After Years of Waiting, State of Decay 3 Alpha Tests Kick Off in May

After a long period of silence, State of Decay 3, the next installment in the popular zombie survival series from Undead Labs and Xbox Game Studios, is finally opening its doors to players. The developers have announced that alpha testing will begin in May 2026, giving fans an early opportunity to explore the game’s evolving world.

Alpha Sign-Ups Now Open

Players eager to participate in the limited early tests can now register online. This marks the first chance for the public to play the game, provide feedback, and help shape its development. Even those not selected for the first wave of testing will remain eligible for future rounds later in the year.

The alpha will focus on the franchise’s core systems, including:

• Four-player cooperative gameplay – team up with friends to survive against zombie hordes.
• Expanded base-building and resource management – add depth to the survival experience.
• Intense combat encounters – challenge players with large-scale battles against the undead.

Co-creator Brant Fitzgerald emphasized that the alpha is designed to involve the community early, helping to refine gameplay systems before the full release.

First announced in 2020 alongside the Xbox Series X/S, State of Decay 3 has been largely under wraps until now. A 2024 trailer teased gameplay elements, but this alpha represents the first substantial opportunity for fans to engage with the game.

The sequel to State of Decay and State of Decay 2 will be released for Xbox Series X/S and PC, and it is expected to launch on Xbox Game Pass, although no official release date has been shared. The alpha is a key step for the development team, offering both technical feedback and renewed excitement among fans of the franchise. Remember to keep track of the best deals to pre-order State of Decay 3 with our comparator.