SCP: Secret Laboratory - A Festive Update and Gameplay Overhaul Ushering in 2026
SCP: Secret Laboratory, the multiplayer horror game set in the mysterious and dangerous SCP Foundation universe, continues to captivate its dedicated player base with fresh content and gameplay improvements. As of now, the game maintains a steady average player count of 5,635, reflecting its enduring appeal and active community engagement. With the recent rollout of the X-Mas and Anniversary Update alongside the 14.2.3 gameplay patch, players have plenty to explore and enjoy as the year draws to a close.
The X-Mas and Anniversary Update: Festive Cheer Meets SCP Chaos
The latest seasonal update for SCP: Secret Laboratory brings a delightful blend of holiday spirit and the game’s signature eerie atmosphere. Set within the enigmatic Site-02 facility, the update introduces a variety of festive decorations, new SCP variants, and gameplay tweaks that refresh the experience for both new and veteran players.
One of the standout features of this update is the return of the iconic Christmas tree, dubbed SCP-2536 - “The Gift That Keeps On Giving.” This tree isn’t just a decorative centerpiece; it symbolizes a rare moment of holiday goodwill among the SCP entities. After a year of containment, the anomalies have surprisingly landed on the “nice list,” and the tree now offers presents to them, creating a unique celebratory atmosphere within the facility. Players will want to keep an eye out for the new special item added to the loot pool for human characters, adding an extra layer of excitement to the seasonal festivities.
Adding to the holiday mayhem are the revamped SCP-1507 flamingos. These aren’t your average lawn ornaments - these “Pink Flamingos” have returned stronger, more aggressive, and deadlier than before. The update introduces new militant flamingo variants and zombified versions tailored to each team, ensuring that encounters with these feisty creatures remain unpredictable and thrilling. For players looking to counter these flamboyant foes, the update suggests utilizing SCP-1509, known as “The Blade of Rebirth,” a weapon designed to handle the flamingo menace effectively.
In addition to the flamingos, the update brings back SCP-559 (the Piñata) and SCP-956 (the Cake), both of which have been enhanced with new behaviors. The Piñata, in particular, has become more aggressive due to the introduction of black candy within the facility, adding a nostalgic yet dangerous twist to the gameplay. This black candy carries unpredictable effects, making encounters with SCP-559 and other candy-related mechanics more dynamic and challenging.
Beyond the holiday-themed content, the update also introduces quality-of-life improvements and gameplay balance changes. A new ‘Mute Game Sounds’ option has been added for spectators, allowing for a more customizable viewing experience. The Heavy Containment Zone (HCZ) now features a new room called the “Ramp Room,” expanding tactical possibilities. Several SCP-specific tweaks have been made, such as halving SCP-127’s progression points when damaging Hume Shields or SCP-049-2 instances, and removing sprinting capabilities while aiming down sights for SCP-127 users. These changes aim to balance gameplay and encourage strategic playstyles.
Gameplay Update 14.2.3: Refining Mechanics and Map Layouts
Alongside the festive update, the 14.2.3 gameplay patch delivers substantial improvements and refinements that enhance the core experience of SCP: Secret Laboratory. As the developers prepare for the upcoming Christmas event and look ahead to 2026, this update serves as a crucial stepping stone in polishing the game’s mechanics and environment.
A notable addition in this patch is the inclusion of unused third-person jump animations for SCP-096, enriching the visual and immersive quality of encounters with this terrifying entity. Weapon mechanics have also been fine-tuned, with the E11-SR’s lightweight stock bonus now applying to hip-firing accuracy instead of running accuracy, providing players with more nuanced combat options.
The map has undergone significant changes, particularly in the Heavy Containment Zone, where all ten layouts have been replaced with new designs. These new layouts aim to provide fresh tactical challenges and opportunities for both SCPs and human teams. Key areas such as the Server Room lift now feature automatic descent after a brief wait, improving flow and reducing downtime. Entrance Zone Gate-A has been visually and structurally updated, while minor tweaks have been applied to Gate-B to optimize player movement and interactions.
Map icons for several SCP-related rooms, including SCP-079’s and SCP-106’s chambers, have been updated for better clarity and navigation. The developers also addressed technical issues by removing unintended colliders and repositioning SCP-079’s speaker to its correct location, enhancing overall map functionality.
Black Candy: A New Element of Risk and Reward
The introduction of black candy into the regular SCP-330 candy pool adds an intriguing new layer to the game’s item system. With a low spawn chance of approximately 4%, black candy offers a variety of unpredictable effects that can dramatically influence gameplay. When consumed, black candy triggers 2 to 4 random effects from the standard non-haunted candy pool, with a special haunted candy effect added during Halloween events.
However, black candy is a double-edged sword. Players consuming it may be teleported randomly within the facility (excluding the Spawn Zone and Entrance Zone), vanish instantly without leaving a ragdoll or items, or explode in a manner similar to the Pink Candy. Additionally, it can inflict status effects such as SCP-207 (a speed boost) and Anti-Cola (a speed reduction), which can be cured but add tactical complexity. This new mechanic encourages players to weigh the risks and rewards carefully when interacting with SCP-330 machines.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While the current updates bring plenty of fresh content and improvements, the developers have hinted at exciting plans for SCP: Secret Laboratory in 2026. The community can look forward to continued support, new features, and possibly more SCP entities and gameplay modes that will further enrich the game’s immersive horror experience.
For now, players are encouraged to dive into the updated maps, experiment with the new SCP variants, and enjoy the festive atmosphere brought by the X-Mas and Anniversary Update. With a solid player base and ongoing development, SCP: Secret Laboratory remains a standout title in the horror multiplayer genre, blending suspense, strategy, and chaos in a uniquely thrilling package.