State of Decay 3: Closed Beta Playtest Announced for 2026

Undead Labs will host a closed beta playtest for State of Decay 3 later in 2026, the studio announced. The move serves as a prompt sign of life for the zombie survival sequel, showing that development remains active even as the studio's broader corporate circumstances shift.

The announcement comes just weeks after Undead Labs reportedly separated from Xbox. While a reported corporate transition can sometimes push a game's timeline into the fog, the Washington-based developer is keeping its head down, confirming that active development is well underway and pointing toward a concrete window to get players into the game.

The details

• Event: Closed beta playtest
• Window: Later in 2026
• Developer: Undead Labs (Washington-based)
• Project status: Active

What happens next

Corporate shuffles in the games industry are often followed by a sudden, heavy silence. Instead, Undead Labs is choosing a louder route by signaling that the studio's focus remains squarely on the game itself. By scheduling a closed playtest, the developer is aiming to transition from internal builds to player hands before the year is out.

Why it matters

Maintaining active development through a major reported organizational change is no small feat. For a fanbase waiting on the next entry in the survival franchise, a concrete testing window later in 2026 serves as reassurance that the path forward remains clear, even if the studio's relationship with its former parent company has reportedly changed.