Dead Island: Epidemic launches today on Steam Early Access

Zombie-themed multiplayer online battle arena Dead Island: Epidemic is now available through Steam Early Access, publisher Deep Silver announced today.

Epidemic is available in three different starter packs. Players can pick up the game and the Patient Zero Pack — which includes five additional weapons, three characters, the Golden Sprocket Hammer item and a handful of stat boosters, gear points and in-game cash — for $16.99. Alternatively, the DEADicated Pack — which includes the game, Patient Zero Pack, six weapons, Golden Precise Shotgun and Keghammer items and more boosters and cash — is available for $39.99.

The most content-packed version, the $44.99 Contagion Pack, features the game, both the Patient Zero and DEADicated item packs, and three additional game codes for Epidemic that can be gifted to friends. All items from these packs will be usable in Epidemic's upcoming open beta phase as well as the final version of the game.

Additionally, Deep Silver today introduced Sam B, one of the four main characters of Dead Island and Dead Island: Riptide, as a playable character in Epidemic. 

Dead Island: Epidemic, announced last summer, is a free-to-play Windows PC title that pits three teams against each other in an all-out brawl.