State of Decay 3 is rumored to be launching in early 2026, according to journalist Jez Corden. The highly anticipated Xbox-exclusive title has been in development for several years, but official updates have been scarce. Originally announced in 2020, the game has faced multiple delays and development challenges, including a switch to Unreal Engine. After four years of silence, a new trailer was revealed in 2023, sparking hope among fans, but no official release date has been provided.
Corden recently stated during the Xbox Two podcast that Microsoft initially planned for a 2025 release but has since pushed it back. He believes that the game will now likely launch in early 2026. While this information is not officially confirmed, Corden has a history of providing reliable industry insights. Given that Microsoft showcased a new trailer in 2024, it seems logical that the company is gearing up for a release in the near future.
State of Decay 3 is being developed primarily by Undead Labs, with additional support from The Coalition and Obsidian Entertainment. Reports suggest that these studios have contributed to improving combat mechanics, enemy AI, and animations. However, both The Coalition and Obsidian are busy with other major projects, including Gears of War: E-Day and The Outer Worlds 2. Whether Undead Labs will be able to meet a 2026 release window remains to be seen, but fans remain hopeful for more updates in the near future.