StarCraftExplainer
StarCraft 3 release date: the new StarCraft is an open-world shooter due in spring 2030
There's no game called StarCraft 3. Blizzard's next StarCraft game is STARCRAFT, an original open-world shooter that returns to the Koprulu Sector, and it's due in spring 2030. Blizzard revealed it at the BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony on Sept. 12, 2026, and it hasn't announced platforms or a price.
Blizzard finally has a new StarCraft game, but it isn’t StarCraft 3. Here’s what was announced, and when it’s coming out.
When does StarCraft 3 come out?
There’s no game called StarCraft 3, and Blizzard hasn’t announced a new real-time strategy game. Blizzard’s next StarCraft game is called simply STARCRAFT, and it’s an original open-world shooter due in spring 2030. Blizzard hasn’t set an exact day.
By simple arithmetic, spring 2030 is about three and a half years after the reveal. Platforms and a price haven’t been announced, and claims online about which consoles will get it haven’t been confirmed by Blizzard.
What Blizzard announced at BlizzCon 2026
Blizzard revealed the game at the BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony in Anaheim on Sept. 12, 2026, with a cinematic trailer. The game takes players back to the Koprulu Sector, where the StarCraft series is set. The official StarCraft website now carries a recruitment-style teaser for the Dominion that calls on players to defend mankind, with a sign-up for updates.
The same show brought news for Blizzard’s other series. Diablo V is due in spring 2029, and World of Warcraft: Forever launches on Nov. 4, 2026; see our World of Warcraft: Forever beta patch notes.
Why it isn’t an RTS
StarCraft made its name as a real-time strategy series, where you command whole armies of Terrans, Zerg or Protoss from above. The new game puts you on the ground instead, as a shooter in an open world. Blizzard hasn’t said whether it plans another strategy game, and it hasn’t announced a third main StarCraft RTS.
Where to play StarCraft now
StarCraft II is free to play on PC, and Blizzard was still adjusting its balance in 2026 with update 5.0.16. StarCraft: Remastered, an updated version of the original game, is also on PC. For other long-awaited sequels, see our Half-Life 3 release date page.
This page is updated as soon as Blizzard announces platforms, a price or an exact release date for the new StarCraft.
FAQ
When does StarCraft 3 come out?
There’s no game called StarCraft 3. Blizzard’s next StarCraft game is STARCRAFT, an open-world shooter due in spring 2030.
Is the new StarCraft an RTS?
No. Blizzard calls it an original open-world shooter, set in the Koprulu Sector. It hasn’t announced a new real-time strategy game.
What platforms is the new StarCraft on?
Blizzard hasn’t announced platforms or a price. It has only said the game lands in spring 2030.
Is the new StarCraft called StarCraft 3?
No. Blizzard’s name for it is simply STARCRAFT.
Is StarCraft II still supported?
Yes. StarCraft II is free to play, and Blizzard was still releasing balance patches in 2026, including update 5.0.16.
When was the new StarCraft announced?
At the BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony in Anaheim on Sept. 12, 2026, with a cinematic trailer.
Pop quiz
1 questions from this story.
What is the name of the region of space where StarCraft takes place?
StarCraft is set in the Koprulu Sector, and Blizzard says the new shooter returns there. The Outer Rim belongs to Star Wars.
Your call
Are you happy the new StarCraft is a shooter?
