State of Decay 2 gets Xbox Series X/S optimisations and a new difficulty level

State of Decay 2 has been optimised for Xbox Series X/S consoles as part of a wider update to the open world zombie survival game.

On next-gen consoles, developer Undead Labs says the title offers “blazingly fast load times”, improved world and shadow detail, tighter controls, and a solid 60 frames per second at full 4K (Xbox Series X) or 1080p (Xbox Series S).

Undead Labs has also introduced a new Lethal Difficulty level featuring scarcer weapons and resources, tougher enemies, and a more lethal blood plague disease.

Lethal Difficulty comes with new achievements, worth a total of 100 additional Gamerscore.

The free Stay Frosty Pack introduces 15 new items to the game too, including 11 which can be earned by completing challenges and four guns that can be found by scavenging.

Microsoft revealed State of Decay 3 for Xbox Series X/S and PC in July. As with all Xbox Game Studios titles, it will be available via Game Pass at launch.

The platform holder announced at E3 2018 that it had acquired Seattle, Washington-based Undead Labs.