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To play State of Decay 2 co-op, both players need to sign in with Xbox accounts and turn on Multiplayer in the game’s Settings. Exchange Xbox gamertags, then invite or join your friend. On PC, press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar and connect across supported platforms and storefronts. One player hosts; up to three others can join.
What you need before starting co-op
- An Xbox account signed in for each player, including players on PC.
- Multiplayer enabled in the game’s Settings.
- Your friends’ Xbox gamertags.
Official support instructions describe cross-play for Xbox-account holders regardless of platform or storefront. Microsoft lists Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC as supported platforms and identifies the feature as Xbox cross-platform co-op. The cited platform information does not list a PlayStation version.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
State of Decay 2 | $37.32 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
State of Decay 2 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $27.19 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
State of Decay- Year-One Survival Edition | $35.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
State of Decay 2 - Ultimate Edition - Xbox One (Renewed) | $55.63 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
State of Decay 2 | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
How to invite or join a friend
- Each player signs in to an Xbox account.
- In State of Decay 2, open Settings and make sure Multiplayer is turned on.
- Exchange Xbox gamertags so you can find the right player.
- On PC, press Windows + G to open Xbox Game Bar, then use it to invite or join your friend. The official FAQ gives this method for connecting across different stores and consoles.
- Have one player host the game and the others join that player’s session.
The session supports one host and up to three guests—four players total. Guests visit the host’s game, but can still access their own community’s Supply Locker while visiting. The official instructions do not establish that all players share campaign progression or that the host’s world stays available when the host is offline.
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How cross-play and hosting work
Cross-play is based on Xbox accounts, not on everyone owning the game through the same store. The host leads the session, and guests connect to that host’s game rather than entering a persistent shared world. Undead Labs describes multiplayer as peer-to-peer: session quality depends on the host’s internet connection, and a tether keeps guests from moving too far away from the host.
#1 Best Overall
- State of Decay 2 is the ultimate open world zombie survival game Four Player Co-Op Multiplayer Establish a base, develop your characters and manage resources to survive in a post-apocalyptic world
- Xbox One X Enhanced with higher resolutions, steadier framerates and better effects
- Every decision has lasting consequences In the end, how you survive just might surprise you
- Pre-order now to get the Amazon exclusive Survivor’s Pack Includes the Zed Swatter melee weapon, an exclusive vehicle and an assortment of survival supplies and abilities - Codes will be received within 7 days of release
Does Xbox co-op require a subscription?
For players on Xbox consoles, Microsoft lists online multiplayer as requiring Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium, or Ultimate; the subscription is sold separately. The cited listing does not establish a corresponding subscription requirement for PC players, so do not assume the console requirement applies to PC.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- State of Decay 2 Ultimate Edition includes early access to the full game, a code for the original State of Decay: Year One Survival Edition on console, and a code for two add-on content packs: Independence Pack and Daybreak Pack
- Build your community and invite up to three friends to explore an open world filled with hostile zombies Four Player Co-Op Multiplayer Establish a base, develop your characters and manage resources to survive in a post-apocalyptic world
- Model Compatibility: Xbox One;Xbox One X Enhanced with higher resolutions, steadier framerates and better effects
- Pre-order now to get the Amazon exclusive Survivor’s Pack Includes the Zed Swatter melee weapon, an exclusive vehicle and an assortment of survival supplies and abilities - Codes will be received within 7 days of release
Rank #3
- Unlocking Heroes: Lifeline Roster
- New weapons: Under-barrel attachments and Incendiary Ammo
- New Music
- Community Improvements
Rank #2
- State of Decay 2 is the ultimate open world zombie survival game Four Player Co-Op Multiplayer Establish a base, develop your characters and manage resources to survive in a post-apocalyptic world
- Xbox One X Enhanced with higher resolutions, steadier framerates and better effects
- Every decision has lasting consequences In the end, how you survive just might surprise you
- Pre-order now to get the Amazon exclusive Survivor’s Pack Includes the Zed Swatter melee weapon, an exclusive vehicle and an assortment of survival supplies and abilities - Codes will be received within 7 days of release
Fix common connection problems
- Check account and setting: Confirm that each player is signed in to an Xbox account and that Multiplayer is enabled in the game’s Settings.
- Check Xbox services: If invitations or joining fail, check Xbox service status.
- PC hosting issue: The official support FAQ advises updating Gaming Services through Microsoft Store and restarting the PC if a PC player cannot host.
- Still stuck: Undead Labs says the game received its final content update in October 2024 and that support ticket intake is closed. Its FAQ points players to community channels for further help.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
