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| World War Z crosses over with AMC’s The Walking Dead in a new story campaign DLC launching January 2026. |
By Maggie Scarr
For fans of The Walking Dead, this crossover feels like a long time coming. Saber Interactive has revealed that the next story campaign DLC for World War Z will bring the world of AMC’s long-running zombie series into the co-op shooter, launching in January 2026.
The World War Z x The Walking Dead DLC is coming to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, adding three new story chapters inspired by familiar locations and characters from the show. Rather than a limited-time event, this is a full campaign expansion designed to sit alongside the game’s existing episodes.
The announcement also marks a milestone moment for World War Z itself. Saber Interactive confirmed the game has now surpassed 30 million players worldwide, making this crossover feel like a celebration as much as a new chapter.
Stepping Back Into The Walking Dead’s World
This DLC pulls directly from some of the most recognizable settings in The Walking Dead. The three new story chapters take place in the Prison, the Alexandria Safe Zone, and Grady Memorial Hospital, locations that longtime fans will instantly recognize.
Playable characters include Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, Michonne, and Negan, with Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus returning to voice Rick and Daryl. Hearing those voices again goes a long way in making the crossover feel authentic rather than just a themed remix.
World War Z also adapts its enemies for this collaboration. The game’s fast-moving Zekes have been reworked into Walkers, shifting encounters toward slower, more deliberate threats that better match The Walking Dead’s tone.
A new enemy type called Spiked Walkers adds another wrinkle. These tougher Walkers cannot be taken down with melee attacks right away. You need to knock them prone with enough damage before finishing them off, which fits nicely with the idea that not every Walker goes down cleanly.
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Familiar Weapons and Character Details
The DLC also brings in weapons tied closely to specific characters. Michonne’s katana and Negan’s bat, Lucille, are both usable melee weapons, while Rick’s revolver and Daryl’s crossbow appear as new weapon skins.
For Walking Dead fans, these details matter. They are small touches, but they help sell the idea that you are stepping into that universe rather than just borrowing its name.
World War Z continues to support solo play with AI squadmates or four-player co-op, with full crossplay across PC and consoles. That flexibility works well for a story-driven DLC like this, especially for fans who may want to take their time soaking in the locations.
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A Different Kind of Outbreak
World War Z has always been about scale. Large crowds, constant pressure, and moments where things fall apart quickly if you lose focus. Bringing The Walking Dead into that setup feels more like a shift in pace than a clash of styles.
Walkers are slower, but they stick around. That changes how you read a space and how long you can afford to stay put. Prison corridors, hospital hallways, and other enclosed areas already carry weight if you know the show, and seeing those locations filled with enemies that move deliberately but refuse to go away should make every encounter feel heavier.
For fans of The Walking Dead, like myself, this crossover feels less like a mash-up and more like stepping into a familiar outbreak from a new angle. Same threat, different rules, and plenty of pressure once things start to pile up.
The World War Z x The Walking Dead story campaign DLC launches in January 2026 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.