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State of Decay 3 may finally be on track for an early 2026 release, according to a well-respected journalist. As one of the most highly anticipated first-party Xbox titles, the game has been in development for quite some time, with little official information released to the public. However, recent reports suggest that the long wait could be coming to an end.
A Long Road to Development
State of Decay 3 is set to be the third installment in the beloved survival franchise, which first launched in 2013. The game was originally announced in 2020, but development has faced numerous hurdles, including delays, internal changes, and a switch to Unreal Engine. After four years of radio silence, fans finally received a new trailer last year, reigniting excitement for the title. Despite this, an official release window has yet to be confirmed.
Now, Windows Central reporter Jez Corden has provided a potential update during the Xbox Two podcast, suggesting that State of Decay 3 is targeting an early 2026 launch. According to Corden, Microsoft initially planned for a 2025 release but has since pushed the title back once again. His prediction aligns with speculation that the game’s reappearance in the 2024 Xbox Showcase was an indication that a launch isn’t too far off.
State of Decay 3 Could Arrive in Early 2026
While this information has yet to be officially confirmed, Corden has a solid track record when it comes to Xbox-related leaks and insights. In fact, he previously reported that Microsoft had internally delayed State of Decay 3 to 2026, making this latest update consistent with his earlier claims.
Currently, the game is being developed with the support of multiple Xbox studios. In addition to Undead Labs, reports from 2024 indicate that both The Coalition and Obsidian Entertainment have been assisting in key areas such as combat mechanics, enemy behavior, and animation improvements. However, the extent of their involvement remains unclear. Obsidian is fresh off the release of Avowed and is also working on The Outer Worlds 2, while The Coalition is busy developing Gears of War: E-Day.
With the added expertise of these studios, fans are hopeful that State of Decay 3 will deliver a refined and engaging open-world zombie survival experience. Whether Undead Labs can meet the rumored early 2026 release window remains to be seen, but for now, this update offers a glimmer of hope for those eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the State of Decay series.
