Killing Floor 3
Killing Floor 3 | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Tripwire Interactive |
Publisher(s) | Tripwire Interactive |
Director(s) | Bryan Wynia |
Designer(s) | Bill Munk |
Series | Killing Floor |
Engine | Unreal Engine 5[1] |
Platform(s) | |
Release | July 24, 2025 |
Genre(s) | Survival horror |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Killing Floor 3 is an upcoming survival horror video game developed and published by Tripwire Interactive. A successor to Killing Floor 2 (2016), the game is scheduled for release on July 24, 2025 for PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X/S.
Gameplay
Killing Floor 3 is a first-person survival horror.[2] In the game, which supports both solo play and four-player cooperative multiplayer, players must defeat waves of zombie-like bioengineered creatures known as "Zeds".[3] The number of enemies appearing in each match is adjusted to the size of the player's team.[4] The game features a hub space known as the Stronghold where players can choose their playable character and mission location before a match commences.[5] The game features six different specialists, with each having their own unique weapons and special attacks. For instance, the Ninja specialist wields a pair of swords, and uses a grappling hook that can pull them towards an enemy.[6] As players accumulate Zed kills, they can also trigger "Zed Time", which briefly slows down time and highlights all nearby enemies. In between rounds, players can stock up on ammo and other resources, as well as using the Multi-tool to activate devices such as sentry guns or ziplines. As players complete matches, they will be able to customize their weapon with new mods, and unlock new skills for their specialists.[7] During each match, players can also complete optional narrative assignments which expand the story and the world of Killing Floor.[8]
Development
Tripwire Interactive led the game's development. Creative director Bryan Wynia described Killing Floor 3 as the "direct sequel" to the first game, with the team aiming to recapture its "darker, grittier tone". Despite its sci-fi setting, the game was designed to be grounded, and that the game will not feature any outlandish weapons or gadgets.[9] Player movement was overhauled, with players now being able to perform feats such as climbing onto ledges, dodging, and sliding.[10] Wynia added that the team reduced the number of Zeds in each match and slow down the pace of combat when compared with previous games, all enemies, including the basic ones, are more dangerous as they are equipped with new skills and movement options. Due to the increased mobility of both the player character and the Zeds, maps were designed to be more vertical in nature.[11][12] The M.E.A.T. (massive evisceration and trauma) system, introduced in the previous game, returned in Killing Floor 3 to depict dynamic gore and detailed graphic violence.[13] According to Wynia, the body horror genre, such as The Thing, inspired the game's enemy design, while Aliens vs. Predators influenced its overall look and feel.[8]
Tripwire Interactive announced Killing Floor 3 at Gamescom in August 2023.[1] A closed multiplayer beta was released in January 2025. The game was originally set to be released on March 25 for PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X/S,[2] but was delayed for a general 2025 release window as the studio received negative player feedback following the closed beta period.[14] At launch, the game will have seven maps, three difficulty modes, and three boss encounters, as well as 30 upgradable levels for each specialist.[8] The game is now set to be released on July 24, 2025.[15]
References
- ^ a b Nunneley-Jackson, Stephany (August 22, 2023). "Killing Floor 3: The next generation of gore will come to PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S". VG247. Archived from the original on October 8, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ a b Yang, George (January 31, 2025). "Killing Floor 3 Launches In March, Closed Beta Coming In February". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Jane Roberts, Emma (February 3, 2025). "Killing Floor 3: Everything we know so far". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Stockdale, Henry (February 12, 2025). "Killing Floor 3 Hands-On Preview: Stylishly Brutal Zombie Shooter". IGN. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Gould-Wilson, Jasmine (February 12, 2025). "I had to break Killing Floor 3's first multiplayer beta in order to survive, but don't expect this strategy to work again". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on February 14, 2025. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Yang, George (January 31, 2025). "Killing Floor 3 Launches In March, Closed Beta Coming In February". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 10, 2025. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Pereira, Chris (February 12, 2025). "Killing Floor 3 Looks Like 2025's Killer Co-Op Game". GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 15, 2025. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c Crecente, Brian (February 2, 2025). "How The Thing, Aliens, and Predator helped shape Killing Floor 3". Epic Games Store. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Koselke, Anna (August 24, 2024). "Killing Floor 3 returns to its beloved "horror roots"". PCGamesN. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Denzer, TJ (February 12, 2025). "Killing Floor 3 devs on timing of the sequel, overhauled movement & the Armory". Shacknews. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Tucker, Jake (June 10, 2024). "Killing Floor 3 looks like essential co-op carnage and I can't wait to jump in with friends". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Towell, Justin (January 20, 2025). "Killing Floor 3 is bringing us gloriously gory co-op FPS action in 2025, and Tripwire says it's "at its best when you are just barely surviving"". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on February 11, 2025. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Wolens, Joshua (October 10, 2024). "Killing Floor 3's dynamic tech that makes zed heads 'flower' when you shoot them will haunt me for the rest of my days, but also I have to see more". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on December 3, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ^ Romano, Sal (March 7, 2025). "Killing Floor III delayed to later in 2025, due in part to widespread player dissatisfaction". Gematsu. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
- ^ Bergin, Lauren (May 10, 2025). "After troubled beta and delay, Killing Floor 3 finally has a new launch date". PCGamesN. Retrieved May 10, 2025.