The Escapists series was one that I was late getting to. The original game launched in 2015 and it wasn’t on my radar until 2017, and boy was I glad to find it. After all, who wouldn’t want to simulate life in a prison and try to break out? The series became popular enough to produce a sequel and some spin-offs and today Team17 has revealed The Escapists 3.
Announced during the Triple-I Showcase, we got a first look at how Team17 is expanding the series. Naturally The Escapist 3 is going 3D for the first time, having stuck with a 2D design for the previous games.
The core of The Escapists 3 remains true to the series however. Players will live the life of an inmate who is locked up and have to go through the prison’s strict routine. You eat, sleep and…..you know, when the guards tell you. During your leisure time you will have to make friends with fellow inmates, find items to help you craft tools and other things to help you survive, and eventually escape.
“The Escapists, as a series, has aptly been both a breakout and runaway success for team17. As such, I’m delighted that we’re offering players the chance to become institutionalised once more, but this time in fully realised, 3D correctional facilities. It’s a fresh perspective on a fan favourite, and today’s announcement is just a sneak peek of what’s to come.” says Harley Homewood, General Manager, team17.
With 120 new weapons to steal and craft, there will be no shortage of options to help you do all of that. It truly is a fun concept, and one that will be even better in 3D.
New RPG Elements & Co-op
In addition to the core loop that makes The Escapists great, Team17 is introducing some RPG elements to The Escapists 3. Players will earn XP which will help them level up and earn new skills to help them in prison. These skills will help players build specific player types as they hone in on what kind of prisoner they want to be.
Additionally, The Escapists 3 will feature 2 player split-screen co-op as well as up to 4 players online. The Escapists 2 had some multiplayer elements but this is taking things to a new level. Plan with your co-op partners your escape and see if you can all make it at once.
The Escapists 3 is scheduled to release sometime in 2027 for PC and consoles.
The Escapists 3 Key Features:
- Escape Your Way: Every prison is a system waiting to be understood, exploited and very badly outsmarted.
- Turn Rubbish into Freedom: Search cells, trade with inmates and complete jobs to get your hands on supplies.
- Five Prisons: Break out of five distinctive prisons, each with its own routines, characters, and secrets.
- Make Your Inmate Your Own: Earn XP as you play, unlock new skills and tailor your inmate to your style of escape.
- Better with Accomplices: Try and escape solo or team up with friends. Play with two players in local split-screen, or take your escape online with up to four.
