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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →State of Decay 3 is still in development and targeting a 2027 release. Undead Labs said on September 22, 2026, that the game remains in alpha and that a closed beta is planned before the end of the year. The update follows a positive assessment from Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan, who said he had played the game with the team—but did not announce a release date.
What did Xbox’s Craig Duncan say about State of Decay 3?
In January 2026, Windows Central reported comments Duncan made to GamesRadar after asking whether more of the game would be shown that year. Duncan said he had visited Undead Labs several times during the preceding six to eight months and played the game with the team multiple times. His assessment was: “It’s coming on really well. We’re very excited about the franchise and its potential.” Windows Central’s report
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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State of Decay 2 - Ultimate Edition - Xbox One | $100.16 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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State of Decay- Year-One Survival Edition | $35.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Desperados 3 - Xbox One | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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No More Heroes 3 – Day 1 Edition - Xbox Series X | $21.79 | Buy on Amazon |
That is an encouraging executive impression based on studio visits and play sessions, not a public gameplay demo, independent review, or confirmation of a launch date.
What is the latest development status?
Undead Labs’ September 22, 2026 announcement says State of Decay 3 remains actively in development and is in alpha. The update came as the studio completed its separation from Xbox and became an independent, employee-owned company. Studio head Philip Holt said: “Development of State of Decay 3 remains actively underway at Undead Labs.” Undead Labs announcement
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- 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
The studio transition has not changed the stated release target: the game is still aimed at 2027. No specific date within that year has been announced.
When can players try it?
Undead Labs says it plans a closed beta before the end of 2026, with access expanding over time. Its playtesting program began in April 2026 with a deliberately small first alpha wave. The studio says testers gave feedback on combat, weather, lighting, and character customization, and that further opportunities are planned. Undead Labs’ playtesting update
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- Unlocking Heroes: Lifeline Roster
- New weapons: Under-barrel attachments and Incendiary Ammo
- New Music
- Community Improvements
In August, creative director Kevin Patzelt said the team would expand alpha testing and then closed beta access to more players to stress-test and fine-tune its largest map yet and untethered multiplayer. These are planned tests, not a guarantee that every interested player will receive access.
What has the developer announced about gameplay?
Xbox Wire’s June 7, 2026 interview with Patzelt described the game as an open-world survival experience with solo play or shared-world co-op for up to four players. The announced systems include settlements, survivor communities, weapon crafting, exploration, and combat. Patzelt said players were already playing an alpha version and that the team was aiming for 2027. Xbox Wire interview
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- Command up to five desperados and use their lethal skills to stealthily thin out the enemy rows
- Approach each mission with a variety of different solutions and paths
- Resolve seemingly impossible large enemy setups with careful planning and perfectly timed execution of the team's special skills
- Witness the glory of classic Wild West scenarios like frontier towns, desert canyons, Mississippi swamps, sprawling modern cities and many more by day and night
- Defeat your foes choosing between deadly and non-lethal options, stealth and blazing guns and further adjust the game to your playstyle
These are developer descriptions of the game in progress. Since it remains in alpha, they should be read as announced plans rather than a final account of how every feature will work at release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which platforms are planned?
Undead Labs’ September announcement names Xbox, Game Pass, PC, and PlayStation. Xbox’s listing identifies Xbox Series X|S and Windows and says Game Pass availability is planned for day one. The June Xbox Wire reveal also names Steam and PlayStation 5, alongside Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, cloud, and Game Pass. The Xbox Wire interview
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- Day 1 Edition contains a 5.3” x 7.3” softcover 70-page art book, a CD featuring select songs from the soundtrack, and a 7” x 4” Santa Destroy commemorative biker license plate, all in a custom box with an original illustration
- Grow Your Galactic Legend - In classic No More Heroes style, the Galactic Superhero Rankings are packed with outrageous boss battles, each oozing with personality; Soar through the ranks and prove you're the baddest in the universe
- Old Dog, New Tricks - From beam katana boss to wrestling pro, Travis can do it all; Take violence to new extremes with the customizable Death Glove, and punish those deadly invaders with combat that suits your style
- Superheroic Side Hustles - Explore Santa Destroy on Travis’ Demzamtiger to pick up odd jobs, from Coast Guard missions to toilet cleaning, then hit the road to unique locales like Neo Brazil and Thunderdome to keep the cash rolling in
- Bolder, Badder, and Better Than Ever - Thanks to sharper visuals, No More Heroes 3 has never looked better; Add in improved load times and better responsiveness, and you’ll be dishing out eye-popping ultra-violence in no time
The available announcements do not establish that every platform or edition will have identical availability. The latest developer statement is the broadest current platform plan; Xbox’s store listing provides the specific Xbox and Windows details.
Quick Recap
What the update does—and does not—confirm
- Confirmed by Undead Labs: development is active, the game is in alpha, the target is 2027, and a closed beta is planned before the end of 2026.
- Encouraging but not a launch announcement: Duncan’s positive remarks reflect his visits and play sessions with the team.
- Still unannounced: an exact release date and guaranteed access for individual players to upcoming tests.
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.
