Undead Labs has revealed that the survival horror sequel State of Decay 2 will launch with three maps, each around the same size as the map from the original game.
In a blog post, community director Sanya Weathers explained that each map will feature different landmarks, layouts, and environments. These will play into varying strategies and mission types that compliment the area.
"It really feels like you’re moving from one small town to another," Weathers says, "and creates a tremendous sense of immersion. And perhaps counter-intuitively, it makes the world feel even bigger. You know how on one map (even one three times the size as the original game’s) the longer you play, the more you start feeling deju vu with every mission? That’s less of an issue with separate maps."
This news plays into our interview with Undead Labs CEO, Jeff Strain where he stated that "For now, suffice it to say that the playable area is substantially larger than State of Decay." when asked about the scope of the sequel.
The reason behind this design is to promote the feeling of moving between small towns and increasing the sense of immersion. They also hope to limit repetition with this model and to make the potential for expansion an easier endeavor.
State of Decay 2 is yet to receive a firm release date but is slated to release on Xbox One and Windows 10 as an Xbox Play anywhere title at some point in 2017.
State of Decay 2 will have 3 maps, each the size of the first game