Killing Floor 3 is back and bloodier than ever. Tripwire's long-awaited third installment in the horde shooter series is set to paint the year red with zombie guts. However, despite previously having a March release date locked in, the game has now been delayed. That may seem like disappointing news, but worry not, Killing Floor 3 is still one of our most anticipated new games of 2025.
While we don't know the game's new release date yet, we know that once it launches, we'll be tearing through Zeds with a host of killer new weapons, bespoke weapon mods, gadgets, bombs, traps, and more. So, if you're looking for all things Killing Floor 3 to get up to speed while we wait for the return of one of the best FPS games of all time, you've come to the right place.
First, the basics. The Killing Floor series has represented some of the best co-op and shooter games of the last decade, going on to influence some of the best zombie games like Left 4 Dead and spiritual successor Back 4 Blood. Tripwire is set to push new technological boundaries to create more carnage than ever, with its refined M.E.A.T system to really make those garish reds pop like a bullet to a Zed's head as we lay waste to the hordes either alone or in multiplayer mode.
From what I've seen and played of it so far, there's an absolutely disgusting amount of depth, gore, and more to look forward to in Killing Floor 3. So, ahead of its launch, let's break down its release window, gameplay, trailer, and more.
Killing Floor 3 release date speculation
Currently, the Killing Floor 3 release date has been delayed to simply some time in 2025. This news was announced by Tripwire on March 7, only a few weeks ahead of the game's previous release date, which was set for March 25, 2025.
Pre-order refunds are also being dished out, so don't expect this decision to be reversed. In a statement regarding the decision, Tripwire explained how feedback from their recent beta test showed the team that they "missed the mark" and that they needed more time to show a more "polished version" of their title.
Killing Floor 3 delayed to later this year. Various storefronts will start processing preorder refunds depending on the store and region. FAQ: https://t.co/goN615MXXb pic.twitter.com/jLLBL59jiMMarch 7, 2025
We still have no indication of how much time will be needed to perfect the game. However, we're keeping an eye out and will update you as soon as more news heads our way.
Killing Floor 3 platforms
Tripwire Interactive has confirmed that the Killing Floor 3 platforms will be PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X when the shooter launches in 2025. Killing Floor 3 will also have cross-play support, so don't worry. All your mates can play together on their platform of choice as well!
Killing Floor 3 trailer
Fans got a new Killing Floor 3 gameplay trailer during The Game Awards 2024, and let's just say that it doesn't disappoint in the carnage factor. The clip shows a player mowing down hordes of mutants with a flurry of bullets. There are explosions, knives going into undead heads, flying drones, and so much more.
We also get our first look at some of the new specimens on display, such as a massive monster with multiple limbs attached everywhere on its body. Of course, we also see the return of some iconic ZEDs in the teaser, such as some newly improved Crawlers, so don't worry; all of our favorites are still here for us to annihilate in one of the hottest upcoming horror games.
Killing Floor 3 gameplay
In Killing Floor 3, you will join the rebel group Nightfall and fight for humanity's survival. Set in the year 2091, the game's story revolves around the megacorp Horzine, which has produced a terrifying army of bioengineered monsters called ZEDs.
Supporting six-player co-op, it's up to you and your friends to blast your way through hordes of mangled specimens who threaten the fate of our species as a whole. From the gameplay teaser posted during Gamescom 2024 down below to the Killing Floor 3 preview we saw in 2023, we know that fans can look forward to the same tried and tested formula: survive, collect cash, unlock skills, improve your arsenal, and then dive into another round.
However, there are some notable changes to the typical Killing Floor gameplay here. Firstly customization is going to be a big thing in the upcoming game. There's a fully integrated mod system for all the arsenal weapons in-game, and you can truly make your ZED killing experience feel unique and personal. The new game will also have more dynamic enemies, have advancements in player movement, and feature the new addition of environmental traps.
This means you can dash, climb, and implement new strategies when trying to survive waves of ZEDs. The Gamescom gameplay trailer also revealed three new playable Nightfall specialists, each with their own unique set of skills and proficiencies and Horzine's newest abomination, The Impaler. Also, the Crawler ZEDs will be able to climb on ceilings and walls as well as the floor in Killing Floor 3, making these monstrosities even trickier - but oh-so-satisfying - to eliminate.
During an interview with the 12DOVE team, Bryan Wynia( studio creative director at Tripwire Interactive) spoke about how the team worked to balance horror fun with co-op. "The combination of horror and co-op creates something that players really enjoy. We often talk about Killing Floor being at its best when you are just barely surviving," he says. "It causes this sense of tension and excitement so you end up having fun if you have destroyed all the zeds or died a horrible death in the process. It’s similar to a haunted house or roller coaster with this really dramatic pacing."
We'll keep an eye out for any more news. In the meantime, you can check out our list of the best horror games of all time if you need something spooky to keep you going while we wait for the glorious return of all those Crawlers and Fleshpounds.
Can you pre-order Killing Floor 3?
Currently, you can't pre-order Killing Floor 3 on any platform, but you can wishlist it on Steam, the PlayStation Store, and the Microsoft Store.
Pre-orders were previously live when the game's release date was still March 25. However, these have been refunded, and we aren't sure when they will be live once again.
We'll be sure to keep you posted if any developments or announcements are made, so be sure to bookmark this page.
For more new titles check out our lists of all the upcoming PS5 games and all the upcoming Xbox Series X games heading our way.
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