To play State of Decay 2 co-op, everyone needs to sign in with an Xbox account and turn on Multiplayer in the game’s Settings. Exchange Xbox gamertags, then invite or join through the game’s supported Xbox features; PC players can open Xbox Game Bar with Windows + G. Cross-play supports up to four players total: one host and three guests.
How to start a co-op session
- Sign in to an Xbox account. Each player needs an Xbox account, including players on PC.
- Enable Multiplayer. In the game, open Settings and make sure Multiplayer is turned on.
- Exchange Xbox gamertags. You’ll use these to find and connect with one another.
- Invite or join. On PC, press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar, then use it to invite or join a friend. The official Undead Labs FAQ describes this method for connecting across different stores and consoles.
The session has one host and up to three guests. Guests visit the host’s game, and while visiting they retain access to their own community’s Supply Locker.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
State of Decay 2 | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
State of Decay 2 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $23.67 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
State of Decay- Year-One Survival Edition | $35.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
State of Decay 2 - Ultimate Edition - Xbox One (Renewed) | $55.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
State of Decay 2 | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Cross-play, platforms, and online requirements
The official FAQ says players signed in to Xbox accounts can join regardless of platform or storefront. Microsoft’s Xbox listing identifies Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC as supported platforms and labels the feature “Xbox cross-platform co-op.” The sources identify no PlayStation version.
For Xbox console players, Microsoft lists Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium, or Ultimate as required for online multiplayer; the subscription is sold separately. This console requirement should not be applied to PC players.
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#1 Best Overall
- State of Decay 2 is the ultimate open world zombie survival game Four Player Co-Op Multiplayer Establish a base, develop your characters and manage resources to survive in a post-apocalyptic world
- Xbox One X Enhanced with higher resolutions, steadier framerates and better effects
- Every decision has lasting consequences In the end, how you survive just might surprise you
- Pre-order now to get the Amazon exclusive Survivor’s Pack Includes the Zed Swatter melee weapon, an exclusive vehicle and an assortment of survival supplies and abilities - Codes will be received within 7 days of release
How hosting and guest play work
Co-op is a visit to the host’s game, rather than evidence of a persistent shared world. Guests keep access to their own community’s Supply Locker, but the official sources do not establish that all players share campaign progression or that a host’s game is available while the host is offline.
Multiplayer uses a peer-to-peer connection, so the host’s internet connection affects session quality. Guests are also tethered to the host and cannot roam arbitrarily far away. As Undead Labs puts it, “a tether system keeps players from straying too far from the host.”
Rank #2
- State of Decay 2 is the ultimate open world zombie survival game Four Player Co-Op Multiplayer Establish a base, develop your characters and manage resources to survive in a post-apocalyptic world
- Xbox One X Enhanced with higher resolutions, steadier framerates and better effects
- Every decision has lasting consequences In the end, how you survive just might surprise you
- Pre-order now to get the Amazon exclusive Survivor’s Pack Includes the Zed Swatter melee weapon, an exclusive vehicle and an assortment of survival supplies and abilities - Codes will be received within 7 days of release
If you can’t connect
- Check Xbox service status.
- Confirm Multiplayer is enabled in the game’s Settings.
- Make sure each player is signed in to an Xbox account.
- If a PC player cannot host, update Gaming Services through the Microsoft Store and restart the PC.
Undead Labs’ multiplayer troubleshooting FAQ lists these checks. Its support page says the game received its final content update in October 2024 and that support ticket intake is closed; it directs players to community channels for further help.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- State of Decay 2 Ultimate Edition includes early access to the full game, a code for the original State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition on console, and a code for two add-on content packs: Independence Pack and Daybreak Pack
- Build your community and invite up to three friends to explore an open world filled with hostile zombies Four Player Co-Op Multiplayer Establish a base, develop your characters and manage resources to survive in a post-apocalyptic world
- Model Compatibility: Xbox One;Xbox One X Enhanced with higher resolutions, steadier framerates and better effects
- Pre-order now to get the Amazon exclusive Survivor’s Pack Includes the Zed Swatter melee weapon, an exclusive vehicle and an assortment of survival supplies and abilities - Codes will be received within 7 days of release
Rank #3
- Unlocking Heroes: Lifeline Roster
- New weapons: Under-barrel attachments and Incendiary Ammo
- New Music
- Community Improvements
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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