- World War Z adds an official The Walking Dead campaign episode for PS5 and PS4 in January 2026.
- Three chapters star Rick, Daryl, Michonne and Negan with new weapon skins and melee arms.
- Gameplay mixes World War Z’s fast Zekes with slow Walkers and introduces a new Spiked Walker.
- Maps shift to tighter, claustrophobic routes; melee is risky and ranged kills are encouraged.
World War Z x The Walking Dead: what to expect
Saber Interactive and AMC bring an unexpected crossover to World War Z fans: a new DLC episode themed around AMC’s the walking dead. The content arrives on PlayStation consoles in January 2026 and stitches together both franchises’ signature zombie types — fast, frenzied Zekes and slow, relentless Walkers.
Three chapters, four iconic characters
The DLC includes three campaign chapters featuring Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, Michonne and Negan. The story takes players through The Prison, Alexandria and Grady Memorial Hospital — familiar locations for the walking dead universe — as the group fights to rescue survivors, reclaim their home, and secure medicine for the community.
Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus have reprised their roles for voice-over work, giving authenticity to the crossover’s cutscenes and character-driven moments.
New enemies, tighter maps
Saber adjusted World War Z’s typically wide-open maps into narrower, more claustrophobic routes for this episode. Players will face both the franchise’s special Zekes (Bulls, Bombers, etc.) and classic Walkers. A new enemy type — the Spiked Walker — sports an armored head, causes bleeding damage if you get too close, and can get back up unless finished off properly. The developer warns that melee is often a bad choice at first: down the Spiked Walker from range, then finish it with a coup de grace.
Weapons and skins
The crossover adds themed gear: Rick’s revolver receives a new skin, Daryl’s crossbow gets an updated look, Michonne wields her iconic katana as a new melee weapon, and Negan returns with Lucille — his notorious baseball bat. These items both fit the aesthetic and change how small encounters play out.
Embedded trailer
PlayStation Blog included a video overview for the crossover. Watch the official teaser on YouTube: World War Z x The Walking Dead trailer.
Release and final notes
The World War Z x The Walking Dead DLC debuts on PS5 and PS4 in January 2026. The crossover aims to prove that both fast and slow zombies can coexist in one chaotic, survival-focused experience — and it leans into tense, close-quarters combat to do it.
Players who enjoyed World War Z’s cooperative rushes or fans of the walking dead looking for a fresh way to revisit familiar characters should find a lot to like in this mash-up episode.
Image Referance: https://blog.playstation.com/2025/12/18/world-war-z-x-the-walking-dead-lurches-onto-ps5-ps4-in-january/