State of Decay 2 release date, gameplay & trailer

If the idea of a The Walking Dead video game sounds good then check out State of Decay 2.

Following the launch of the original game back in 2013, State of Decay 2 is officially on the way. Initially announced at E3 2016, here's everything we know about State of Decay 2 including release date, platforms, gameplay and watch the official trailer above. Interested in other games coming out this year? Take a look at our list of the most anticipated games of 2017.

"The next instalment in the critically acclaimed “State of Decay” franchise immerses you in an all-new, multiplayer zombie survival fantasy. Build a lasting community, working with other players or solo to overcome challenges while exploring your own unique story in a world that remembers the choices you make," said Undead Labs which is partnering with Microsoft Studios on the new game.

State of Decay 2

State of Decay 2 release date

It's early days for the new zombie game so all we know so far is that the State of Decay 2 release date is 2017, although we expect to find out a specific release date at E3 2017. When a more specific date is announced we'll update this article to let you know.

State of Decay 2

State of Decay 2 gameplay and features

You can watch the State of Decay 2 cinematic trailer at the top of the page to get a feel for the game but here are some more details on the gameplay and features. At the moment it looks sort of like a video game version of The Walking Dead.

In State of Decay 2 there is no single protagonist. Instead, you play as an entire community. The developer says that each survivor in the game is their own person with a mix of 'background traits, skills, and attitudes that determine what they can do, what they want, and what they are willing to do to get it'.

State of Decay 2

With this in mind, no two stories are alike in State of Decay 2 as the community and the collective choices will shape how the game plays. It's an open world game 'filled with dynamic zombie and human enemies, friendly survivors to recruit into your community, and valuable resources and gear necessary to keep your people alive'.

You can play State of Decay 2 solo but for the first time you can play four-play co-op multiplayer with your friends. You can invite them into your game or drop into theirs. Each player remains in charge of their own community of characters.

"Work together as you explore the deadly post-apocalyptic environment, watching each other’s backs and sharing the rewards of your accomplishments," says Undead Labs.

What's interesting is that it's not a server hosted MMO (massively multiplayer online) game, but it used to be. Undead Labs founder Jeff Strain told IGN that it wanted to give fans "exactly what they want," which is co-op multiplayer.

"This is not a session-based experience. It's drop-in/drop-out. They key thing that I want everybody to know is, it doesn't require you to be online. We've designed it very much with the intention of it being the easiest, most convenient type of multiplayer you can imagine," said Strain.