State of Decay 3 pushes forward with a 2026 closed beta following studio split from Xbox
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
State of Decay 3 is pushing toward a closed beta later this year following Undead Labs' recent separation from Xbox, with a full multiplatform launch slated for 2027.
Undead Labs has confirmed that a closed beta for State of Decay 3 is arriving before the end of the year. This milestone arrives just weeks after the developer separated from Xbox during a major wave of Microsoft restructuring. Despite the corporate shakeup, development on the zombie survival threequel is pressing ahead, building on a series of closed alpha tests that began earlier this spring.
According to an update shared via Xbox Wire, creative director Kevin Patzelt noted that the upcoming expansion into closed beta is necessary to stress-test the game's massive new map and untethered multiplayer systems. Early feedback from the alpha rounds has already helped the team refine combat balance in co-op sessions and tweak how signature permadeath mechanics impact entire survivor enclaves. Testers also highlighted major upgrades to lighting, character customization, and mutated freak zombies.
Players hoping to secure an early look can register their interest for the beta ahead of the game's planned launch in 2027 across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. While the studio's mystery new owner has not yet been publicly named, and questions remain regarding whether the title will maintain a day one Game Pass release, the team is clearly focused on delivering the most ambitious entry in the franchise to date.
Tags: State of Decay 3, Undead Labs, PC Gaming, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Original article: Eurogamer