Xbox Game Studios and Undead Labs’ upcoming survival horror game, State of Decay 3, have received over 1 hour of alpha gameplay footage.
Content creator Brian Menard has shared more than an hour of gameplay footage from an early alpha build of State of Decay 3, offering a detailed look at the game’s evolving mechanics, world design, combat systems, and plague-infested threats while also highlighting how much it is expanding upon the foundation laid by the prior entry.
Given that the build shown is still in a very early alpha state, Menard clarified that viewers should expect bugs, unfinished visuals, animation issues, and placeholder elements. The gameplay begins with resource gathering and base management, two pillars of the State of Decay experience. Players are required to venture into dangerous towns to search for food, water, crafting materials, and vehicle supplies while balancing the needs of their community. Parts, duct tape, and other materials can be used both for crafting and repairing vehicles.
In terms of combat, Zombies appear considerably more dangerous and resilient than in previous games. Screamers now summon large groups of runners when alerted, creating intense encounters that can quickly spiral out of control. Bloaters have been redesigned as more complex threats, requiring precise timing to eliminate efficiently, while ferals and juggernauts remain fearsome enemies. Menard noted that headshots with smaller caliber weapons no longer guarantee instant kills unless players invest in specific skills.
As for the the game’s new infestation and plague nest systems, rather than simply destroying plague hearts directly, players must first eliminate connected nodes that protect them. These nodes are spread throughout infected locations and linked together through visible tendrils. Only after clearing the surrounding network can players expose and destroy the heart itself. The chemical factory nest seen in the footage featured multiple hearts, numerous plague zombies, environmental hazards, and a roaming juggernaut. The video also showed several environmental interactions. Explosive barrels, plague gas effects, and fire-based traps can all be used strategically during encounters.
Regarding exploration, Menard highlighted that loot is no longer presented through simple, predetermined containers. Instead, players must physically search environments and investigate buildings more thoroughly. Potential base locations are also scattered throughout the map, with some requiring players to clear heavily infested areas before they can be claimed.
State of Decay is set for release in 2027 across Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
