The Escapists 3 Beginner Guide: What We Know So Far

What Is The Escapists 3?

The Escapists 3 is an upcoming indie prison-escape simulation and strategy game developed and published by Team17. It's listed on Steam under app ID 3602260 with a release date of to be announced, so if you're reading this ahead of launch, treat this guide as a prep sheet rather than a walkthrough.

The headline change from a newcomer's perspective: the game moves into a full 3D sandbox, where you'll craft, sneak, and fight your way toward freedom. Beyond Steam on Windows, an Xbox wishlist page exists — Mac and Linux versions are not confirmed, and there's no information yet about a Nintendo Switch release.

Confirmed Features at a Glance

Team17's announcement highlights give us a solid picture of the core experience. Here's what's confirmed so far:

Because the game hasn't launched, details like crafting recipes, the full skill list, item codes, prison names, and system requirements are not found or listed as TBD. We'll update this guide as Team17 reveals more on the official The Escapists website.

How a Beginner Should Prepare Before Launch

Even without a release date, you can set yourself up to hit the ground running:

1. Wishlist the game on Steam. This keeps you notified of release timing, demos, and pre-launch news. You can find it on the game's Steam page.
2. Check your PC specs early. System requirements are not yet published, but a 3D sandbox game will have different demands than older 2D entries. Make sure your drivers and hardware are in reasonable shape.
3. Brush up on prison-escape fundamentals. The confirmed loop — roll call, jobs, guards, crafting, sneaking — means the classic rhythm applies: keep your routine believable while planning your breakout.
4. Decide how you want to play. With solo and multiplayer options confirmed (more below), it's worth thinking about whether you'll escape alone or with a crew.

Multiplayer: What's Confirmed

One of the biggest reasons to get a head start on learning the game is its unusually rich multiplayer offering for a prison sim. Here's the confirmed breakdown:

For beginners, that means you can learn the ropes solo, then team up with up to three friends online for coordinated escapes — or face off against them in PvP. Local split-screen support for two players and Remote Play Together also make it easy to play with someone on a different setup.

XP Skills, Crafting, and the 3D Sandbox

The confirmed progression system uses XP skills — you'll develop abilities as you play, though the full list of skills is TBD. What we can infer from the confirmed pillars:

• Crafting: With 120+ items and weapons, crafting will be central. Specific recipes are not found yet, so don't trust any recipe lists circulating before launch.
• Sneaking: A 3D environment changes stealth considerably — line of sight, guard patrols, and verticality will matter in ways the series hasn't done before.
• Fighting: Combat in 3D is confirmed, and with 120+ weapons in the mix, expect scuffles to be a real part of prison life.

Jobs and roll call round out the routine. As a beginner, the safest assumption is that attending roll call and holding down a job will keep suspicion low while you plan — a staple of the series' design that Team17 has confirmed returns in spirit here.

Where to Follow Official News

Since the release date is TBA and details like recipes, codes, prison names, and system requirements remain unavailable, your best sources are the Steam store page and Team17's official channels. Avoid fan-made guides claiming to have launch-day recipes or escape routes before the game is even out — anything not confirmed by Team17 is speculation at best.

FAQ

When does The Escapists 3 release?

The release date is to be announced. Team17 has not provided a launch window. Wishlist the game on Steam or Xbox to be notified the moment a date drops.

How much will The Escapists 3 cost?

Pricing information is not found. There's also no confirmation of a demo or Early Access period. Check the official Steam page for the latest details.

Is there multiplayer in The Escapists 3?

Yes — confirmed modes include online co-op for up to 4 players, online PvP, split-screen PvP, local split-screen co-op for 2 players, and Remote Play Together support. Single-player is also fully supported.

Which platforms is The Escapists 3 coming to?

Windows via Steam is confirmed. An Xbox store page exists where you can wishlist the game. Mac, Linux, and Nintendo Switch versions are not confirmed at this time.