State of Decay 3 is still announced for 2027, and Xbox says it will be included with Game Pass. What changed is the studio: Undead Labs says it has completed its separation from Xbox and is now independent and employee-owned. The studio says it will continue working with Microsoft, but the public announcements do not spell out the full business or publishing arrangements.
Is State of Decay 3 still coming to Game Pass?
Yes. Xbox’s June 2026 gameplay reveal and its August 2026 playtest announcement both say State of Decay 3 will be included with Game Pass. An Xbox podcast page quotes Undead Labs Studio Head Philip Holt calling it “Game Pass Day One.” That is the clearest public description of the plan, though it is not a confirmed release-day date or a detailed statement of subscription terms.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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State of Decay 2 - Ultimate Edition - Xbox One | $100.16 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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State of Decay- Year-One Survival Edition | $35.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Desperados 3 - Xbox One | $15.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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No More Heroes 3 – Day 1 Edition - Xbox Series X | $21.79 | Buy on Amazon |
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Undead Labs’ September 2026 announcement also lists Game Pass among the planned release destinations. Its separation from Xbox therefore has not, in the announcements available, changed the stated Game Pass plan.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What changed when Undead Labs left Xbox?
Undead Labs announced in September 2026 that it completed its separation from Xbox and became an independent, employee-owned studio. The studio also described an ongoing relationship with Microsoft and said State of Decay 3 remained targeted for 2027.
#1 Best Overall
- State of Decay 2 Ultimate Edition includes early access to the full game, a code for the original State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition on console, and a code for two add-on content packs: Independence Pack and Daybreak Pack
- Build your community and invite up to three friends to explore an open world filled with hostile zombies Four Player Co-Op Multiplayer Establish a base, develop your characters and manage resources to survive in a post-apocalyptic world
- Model Compatibility: Xbox One;Xbox One X Enhanced with higher resolutions, steadier framerates and better effects
- Pre-order now to get the Amazon exclusive Survivor’s Pack Includes the Zed Swatter melee weapon, an exclusive vehicle and an assortment of survival supplies and abilities - Codes will be received within 7 days of release
Studio ownership and a game’s announced distribution are separate questions. The public statements establish the studio’s new ownership status and the game’s planned availability; they do not explain the full publishing, funding, or contractual arrangements between Undead Labs and Microsoft. It would be premature to infer those terms from the separation announcement alone.
When is State of Decay 3 coming out?
The current announced target is 2027. Undead Labs and Xbox have named the year, but have not announced a specific day or month in the cited updates. Treat 2027 as a target, not a fixed launch date.
Rank #2
- Unlocking Heroes: Lifeline Roster
- New weapons: Under-barrel attachments and Incendiary Ammo
- New Music
- Community Improvements
The latest milestones show the public plan developing in stages:
- June 9, 2024: Xbox published an interview about the trailer and development. At that time, it discussed co-op and permadeath and described support from The Coalition, Blind Squirrel Entertainment, and Wushu Studios. That is a historical account, not confirmation of the current partner roster.
- June 7, 2026: Xbox revealed gameplay, described the game’s survival and settlement systems, and said it was coming in 2027 with Game Pass inclusion.
- August 26, 2026: Xbox announced plans for closed beta playtests before the end of 2026 and repeated the 2027 and Game Pass statements.
- September 2026: Undead Labs announced its move to independent, employee-owned status and reaffirmed the 2027 target.
Which platforms are planned?
Undead Labs lists Xbox, Game Pass, PC, and PlayStation. Xbox’s playtest announcement names Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5; its gameplay reveal also identifies Xbox on PC and cloud availability. These are announced plans, not a guarantee that every platform’s launch timing or service terms will be identical.
Rank #3
- Command up to five desperados and use their lethal skills to stealthily thin out the enemy rows
- Approach each mission with a variety of different solutions and paths
- Resolve seemingly impossible large enemy setups with careful planning and perfectly timed execution of the team's special skills
- Witness the glory of classic Wild West scenarios like frontier towns, desert canyons, Mississippi swamps, sprawling modern cities and many more by day and night
- Defeat your foes choosing between deadly and non-lethal options, stealth and blazing guns and further adjust the game to your playstyle
What kind of game has Xbox shown?
Xbox’s June 2026 reveal describes an open-world survival game centered on exploration, multiplayer, settlement building, crafting, and fighting zombies. Players are expected to decide where to settle, what to build, and whom to recruit; permadeath makes risk part of those choices. These are the public feature descriptions, while implementation details can still change before release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are State of Decay 3 playtests available?
Xbox said closed beta playtests were planned before the end of 2026 and invited players to register for future tests. Registration expresses interest; it does not guarantee an invitation or access. Xbox said the tests would help gather feedback and stress-test the larger map and untethered multiplayer.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Day 1 Edition contains a 5.3” x 7.3” softcover 70-page art book, a CD featuring select songs from the soundtrack, and a 7” x 4” Santa Destroy commemorative biker license plate, all in a custom box with an original illustration
- Grow Your Galactic Legend - In classic No More Heroes style, the Galactic Superhero Rankings are packed with outrageous boss battles, each oozing with personality; Soar through the ranks and prove you're the baddest in the universe
- Old Dog, New Tricks - From beam katana boss to wrestling pro, Travis can do it all; Take violence to new extremes with the customizable Death Glove, and punish those deadly invaders with combat that suits your style
- Superheroic Side Hustles - Explore Santa Destroy on Travis’ Demzamtiger to pick up odd jobs, from Coast Guard missions to toilet cleaning, then hit the road to unique locales like Neo Brazil and Thunderdome to keep the cash rolling in
- Bolder, Badder, and Better Than Ever - Thanks to sharper visuals, No More Heroes 3 has never looked better; Add in improved load times and better responsiveness, and you’ll be dishing out eye-popping ultra-violence in no time
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