In a significant development for fans of the franchise, Undead Labs announced that alpha playtests for State of Decay 3 will commence in May 2026. This announcement comes six years after the game was first revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020.
The alpha playtests will allow players to experience the game’s new features, including four-player co-op, enhanced base-building mechanics, and updated combat strategies. Players interested in participating must have a Discord account to sign up for these playtests.
Since the announcement, State of Decay 3 has been under development, with a gameplay trailer released in 2024 showcasing its evolving gameplay. The game is expected to launch on Windows PC and Xbox Series X, and it will be available on Game Pass at launch.
While the excitement builds, it’s important to note that the exact release date for State of Decay 3 remains unknown. Undead Labs has been focused on updates for State of Decay 2 in recent years, which was released in May 2018, and players are eager to see how the new installment will differentiate itself.
Brant Fitzgerald from Undead Labs emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “it became clear that community is survival, and we need your help.” This sentiment reflects the studio’s commitment to incorporating player feedback into the development process.
As anticipation grows, fans can take a sigh of relief knowing that State of Decay 3 is not cancelled, as confirmed by the developers. The game is expected to evolve into something special, with a potential full release anticipated in 2027 or 2028.
Starting next month, the alpha playtests will serve as a critical opportunity for players to engage with the game and provide feedback. Undead Labs stated, “Starting next month, we’ll be hosting a series of Alpha Playtests with the community.” This initiative aims to refine the gameplay experience ahead of the official launch.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific features that will be included in the alpha playtests, but the excitement surrounding the game continues to build as the community prepares for this next step in the State of Decay franchise.
