'Project Zomboid': 5 Essential Tips For Beginners

Survival in “Project Zomboid” isn’t as easy as many new players think. The slow, shambling zombies aren’t the only things players need to worry about when they first start the game, and the problems will keep stacking if people don’t know what they’re doing.

As a true hardcore survival game, “Project Zomboid” will force players to pay attention to even the smallest of details. Although it might seem overwhelming at first, the game isn’t too complicated, and anyone who spares a few minutes of their time to learn the mechanics will be able to enjoy everything that the zombie apocalypse has to offer.

Here are some tips on how to get started with “Project Zomboid.”

Stealth Over Combat

As much as possible, avoid getting the attention of zombies. It’s amazing how quickly players can get overwhelmed by the undead in this game, so try to move stealthily when exploring the open world.

By default, press C to enter sneak mode and try to stay away from dormant hordes. Anything that makes a sound can and will attract zombies, so try not to break any windows or trigger any house alarms.

How To Fight Zombies

When combat is absolutely necessary, try to knock zombies down first before swinging a weapon at them. Pressing the Space button by default will shove zombies and potentially knock them down, rendering them harmless and making them vulnerable to finishing blows.

Enable Target Outlines

Build 41 introduced an option that lets players toggle outlines on enemies when in aim mode. Turning this on is highly recommended as it helps players gauge the range and accuracy of their attacks.

Shouting and Whispering

Press Q to shout and grab the attention of all nearby zombies in an area. This is useful for drawing out any zombies that may be hiding indoors or for diverting a horde away from an important item or location.

Shouting while in sneak mode will cause players to whisper instead, which is great for pulling a few zombies away from a group.

Exercise and TV Programs

Instead of idling, players should have their characters exercise to avoid boredom and to develop stats. This can be accessed via the Exercise button in the Health menu. Keep in mind that this will cause fatigue, so avoid exercising before going out to scavenge.

Additionally, watching TV shows can provide some free skill points, alleviate boredom and reduce unhappiness. The Life and Living channel always broadcasts educational shows at set hours, while the other channels air news or entertainment shows.