How to complete 'Message in a Bottle' in Dead Island 2

How to complete 'Message in a Bottle' in Dead Island 2
Images via Dambuster Studios

Written by 

Tarran Stockton

Published 

26th Apr 2023 11:59

Many of Dead Island 2's quests tend to point you toward a location, tasking you to find someone or something while there. Sometimes these are straightforward, but others in the game encourage you to use clues to piece together the key information and ultimately locate your target. 

So, if you're struggling with the Message in a Bottle in Dead Island 2, we've got you covered. 

Message in a Bottle quest walkthrough

The Message in a Bottle quest can be picked up from the Santa Monica beach, but you'll need to have finished the specific objective to collect the Blood Drive during the Boardwalking Dead main quest.

an image of the Dead Island 2 map showing the Message in a Bottle journal locations
Click to enlarge

The quest has three main sections, with each one tasking you with finding a journal entry from the angry critic that ultimately points toward his final location.

Read on for a walkthrough of each step of Dead Island 2's Message in a Bottle quest: 

  • Start by heading to the Bucket O' Fish restaurant on the pier (marked on the map above), and make your way inside. Be careful to avoid the traps throughout. 

an image of the first journal location in Message in a Bottle in Dead Island 2
Click to enlarge

  • On the bottom floor of the building, make your way to the very back, next to the valve, and you'll find the Review: Bucket O' Fish: One Star journal ontop of a box.
  • Opening the journal will give you an indication of his next location back on the pier. 

an image of the second journal location in Message in a Bottle in Dead Island 2
Click to enlarge

  • Head toward the Pier Grill (marked on the map above), and explore the section next to the crashed helicopter. You can find the Review: Pier Grill: Two Stars journal on a table in the corner, which points to the critic's final location. 
  • With the second journal in your inventory, read it for a clue to the critic's next location. 
  • It will point you toward the hot dog shack in the top corner of the map, so head there. 

an image of Dead Island 2 gameplay showing the A.R. Oliver location during Message in a Bottle
Click to enlarge

  • In the car park next to the shack, you'll find a tonne of zombies, including the A.R. Oliver zombie you'll need to kill for this quest. 
  • Take all the zombies out, and once A.R. Oliver is dead, you can pick up the Revew; Hotdg Shak: Twelvteen Strs journal, which will finish the quest. 

The Message in a Bottle quest will reward you with 3000 XP upon completion, along with whatever loot you can pick up from the zombies in the car park. 

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Our breakdown of all Dead Island 2 Legendary and unique weapons will also ensure you can find all the best weapons in the game. Check out more news and guides on all things Dead Island 2 on GGRecon.

Tarran is a Senior Guides Writer at GGRecon. He previously wrote reviews for his college newspaper before studying Media and Communication at university. His favourite genres include role-playing games, strategy games, and boomer shooters - along with anything indie. You can also find him in the pit at local hardcore shows.

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