Dead Island 3 Officially in Development — Release Planned for Early 2028

The long-awaited threequel promises a new setting and an even more brutal combat system

Dambuster Studios and Deep Silver have officially confirmed that Dead Island 3 is currently in development, with a planned release window set for early 2028. This announcement comes as welcome news for fans of the zombie survival franchise, who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment following the mixed reception of Dead Island 2’s prolonged development cycle.

A New Location Awaits

While official details remain limited, industry sources suggest that Dead Island 3 will transport players to a fresh locale, with Florida emerging as the most likely candidate for the game’s setting. This would mark a departure from the tropical islands and Los Angeles settings of previous entries, potentially offering swamplands, coastal regions, and urban environments unique to the Sunshine State.

The Florida setting could provide diverse environments ranging from Miami’s neon-lit streets to the Everglades’ murky waterways, creating opportunities for varied gameplay scenarios and atmospheric horror moments. However, it’s important to note that Deep Silver has not officially confirmed the specific location, and players should await formal announcements for concrete details.

Enhanced F.L.E.S.H System

One of the most exciting revelations is that the franchise’s signature F.L.E.S.H (Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids) combat system will receive significant upgrades. The developers promise an even more visceral and spectacular gore system that builds upon the foundations established in Dead Island 2.

The F.L.E.S.H system, which allows for detailed dismemberment and realistic damage modeling, has been a defining feature of the series. The enhanced version for Dead Island 3 is expected to push boundaries further, offering players more creative and brutal ways to dispatch the undead hordes.

What We Know So Far

Based on the current information:

• Release Window: Early 2028 (approximately 4 years from now)
• Developer: Dambuster Studios (known for Dead Island 2)
• Setting: New location, potentially Florida
• Combat System: Enhanced F.L.E.S.H system with improved gore mechanics
• Platform: Likely current and next-generation consoles, PC

Looking Ahead

With development still in relatively early stages and a 2028 release target, players can expect more concrete details to emerge over the coming years. The development team will likely showcase gameplay footage and provide deeper insights into the story, characters, and mechanics as production progresses.

The Dead Island franchise has cultivated a dedicated fanbase despite its tumultuous development history. Dead Island 3 represents an opportunity for Dambuster Studios to refine the formula and deliver a definitive zombie survival experience that builds on lessons learned from previous entries.

This article will be updated as more official information becomes available from Deep Silver and Dambuster Studios.

Disclaimer: Some details regarding the specific setting and enhanced features are based on industry reports and have not been fully confirmed by the developers. Players should refer to official announcements from Deep Silver and Dambuster Studios for verified information.