If you’re trying to spot a Volatile from a safe distance or scout a bandit camp, knowing where to find binoculars in Dying Light is a game-changer. This simple tool can make surviving in Harran much easier, and getting it early is a smart move.
Binoculars are not something you buy from a shop. They are a specific piece of equipment you get from a main story mission. This means you can’t miss them if you follow the main questline, but you might have to play for a few hours before they become available.
Where to Find Binoculars in Dying Light
The binoculars are a guaranteed reward. You get them during the story mission called “The Shadow of the King.” This is part of the main campaign in the Slums area. You will recieve this quest from a man named Tahir, after you complete some earlier missions for Jade and Rais.
Here is a simple step-by-step guide to getting to that point:
- Progress through the main story until you complete the mission “Siblings.”
- After “Siblings,” you will get the quest “The Shadow of the King” from Tahir at the Tower.
- Follow the quest objectives. You will need to meet Tahir at a bridge.
- After a cutscene and some action, Tahir will give you the binoculars as part of the mission reward. The game will prompt you to equip them.
Once you have them, they are permanently added to your inventory. You can assign them to a quick-slot for easy use. Just open your inventory, go to the “Other” section, and drag the binoculars to one of your tool slots.
How to Use Binoculars Effectively
Using binoculars is straightforward, but a few tips can help you get the most out of them. Press the corresponding button for your tool slot (like ‘4’ on PC by default). This will bring them up to your eyes.
- You can zoom in and out using your usual aim buttons (right-click on PC).
- Use them to mark enemies and loot. Look at an enemy or a container for a few seconds to tag it. A icon will appear above it, making it easy to track through walls.
- They are perfect for planning your route. Scout a street full of zombies to find the safest path or a good place to drop a firecracker.
- At night, use them to identify Volatile patrols before you leave a safe zone. This can save your life.
Remember, you are vulnerable while using them. Always make sure you are in a relatively safe spot, like a rooftop or inside a building, before you stop to look around.
What If You Missed Them or Lost Them?
This is a common concern, but don’t worry. Binoculars are a key story item, so you cannot sell them or drop them. If you think you lost them, check your inventory’s “Other” tab. They should be there.
If they are not in your quick-slot, you might have just unassigned them. Just re-assign them from your inventory. If you somehow skipped the mission (which is very unlikely), you can always go back and complete it. The mission marker will remain on your map until you finish it.
Are There Any Other Ways to Get Binoculars?
No, there is only one way to get the standard binoculars in the base game. They are not a random loot item. You must complete “The Shadow of the King” mission. This keeps the game balanced and ensures all players have access to this scouting tool at the same point in the story.
Some mods or developer blueprints might change how you obtain them, but in the normal, unmodified game, the mission is your only source.
Why Binoculars Are So Useful
You might think you can manage without them, but they offer huge advantages. Here’s why they are worth getting as soon as the game allows:
- Safe Scouting: You can identify threats like Goons, Demolishers, or human enemies from far away, letting you choose to fight or avoid them.
- Loot Planning: Spot police vans, chests, and other loot containers from a distance. You can plan a loot run without wasting time searching empty buildings.
- Mission Preparation: Many missions involve infiltrating an area. Using binoculars to tag all enemies first gives you a massive tactical edge.
- Night Survival: Their value doubles at night. Scouting for Volatiles before you move is the key to successful night runs.
In short, they turn you from a reactive survivor into a proactive one. You spend less time running into danger and more time executing a smart plan.
Tips for Early Game Before You Get Them
Before you complete “The Shadow of the King,” you’ll have to manage without binoculars. Here’s how:
- Use high ground. Climb to rooftops to get a better view of the streets below with your own eyes.
- Listen carefully. Audio cues are huge in Dying Light. The sounds of Virals, Goons, and screams can alert you to danger.
- Throw firecrackers into an area to see what comes running out. It’s a noisy way to scout, but it works.
- Stick to main story missions. They will quickly lead you to the binoculars quest, so avoid getting too sidetracked by side quests if you want them fast.
FAQs About Binoculars in Dying Light
Can you get binoculars in the Following DLC?
Yes, but you start the DLC with them already in your inventory. If you start a new game in The Following, you will have binoculars from the very beginning.
Do binoculars have unlimited range?
No, they have a maximum zoom level. You can’t see infinitely far, but it’s more than enough for any practical use in the game’s zones.
Is there a blueprint for special binoculars?
No, there is only one type of binoculars. There are no upgrades or alternate versions to craft in the base game.
Why can’t I mark some enemies with my binoculars?
Some special or very distant enemies might not tag immediately. Make sure you are looking directly at them and hold your gaze for a couple seconds. Also, if an enemy is inside a building or behind thick cover, tagging might not work.
Do binoculars use durability or battery?
No, they are a permanent tool with no upkeep cost. Use them as much as you want.
Getting the binoculars is a clear milestone in Dying Light. It changes how you interact with the open world, making you feel more in control. While you have to wait a few hours into the campaign, the payoff is definitely worth it. Just follow the main quests, complete “The Shadow of the King,” and you’ll never have to blindly jump into a zombie horde again. With your new binoculars, you can plan your moves, find the best loot, and most importantly, spot trouble before it spots you.