The Escapists 3 Review: Early Look at Team17's Sequel

Our hands-on style preview of The Escapists 3: 5 prisons, 120+ items, XP skills, up to 4-player co-op and PvP. Release date TBA, full verdict to come at launch.

The Escapists 3 Review: An Early Look at Team17's Prison Break Sequel

The Escapists 3 by Team17 is one of the most anticipated indie simulation releases on the horizon, and with its official Steam page now live, fans of the prison-escape sandbox genre finally have confirmed details to chew on. Because the game is still listed as "Coming Soon" with a release date to be announced, this article is a pre-release review-in-progress rather than a final scored verdict. Below, we break down everything that has been officially confirmed, what remains unknown, and what you should realistically expect when the gates open.

A quick honesty note before we dig in: anything involving the earlier entries in the series will not be treated as fact for this game. Only details confirmed by Team17 for The Escapists 3 specifically appear here.

What Is Confirmed So Far

Team17 is both the developer and publisher, and the game is coming to Windows PC via Steam. According to the official announcement, The Escapists 3 is a 3D sandbox escape sim built around crafting, sneaking, and fighting your way out of prison. The confirmed headline features include:

  • 5 prisons to escape from
  • 120+ items and weapons to find, hoard, and craft
  • XP-based skills that let you develop your inmate over time
  • Classic prison routines: roll call, jobs, and patrolling guards
  • A full 3D sandbox approach to planning and executing escapes

The Steam page also lists the game under the Indie, Simulation, and Strategy genres, which fits the series' blend of systemic planning and sandbox experimentation.

Multiplayer: The Biggest New Addition

If there is one area where The Escapists 3 appears to be expanding dramatically, it is multiplayer. The confirmed feature list is unusually generous for this genre:

FeatureConfirmed?Details
Single-player campaignYesCore escape sandbox experience
Online co-opYesUp to 4 players
Online PvPYesPlayer-versus-player supported
Split-screen PvPYesLocal competitive play
Local split-screen co-opYes2 players
Remote Play TogetherYesStream local play to friends online
Controller supportYesFull controller integration
Family SharingYesSupported on Steam

Escape plans that once had to be solo operations can now be coordinated with up to three accomplices online, or tackled couch-side with a friend in split-screen. PvP support also opens the door to competitive chaos, though exactly how PvP modes are structured has not been detailed yet.

Platforms: PC Confirmed, Consoles in Flux

Right now, the platform picture looks like this:

PlatformStatus
Windows (Steam)Confirmed
MacNot confirmed
LinuxNot confirmed
XboxWishlist page live (via Microsoft Store)
Nintendo SwitchNot confirmed
PlayStationNot confirmed

Xbox players can already add the game to their wishlist on the Microsoft Store, which strongly suggests a console release is planned, but no dates or details have been announced. Mac and Linux users should not assume support is coming — it is simply not confirmed at this stage.

Release Date, Price, and Demo Status

Here is the part every reader wants to know, answered as plainly as possible:

  • Release date: To be announced. The game is listed as "Coming Soon" on Steam. No date has been given, and we will not speculate.
  • Price: Not found. No pricing information has been published.
  • Early Access: Not found. There is no indication the game will launch in Early Access.
  • Demo: Not found. No demo has been announced.

Because so much is still under wraps, treat any specific date or price you see elsewhere with skepticism until Team17 confirms it.

What We Still Don't Know

A pre-release review has to be honest about its gaps. The following details are currently not found or TBD:

UnknownStatus
Crafting recipesNot found / TBD
Full skill listNot found / TBD
Prison namesNot found / TBD
System requirementsNot found / TBD
Any codes or unlockablesNot found / TBD

We will not pad this review with invented recipes, fabricated prison rosters, or made-up walkthrough steps. When official materials drop, this article will be updated with concrete, verified content.

Early Verdict and What to Watch For

Based strictly on confirmed information, The Escapists 3 is shaping up to be a substantial evolution for the series: a full 3D sandbox, a generous multiplayer suite including four-player online co-op, split-screen play, and Remote Play Together, plus the largest confirmed item pool yet at 120+ items and weapons. The XP skill system and the return of prison staples like roll call, jobs, and guards suggest the core loop of routine, preparation, and breakout remains intact.

The open questions — release date, price, system requirements, and the exact shape of crafting and skills — are significant, and they are exactly what we will evaluate when review code becomes available. Until then, the smartest move is to wishlist the game on Steam or follow the official site for announcements.

FAQ

When does The Escapists 3 come out? The release date is to be announced. The game is marked "Coming Soon" on Steam, and Team17 has not published a launch date.

Does The Escapists 3 have multiplayer? Yes. Confirmed features include online co-op for up to 4 players, online PvP, local split-screen co-op (2 players), split-screen PvP, and Remote Play Together.

Is The Escapists 3 coming to consoles? An Xbox wishlist page exists on the Microsoft Store, indicating console plans, but Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Mac, and Linux support are not confirmed.

How much will The Escapists 3 cost? Pricing information is not found at this time. No price, demo, or Early Access details have been announced.