entertaining and diverse location for such an adventurous game.