Undead Labs has announced that a closed beta for its upcoming zombie survival game, State of Decay 3, is scheduled to begin later this year. This news follows the studio's recent separation from its former owner, Xbox.
The game, which has been undergoing closed alpha playtests since April, will expand its testing to a wider audience through these upcoming closed beta sessions. Creative director Kevin Patzelt stated that the team needs to "stress-test and fine-tune" the game, particularly its untethered multiplayer and the largest map ever featured in the series. He assured interested players that more opportunities to participate will arise throughout the year, catering to both series veterans and newcomers.
Initial feedback from alpha testers has been incorporated into the development process. Positive remarks have been noted regarding the game's improved lighting and graphics, character customization options, and the redesigned mutated zombies, which include variants that exhibit Hulk-like stomping or explode in toxic clouds. Insights from early testing have also informed the balancing of combat in co-op sessions and the impact of the series' signature permadeath feature on survivor enclaves.
Players can register their interest for the forthcoming State of Decay 3 beta. The full game is slated for a 2027 launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
This announcement marks Undead Labs' first major update since parting ways with Xbox. Last month, Microsoft underwent significant layoffs within its gaming division, leading to the divestment of four first-party studios, including Undead Labs. While Xbox confirmed that a new buyer had been secured for the studio, the identity of this new owner has not yet been disclosed. It remains unclear whether State of Decay 3 will still be available on Game Pass from day one.