Set in a map that is twice[2] as large as the two previous maps of Dying Light,[3] The Following's gameplay is similar to that of the main game where the infected are slow and fragile during daytime, and become aggressive and fast at night time. Players can use parkour movements, such as climbing ledges, leaping, sliding, jumping and zip-lining, to move between places and kill enemies. One of the new features introduced is a drivable dune buggy. Players can use them to travel across the game's world quickly and mow down enemies.[4][5] It has its own separate skill tree,[6] and weapons, including spikes, flamethrowers, UV lights, electrical cages and other upgrades can be added to the buggy to increase its combat abilities.[7]The buggy's performance and efficiency are affected by factors including the power of its suspension, engine, and brakes. Players can also choose from 40 different paintjobs to customize their car,[8] and must collect fuel in order to drive the buggy.[9]
The game features several new weapons, such as a crossbow and a variety of new firearms such as submachine guns and revolvers.[10] A new "bounty" mode, which split missions into three different categories: "Basic", "Dailies", and "Community",[11] is introduced. The missions and objectives included in this mode change every day, and players gain experience points by completing them.[12] The game also features a new difficulty mode named "Nightmare Mode", which extends the duration of nighttime, and increases the strength and health of enemies.[13] Every action made in this mode drains stamina from the player's character. Players do not have to complete the base game before starting the expansion; however, the character progression players earned in The Following will be carried to the base game.[7] Similar to the first game, the game supports a four-player cooperative multiplayer mode.[14] The asymmetrical multiplayer mode from the first game, Be The Zombie, also returns in The Following.