Highlights
- State of Decay 3 may introduce a new, more challenging type of plague for players to contend with in the game.
- The trailer hints at disturbing sights, like a bridge covered in fleshy material, indicating a more grotesque environment.
- Expanding the effects of the Plague Hearts could enhance the horror aspect of the game, making progress more satisfying.
The trailer for State of Decay 3 offered a few hints that the plague may have developed some new effects between games. The Plague Hearts and the rot that they spread was one of the overarching threats in State of Decay 2, so the plague's return in its sequel would be unsurprising. However, State of Decay 3 may see players dealing with a new kind of plague. The effects could range from a few cosmetic changes to some serious new dangers. State of Decay 3's plague could end up giving players their greatest obstacle in the series' history.
A big part of surviving in State of Decay 2 revolved around managing the Blood Plague. Large areas of the map were controlled by Plague Hearts, not only preventing the player from claiming any bases or outposts in the territory but also covering the area in an eerie red mist. In these areas, plague zombies would roam, infecting any survivors who take damage from them. Any infected characters would need to get to an infirmary and rest before becoming fully infected. Otherwise, the player would need to either use a plague cure or lose the character. Blood Plague was a significant factor in the game's tension.
State of Decay 3: Keep The Memory Alive Explained
State of Decay 3's trailer told a story that shone a spotlight on its survivors, and one line in particular carries a strong echo.
State of Decay 3's Plague Could Change the Environment
State of Decay 3's Trailer Shows Some Terrifying Sights
One particularly eye-catching part of State of Decay 3's trailer takes place near the end. After one of the survivors falls to the zombie horde, the remaining trio make their escape in their reinforced car, and their drive takes them to a bridge. While the areas seen previously in the trailer already looked quite disturbing, the bridge was a fearsome sight. While being swarmed with zombies, the bridge is covered in strange-looking fleshy material, making it look quite grotesque. It gives off the impression that the bridge itself could have been infected despite being an inanimate object, raising several questions.
Plague Territory Could Get Tougher in State of Decay 3
Expanding the range of what the Plague Hearts can do would be an upgrade for State of Decay 3's zombies. The sort of plague-like design seen on the bridge could simply be a cosmetic effect to make plague territory more visceral. However, it could also make plague territory more challenging to traverse. For instance, some roads could have grown obstructions that would force players to find new routes. Some buildings could have plague growths that make certain doors or even whole buildings inaccessible. Adding more effects like this to plague territory would make the need to fight Plague Hearts an even higher priority.
A car shown to be rooted by plague-like growths in the trailer raises the chances for State of Decay 3 's plague to make areas inaccessible.
State of Decay 3's Plague Can Enhance the Experience
Expanding the Plague Heart's effects, whether gameplay-wise or simply cosmetic, would also have the side effect of adding to State of Decay 3's horror aspect. While the red mist of State of Decay 2's plague territory was eerie, State of Decay 3 can take that sense of unease to a new level. Seeing how greatly the presence of a Plague Heart twists the world around it would show how horrifying they really are. At the same time, defeating the Plague Hearts and healing the territory around them would be even more satisfying with that visual reminder of the player's progress.
State of Decay 3's plague is already looking scarier than ever with what little has been shown off. After such a fearsome glimpse of the world, hopefully State of Decay 3's next trailer will show off more of the plague and its effects on the world. Plague zombies and the inhospitable plague territory were threats in the past, but the world of State of Decay could be on the verge of becoming even more dangerous. If State of Decay 3's plague territory is as dangerous as it looks, players should be prepared.
State of Decay 3
State of Decay 3 is an upcoming game from Xbox Game Studios that was unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020. The game will be released day one on Game Pass.
Little has been revealed about the game since its announcement, with no gameplay details or release date available at the time of writing.
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Developer(s)
- Undead Labs
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
