In a bittersweet announcement, Undead Labs has revealed that State of Decay 2, the beloved zombie survival game, will be receiving its final content update later this year. After nearly 40 updates and expansions over the course of six years, the studio is turning its attention to the highly anticipated sequel, State of Decay 3.
While fans may be saddened by the news, the first-party Xbox studio has assured players that the game will remain fully playable and purchasable, with existing saves and communities unaffected by the end of support. But what does this mean for the future of the franchise?
The End of an Era for State of Decay 2
Update 38, set to release later this year, will serve as the swan song for State of Decay 2. The patch aims to address longstanding issues, implement quality-of-life improvements, and permanently unlock previously gated content, such as winter outfits and the coveted Wizard Van. It’s a fitting send-off for a game that has captivated players for over half a decade.
In their announcement, Undead Labs expressed their gratitude to the community, stating:
We know you love this world we’ve created and the amazing community you’ve helped build. While you’ve enjoyed State of Decay 2 for many years, you may have heard that we are also hard at work on the next evolution of the franchise!
The studio’s ambition is clear: “to create the greatest zombie survival sim in the franchise.” And to achieve this goal, they’ll be shifting their focus and resources to the upcoming third installment.
The Future is Bright with State of Decay 3
First announced during the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020, State of Decay 3 has been the subject of much anticipation and speculation. Recently, fans were treated to a tempting glimpse of the game’s potential with the reveal of a new cinematic trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024.
The trailer showcased a world years “into the apocalypse, with an evolving zombie threat that has taken over the landscape.” Players will be tasked with fighting back and reclaiming lost ground, carving out a life for their community of “survivalist homesteaders.”
The trailer—and its description—also hinted at the return of franchise staples, such as brutal combat, cooperative play, and the ever-looming threat of permadeath.
In an interview with Xbox Wire, the developers shed some light on their vision for State of Decay 3:
We’re excited to bring fans the most ambitious State of Decay game yet. With the power of Xbox Series X|S and PC, we can realize our vision of a truly immersive, persistent world where your choices have real consequences.
We’re also thrilled to be working with our partners at The Coalition to bring State of Decay 3 to life using Unreal Engine 5.
While no release date has been announced, the studio’s dedication to crafting the ultimate zombie survival experience has fans eagerly awaiting more news.
As we bid farewell to State of Decay 2 and look forward to the future of the franchise, one thing is certain: Undead Labs’ commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences in the world of zombie survival games remains as strong as ever.
What are your thoughts on the end of support for State of Decay 2? Are you excited about the possibilities that State of Decay 3 has to offer? Share your favorite memories and hopes for the future in the comments below!
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