Will There Be a State of Decay 3? A Deep Dive into the Zombie Apocalypse Sequel
Yes, State of Decay 3 is indeed in development. While an official release date remains elusive, recent information points to a potential launch window in 2027. This highly anticipated sequel to Undead Labs’ popular zombie survival franchise has been shrouded in a degree of mystery, leaving fans eager for any concrete news. The journey to State of Decay 3 appears to be a long one, with a significant development period and past studio controversies playing a role. This article will delve into what we know about the game, explore its development history, and answer some of the most burning questions surrounding this upcoming release.
State of Decay 3: A Long Time Coming
The information regarding a 2027 release date for State of Decay 3 stems from the ArtStation profile of Nora Shramek, the lighting lead for the game at Undead Labs. This detail, if accurate, indicates a substantial nine-year gap between the release of State of Decay 2 and its sequel. Such an extended development timeline suggests a significant overhaul of the franchise, potentially addressing criticisms and incorporating ambitious new features.
What to Expect in State of Decay 3?
While concrete details are still scarce, the reveal trailer for State of Decay 3 hints at some intriguing changes. Based on what we’ve seen, we can anticipate:
- Enhanced Exploration: The trailer showcased vast, snowy landscapes, suggesting a greater emphasis on exploration and survival within diverse and challenging environments.
- Corrupted Wildlife: Combatting mutated wildlife seems to be a key element, indicating that players will face not only zombies but also dangerous, corrupted creatures, making the fight for survival even more desperate.
- Improved Visuals and Mechanics: Given the longer development period, expectations are high for a significant graphical upgrade and refined gameplay mechanics, building upon the foundations of the previous games.
- Building on Previous Successes: It is expected that Undead Labs will continue to build on the core mechanics of resource management, base building, and community management which made the previous entries successful.
The Shadow of Undead Labs’ Past
The development of State of Decay 3 hasn’t been without its challenges. The studio, Undead Labs, has faced past controversies regarding a toxic workplace environment. These allegations raised concerns about the studio’s development practices and could have potentially contributed to the elongated development cycle of State of Decay 3. It remains to be seen how these issues have been addressed and how they might impact the final product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide further clarity and address the many questions surrounding the State of Decay franchise, here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
1. What is the release date for State of Decay 3?
The target release window for State of Decay 3 is 2027, based on a game developer’s public profile, although an official announcement from Undead Labs is still pending.
2. Who is developing State of Decay 3?
Undead Labs is the developer behind the State of Decay franchise, and they are responsible for the development of State of Decay 3.
3. Is there an end to State of Decay 2?
Yes, State of Decay 2 has an end-game. Once all plague hearts are destroyed, players can complete leader missions to “end” the game and receive a boon bonus for future playthroughs.
4. How many survivors can I have in State of Decay 2?
The maximum community size in State of Decay 2 is 12 survivors.
5. Is State of Decay 1 or 2 better?
This is subjective and depends on what aspects you prioritize. State of Decay is generally praised for its difficulty, map design, and story. State of Decay 2, on the other hand, excels in customization, missions, and graphics.
6. How long does it take to 100% complete State of Decay 2?
Achieving 100% completion in State of Decay 2 can take around 116 hours. For a main objective playthrough, the playtime is closer to 16 hours.
7. What is the difference between State of Decay and State of Decay 2?
State of Decay 2 made significant changes to mechanics from the first game, improving graphics and customization options while moving away from the core story and difficulty that made the first game so appealing to fans of the genre.
8. Is State of Decay 2 multiplayer?
Yes, State of Decay 2 supports up to 3 players in multiplayer, allowing friends to join the main campaign, Daybreak, or Heartland.
9. What is the best base in State of Decay 2?
The “best” base varies depending on preference, but popular choices include Pterodactyl Ptark and Farmland Compound in Trumbull Valley, Barricaded Strip Mall in Drucker County, Mike’s Concrete in Drucker County, and the Lumber Mill in Providence Ridge.
10. How many bases can you have in State of Decay 2?
Players have one main base in State of Decay 2, alongside multiple smaller outposts.
11. Does State of Decay 1 have an ending?
Yes, State of Decay 1 does have an ending in the main game. However, the Breakdown DLC does not have an end, but it is possible to complete repairs to the RV to ‘end’ the game.
12. What is the most difficult map in State of Decay 2?
Meagher Valley is considered the most difficult map in State of Decay 2, due to the high density of zombies.
13. How many endings does State of Decay 2 have?
There are four distinct endings in State of Decay 2, each dependent on the player’s chosen leader.
14. What is the Juggernaut Edition of State of Decay 2?
State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition is an updated version of the game that includes all previously released DLC and some improvements. All existing versions of the game received this update free of charge.
15. Why is the original State of Decay no longer available on Steam?
The original State of Decay was removed from Steam because it is no longer supported, though it can still be purchased from other online retailers. The Year One Edition, which is a ported version for Xbox One, is sold instead.
Conclusion
The journey to State of Decay 3 is undoubtedly a long one, marked by a significant development period and the challenges faced by Undead Labs. While the 2027 release window is not official, it provides fans with a clearer timeframe for this highly anticipated sequel. With hints of enhanced exploration, dangerous new enemies, and a likely graphical overhaul, State of Decay 3 has the potential to bring a refreshing take on the zombie survival genre. As more details emerge, we will continue to provide updates, so stay tuned for more news about Undead Labs’ latest foray into the undead apocalypse.