Amid the controversy around Xbox’s recent mass layoffs, causing studios like Undead Labs to split off, it’s easy to forget that State of Decay 3 has been in closed alpha since May. After accepting participants for its May playtest, the studio has confirmed that a closed beta will take place before the year is out.
While the exact dates and amount of content remain unknown, expect improved combat, cosmetics, movement and visual fidelity based on alpha feedback. Creative director Kevin Patzelt noted on Xbox Wire, “We’re going to be expanding our alpha and then closed beta to more players over time; this is our largest map ever, and with untethered multiplayer, we really need to take the opportunities to stress-test and fine-tune.”
You can sign up here for a chance to participate, though don’t be surprised if you’re not accepted. However, Patzelt promises “more opportunities throughout the year for players familiar and brand new to the series.”
State of Decay 3 launches in 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. It follows the same formula as its predecessors, where players control survivors in a post-zombie apocalypse and must survive. That means exploring the land, clearing zombies from locations, building settlements with others, and slowly gaining a foothold in the region.
Permadeath returns this time around, but there’s a new “zombie evolution” that must also be dealt with. Much like its predecessor, up to four players can play together online and build a community. You can check out some extensive alpha gameplay to see how everything will work, but one thing is for sure: Zombie deer aren’t on the menu, reveal trailer be damned.
