[2] In the game, which supports both solo play and four-player cooperative multiplayer, players must defeat waves of zombie-like bioengineered creatures known as "Zeds".

[4] The game features a hub space known as the Stronghold where players can choose their playable character and mission location before a match commences.

Creative director Bryan Wynia described Killing Floor 3 as the "direct sequel" to the first game, with the team aiming to recapture its "darker, grittier tone".

[10] Wynia added that the team reduced the number of Zeds in each match and slow down the pace of combat when compared with previous games, all enemies, including the basic ones, are more dangerous as they are equipped with new skills and movement options.

(massive evisceration and trauma) system, introduced in the previous game, returned in Killing Floor 3 to depict dynamic gore and detailed graphic violence.