State of Decay 2 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

State of Decay 2

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2018

48%

WISE Score

75%

IGDB

Zombie survival meets community management—gory, strategic, and better with a co-op partner who doesn't mind headshots.

State of Decay 2

game

2018

48%

WISE Score

75%

IGDB

Zombie survival meets community management—gory, strategic, and better with a co-op partner who doesn't mind headshots.

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Where to Play

PC/Steam

Xbox

Screenwise Verdict

State of Decay 2 is a solid zombie survival game that's more strategic than most—you're managing a community, not just shooting zombies. The base-building and resource management are genuinely engaging, and the co-op mode is great for parent-teen gaming sessions.

But let's be real: this is M-rated for a reason. The violence is graphic (headshots are the point), there's blood and gore, and the whole vibe is dark apocalypse. Some parents on Common Sense Media are saying their 10-year-olds play it, but that's a hard no from me—the content is legitimately intense.

For 15+ teens who can handle mature content? It's actually pretty good. The strategic elements teach real decision-making skills, the difficulty is adjustable, and there are no predatory monetization schemes. Just zombies, tough choices, and the eternal question: who forgot to bring back toilet paper on the supply run?

Age Fit

Despite some parent reviews claiming this works for 10-year-olds, the M rating is accurate—this is best for teens 15+ who can handle graphic violence, gore, and dark themes. The strategic depth and cooperative gameplay make it a solid choice for older teens and adults who enjoy survival sims.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Zombie apocalypse survival with strong language, intense violence, blood and gore, and drug references. While it emphasizes community-building and cooperation, the M-rated content and dark setting make it emotionally heavy for younger audiences. The co-op mechanics do promote teamwork.

Imaginative

Strong base-building and community management mechanics where players make meaningful choices that affect their world. The open-world exploration and resource management encourage strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. However, it's more simulation-focused than truly inventive in its zombie survival premise.

Safe

ESRB rated M 17+ for Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, and Strong Language. Contains severe violence (headshots, dismemberment), moderate profanity, and frightening zombie encounters. Users can interact online but no in-game purchases or loot boxes. The violence is graphic and the apocalyptic themes are dark.

Enriching

Teaches resource management, strategic planning, and community-building skills. Players must make tough decisions about survival priorities and manage limited resources. The cooperative gameplay can build teamwork skills. However, it's primarily entertainment-focused without deeper educational or ethical themes beyond basic survival.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Deep base-building and resource management that rewards strategic thinking and planning
Meaningful choices that actually affect your community and story—decisions have consequences
Excellent co-op mode for parent-teen bonding over zombie apocalypse survival
Teaches prioritization and tough decision-making under pressure (who gets the last med kit?)
Adjustable difficulty means you can dial down the intensity if needed

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What to Watch For

M-rated for good reason: graphic violence with headshots, dismemberment, and blood splatter
Strong language throughout—not constant, but it's there
Dark apocalyptic themes and scary zombie encounters that can be genuinely frightening
Some parent reviews say 10+ is fine, but that's frankly too young for the gore and intensity here
Online multiplayer means your kid might team up with strangers (though no built-in chat)

Conversation Starters

"If you had to build a community from scratch during an apocalypse, what skills would you want people to have?"
"The game makes you choose between helping strangers or protecting your own people—what would you do in real life?"
"How do you decide who gets limited resources when everyone needs them?"
"What makes a good leader when everything is falling apart?"

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