The Killing Floor series has built a reputation for intense, cooperative first-person shooter action, and with Killing Floor 3, Tripwire Interactive is looking to raise the bar once again. Set in a future where bioengineered monstrosities called zeds threaten humanity, players step into the shoes of a Nightfall specialist fighting to save what’s left of the world. During our time with a PC build at Gamescom, we experienced firsthand what this next installment has to offer, including relentless waves of enemies, strategic co-op gameplay, and thrilling firefights that will keep you on your toes.
What we know
Killing Floor 3 takes place in the year 2091, where megacorporation Horzine has created an army of genetically engineered zeds, designed to follow orders without question. However, the rebel group Nightfall is all that stands between these terrifying creatures and the annihilation of humanity. As the third entry in the Killing Floor franchise, the game maintains its roots in fast-paced, cooperative gameplay, allowing up to five players to join forces in battling increasingly difficult waves of zeds. Players will collect dosh (in-game currency), unlock new abilities, and build their ultimate arsenal of weapons.
In terms of genre, Killing Floor 3 continues to embrace its blend of action and horror, with gruesome enemies and a tense, survival-driven atmosphere. The game will be launching on both PC and consoles, making it accessible to a wide audience. With its focus on teamwork, skill progression, and relentless action, Tripwire is aiming to release a must-play title for fans of cooperative shooters.
What we saw
At Gamescom, we had the chance to dive into an early build of Killing Floor 3 on PC. During our session, we fought through several waves of enemies, gaining a solid understanding of how the game evolves as players progress. The highlight of the demo came in the form of a challenging boss battle, where the mechanics we had learned were put to the test. This gave us a glimpse into how the game’s intensity ramps up, keeping things fresh as you move deeper into the chaos.
What we thought
Despite Killing Floor 3 being the third game in the series, newcomers (like us!) should have no trouble jumping in and having a blast. The game’s structure feels welcoming, and you quickly get the hang of the basics. The controls are tight and responsive, making the intense firefights both fun and rewarding. The variety of weapons and abilities keeps things engaging as you fight through increasingly difficult waves, giving you plenty of options to experiment with.
One of the standout aspects of our hands-on session was the round length. Each wave lasts long enough to deliver a satisfying challenge, but never drags on to the point of feeling tedious. It’s a well-balanced pace that ensures players remain engaged throughout. And speaking of balance, the difficulty curve is finely tuned, offering a real challenge without feeling unfair. Boss battles, in particular, are a highlight, demanding precise teamwork and strategy while keeping the pressure high.
Visually, Killing Floor 3 is an impressive step up from its predecessors, with detailed environments and gruesome zed designs that amplify the game’s horror atmosphere. The audio design also adds to the immersion, with eerie soundscapes and the frantic noise of combat helping to create a sense of dread as the waves of enemies close in. When they do, it’s very satisfying to grab a zipline and set up your defenses elsewhere as well – traversal being another strong point. For both veterans of the series and new players alike, Killing Floor 3 promises to deliver a thrilling and engaging co-op experience.
Press Play Media 