State of Decay 2 breaks out the red, white and blue with patriotic Independence Pack

State of Decay 2
State of Decay 2 (Image credit: Microsoft)

For those of us in the U.S., the fourth of July holiday is drawing near, complete with all of its normal trappings of barbeque, fireworks, and flags flying high. But if you're planning to spend the holiday in State of Decay 2, you'll get to bring some festive flair to the zombie apocalypse as well.

Available now for $4.99 or as part of the Ultimate Edition, State of Decay 2's Independence Pack adds a slew of colorful goodies to the game world in celebration of both Independence Day and crossing more than three million players since launch. Included are new versions of vehicles with plenty of holiday livery, single-use fireworks and the ability to craft them, and a supply drop that packs three new "patriotic melee weapons." You'll even get a chance to take out zeds dressed up in Revolutionary War garb while you're out and about.

Here's a look at what's new from Microsoft:

  • Take the Pyrohawk, Burninator or Meatwagon out for a spin. With names like these, you know driving will be more entertaining.
  • Step up to your station at the BBQ with The Freedom Ringer, Grillmeister and BBQ Fork – new hand-held zed-slaying solutions.
  • Subtlety not your thing? Well we have the Pyro Launcher and Starshank Launcher so you can blast zombies with fiery explosives.
  • Just like loud noises with pretty colors? You're in luck! The Block Rocker, Reign o' Fire, Bouncing Boris and XL Firework Shell offer even more options to turn a mission into a celebration.

The Independence Pack arrives alongside a new update for all players, which introduces 20 free new missions, new weapons, and a Rare Books trader. As for upcoming content, Microsoft is teasing the Daybreak Pack, due out in September, which will add a new mode in which you play as a Red Talon soldier seeking to fight off waves of zombies and defend your position.

State of Decay 2 is available now, either as part of Microsoft's $9.99 per month Xbox Game Pass service, or on its own for $29.99. And since it's an Xbox Play Anywhere title, purchasing the game nets you both the Xbox One and Windows 10 versions.

If you already bought in to the Ultimate Edition, you'll get the Independence Pack as part of your purchase. Those who bought the standard edition can pick up the pack for $4.99. Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can save 10 percent on the pack's normal price.

See at Microsoft Store

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl