You're wandering around the ruins of Venice Beach, dodging crushers and wondering why on earth you can't find that one specific side quest. It happens to everyone. Dead Island 2 [REDACTED] is one of those quests that feels like a fever dream until you actually stumble upon the right shipping container. Honestly, it’s one of the most clever bits of environmental storytelling Dambuster Studios tucked into Hell-A, but it's also incredibly easy to miss if you aren't looking at the ground. Or the walls. Or the blood-spattered documents hidden behind a crate.
The quest is a "Lost & Found" mission. These aren't your standard "go here, kill ten walkers" objectives. They require a bit of brainpower, or at least a willingness to read the notes you pick up. If you've been hunting for the legendary Blood Rage dagger or just trying to clear your map of every lingering icon, understanding the [REDACTED] workflow is essential.
What is the [REDACTED] Quest Anyway?
Basically, it's a scavenger hunt. It starts in Venice Beach, specifically inside the military compound that’s seen better days. You're looking for a specific Lieutenant named Ford. Or, more accurately, you're looking for what he left behind.
Most players trigger this after they've already finished the main story or at least progressed far enough to have the military access cards. You’ll find a document titled "[REDACTED]" on a desk inside a small guard shack near the beach’s northern end. It's vague. It's cryptic. It's exactly the kind of thing that makes you want to hunt down a high-end weapon.
The game doesn't give you a waypoint. You've got to follow the clues in the files. This is where people get stuck. They expect a big yellow circle on the map. Nope. You have to actually look at the shipping container numbers mentioned in the text.
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Finding Container 78
The first real step involves tracking down shipping container 78. This isn't just a random box. It’s located back near the shoreline, tucked away in a corner of the military zone that feels suspiciously quiet.
Once you get there, expect a fight. Dead Island 2 loves to spawn a Butcher or a Screamer right when you think you're safe. After you clear the area, you'll find another note. This one is even more censored than the last. It points you toward the "priority exit" and mentions a specific pickup point.
Why the [REDACTED] Reward is Worth the Headache
Let’s talk loot. You aren't doing this for the XP, although that’s a nice bonus. You’re doing this for the Bodycount.
Bodycount is a Legendary Assault Rifle. It’s arguably one of the best ranged weapons in the entire game. In a game that focuses so heavily on melee combat—chopping limbs and smashing skulls—having a high-fire-rate rifle that applies the Bleed status effect is a literal lifesaver. It shreds through Mutators. It turns basic walkers into piles of red mush in seconds.
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The rifle comes with the Puncturator mod pre-installed. This means every bullet has a chance to cause heavy bleeding. If you're running a build centered around critical hits or stamina recovery on bleed, this gun makes you feel like an absolute god.
Breaking Down the Perks
- Exit Strategy: This is the unique perk for Bodycount. When you hit a zombie, it increases your damage and agility. This stacks. By the time you empty half a mag, you're moving faster and hitting harder.
- Bloodlust: Damaging zombies in quick succession gives you a major damage boost and applies even more bleed.
- Flesh Wound: It’s exactly what it sounds like. More gore, more damage.
The sheer power of this weapon is why the [REDACTED] quest remains one of the most searched-for topics in the Dead Island community. It’s the difference between struggling with a late-game boss and melting them before they can even scream.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
I’ve seen a lot of people complain that the quest won’t start. Here is the deal: you usually need to have completed the "Boardwalking Dead" main mission first. If you go to the guard shack and the note isn't there, you haven't progressed far enough.
Also, check your inventory. Sometimes you might have picked up the first note without realizing it. Check the "Lost & Found" section of your journals. If [REDACTED] is listed there, you're already on the clock.
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Another thing? The zombies. The final part of this quest takes place near the Tower. There are a lot of environmental hazards there—electrified water, explosive barrels, the works. Use them. Don’t waste all your ammo on the waves of zombies that guard the final stash.
Step-by-Step Pathing (The Short Version)
- Start: Go to the Venice Beach military camp. Find the guard shack near the entrance. Read the note.
- Middle: Head to Container 78. It's on the beach side. Kill the Named Zombie (Lieutenant Ford) who spawns nearby. He’s a specialized Walker, so he’s not too tough, but he has a lot of health.
- End: Follow the directions to the final shipping container near the main gate. Use the key you looted from Ford. Open the crate. Grab the Bodycount.
The Nuance of Hell-A's Design
What Dambuster did well here was making the world feel lived-in. The [REDACTED] files aren't just quest markers; they’re snippets of the military's failed attempt to contain the "Autophage." It’s dark stuff. While you're hunting for a gun, you're also reading about soldiers who were ordered to hide the truth.
The game doesn't hit you over the head with it. It’s just there. If you care about the lore, these Lost & Found quests are actually the meat of the game's story. If you don't? Well, you still get a legendary rifle that shoots 600 rounds per minute.
Actionable Tips for Completing the Hunt
If you're ready to go grab Bodycount right now, keep these things in mind to make the process smoother:
- Bring Fire: Many of the zombies in the military zone are wearing riot gear. Fire bypasses a lot of that protection. A good Molotov or a weapon with the Cremator mod will save you a lot of time.
- Clear the Area First: Don't try to read the notes while zombies are active. The animation for picking up a document leaves you vulnerable for a split second. In Hell-A, a split second is all a Runner needs to take half your health.
- Check the Level: Legendary weapons scale to your level when you find them. If you can, wait until you’re at or near the level cap (Level 30) before finishing the quest. This ensures your Bodycount has the highest possible base damage stats, saving you a fortune in upgrade costs later at the workbench.
- Inventory Space: Make sure you have an open slot in your heavy weapons or firearms tab. If your inventory is full, the weapon will go to your "Unclaimed Property" tab at the storage locker, but it's much more satisfying to equip it immediately.
The quest is a bit of a trek, but for a gun that turns the endgame into a power fantasy, it's worth every second of searching through those dusty shipping containers. Go to Venice Beach, find the shack, and start the hunt. Your arsenal will thank you.