What is State of Decay 3?
State of Decay 3 is the long-awaited third entry in the open-world zombie survival series developed by Undead Labs and published by Xbox Game Studios. Officially revealed in 2020, the game represents a significant step forward for the franchise, aiming to deepen beloved survival systems, improve immersion, and push long-term community management further than ever before.
State of Decay, as a series, is known for its permadeath, base building, and dynamic storytelling via an immersive open world. No two playthroughs feel similar. Those core principles return in State of Decay 3, while also implementing next-generation technology, darker horror elements, and more systemic depth, such as weather and infected behavior improvements.
State of Decay 3 Screenshots & Trailers
Where to Play & Systems
State of Decay 3 is officially confirmed for:
- PC
- Xbox Series X/S
Furthermore, it’s expected that State of Decay 3 launches on Xbox Game Pass on day one, as part of Xbox’s first-party policy.
Key Features & Gameplay Overview
- An open-world zombie survival sandbox with replayability at the forefront.
- Community and base management via facilities construction and upgrades, and unique survivors with traits and goals.
- Scavenge for scarce resources, food, water, ammunition, and hope to survive one more day.
- Playable survivors with permadeath mechanics, where each decision matters.
- A dynamic world with roaming hordes, a day-and-night cycle, and more.
State of Decay 3 Mechanics
Core Survival Loop
The “one more turn” style of looting-focused gameplay the series is known for returns in the third entry. Players will explore the post-apocalyptic environment, looting houses and points of interest for usable supplies and items, such as weapons and facility upgrades. All the while, manage fatigue, injuries, morale, hunger, encroaching hordes, and long-term consequences.
Engaging Combat
From melee weapons to firearms with limited ammunition, State of Decay, as a franchise, is known for its visceral combat encounters against varying types of zombies. If players wish to survive, planning encounters, moving slowly, and utilizing stealth takedowns mean the difference between permadeath and survival.
Crafting & Base Building
The community base is as much a unique character as each survivor. As players acquire resources and expand their influence, additional base facilities will become available to construct in pre-designated spots. At least, that’s how previous titles have worked. It’s unclear whether SoD3 will expand upon the base-building aspect of the game, though we certainly hope. More information will come as we approach the inevitable release!
Guides & Walkthroughs
We’ll have guides and walkthroughs of State of Decay 3 as we near release and following the game’s launch. Bookmark this page and refresh in the days following launch!
- Coming Soon!
- State of Decay 3 Release Date: Everything We Know
- How Does Multiplayer in State of Decay 3 Work? – Answered
- Will State of Decay 3 Come to PS5? – Answered
News, Updates, & Patch Notes
Beginner Tips & Common Mistakes
We’ll have more beginner strategies and tips for State of Decay 3 once we have more hands-on time with the game!
- Don’t overextend yourself early! Greed can and will kill your community, especially on later difficulty levels, so take your time exploring and controlling the map.
- Rotate survivors! If you favor a survivor and spend all your time in their shoes, they’ll inevitably deal with fatigue and injuries, making them less effective and prone to damage.
- Noise attracts zombies! As in previous titles in the series, noise attracts nearby zombies. When possible, use stealth kills, melee, and suppressors to reduce your audio footprint.
- Stockpile essential items! While it’s nice to have a supply of luxury items to sell, your survivors rely on essentials, like medical aid, to stay alive.
Advanced Strategies
We’ll have advanced strategies and tips for State of Decay 3 once we have more hands-on time with the game!
- Coming Soon!
FAQ
- Q: Is State of Decay 3 confirmed?
- A: Yes! The game was officially revealed by Xbox and Undead Labs, but development is moving along relatively quietly.
- Q: Does State of Decay 3 have a release date?
- A: Unfortunately, no. We don’t yet have a release date announcement to share with our readers.
- Q: Will State of Decay 3 be co-op?
- A: While not fully detailed, co-op is expected based on previous entries in the series that feature cooperative modes.
- Q: Is State of Decay 3 coming to Game Pass?
- A: It is expected to launch on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
- Q: Is permadeath returning?
- A: Permadeath is a core feature of the State of Decay series and is expected to return.