While playing Dead Rising 2, players can play four different game modes:
- 72 Hour Mode : Play the regular 72 hour story mode by yourself with the ability to join a partner's game.
- Overtime Mode : Play the Overtime mode, in which Chuck has 24 hours to complete his mission in Fortune City.
- Co-Op: Play from the beginning of the story with a partner.
- Terror is Reality: Play in a four player competitive mode in which players compete in short, scored events. Money awarded in this mode can be taken over to the single player mode.