Project Zomboid Build 42: The Massive Update Everyone’s Talking About!

The Indie Stone team behind Project Zomboid has finally delivered the highly anticipated Build 42, which introduces a ton of new features in both content and gameplay!

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Project Zomboid is a zombie-themed open world survival game with an isometric view. An indie title developed by the small team at The Indie Stone. First showcased in 2011 with an Alpha release on Desura, the game arrived later on Steam in 2013. Still in Early Access but with a dedicated team supporting the game 12 years after its launch.

Project Zomboid has won over many players over the years who are looking for a zombie open world experience. It offers an alternate version of 1993 featuring the Knox Event, a zombie outbreak. Players aim to survive as long as possible starting in the quarantined city of Louisville.

The long-awaited Project Zomboid: Build 42 is available in Open Beta

Teased in late November during classic Thursdoids, the team finally released Build 42 for Project Zomboid. A full three years after the Stable version of Build 41. Previously displayed in a small showcase for years, it is now available.

Available starting December 17, 2024 as an “Unstable” version, which is essentially an Open Beta before a future final launch. A wonderful Christmas Surprise introduces many new gameplay mechanics and content.

Build 42 UNSTABLE has arrived #ProjectZomboid! Find out what’s inside, what’s coming soon, and how you can join the test here: https://t.co/WEcnGbxaIg

— The Indie Stone (@theindiestone) December 17, 2024

Project Zomboid Build 42 – What’s new?

As mentioned on the Steam Blog, Build 42 Unstable brings many new additions to Project Zomboid:

• Expanded Map: Many new game areas with new cities and locations, including underground areas and multi-story buildings.
• Animal: Ability to raise various livestock, hunt wild animals, and introduction to fishing.
• Craft Preview: An initial introduction to Crafting with Blacksmithing and Pottery skill trees.
• New Game Content: New weapons, outfits and items. Dragging or throwing bodies out of windows. Balancing stealth and combat.
• Performance and UI: Improved lighting on darker nights and more stable performance. General UI rework and new menus such as the Crafting menu.

Accompanied by various updates and lots of new game lore. Substantial update with the team ready to gather initial feedback and address potential issues in this Unstable Version. A complete Crafting system and the reintroduction of Multiplayer is ready.

Project Zomboid Build 42: Important things to remember

As an Open Beta version of the Project Zomboid update, the team has issued some important warnings about it.

• Build 42 is a work in progress version
• This Preview version was primarily intended to gather initial feedback, and the team gradually introduced missing features.
• It is important to note that Build 42 is not compatible with saves and mods from version 41.
• In addition to potential bugs and imbalances, saves may become corrupted at the end of the Unstable version.

Project Zomboid: How to join the new Beta Update

Therefore, an important step is to keep a backup of your savings to avoid losing progress. To try Build 42 Project Zomboid, follow these steps:

• Right click on Project Zomboid in your Steam Library
• Go to Properties, and in the Beta section, select Unstable Branch

Just in time for Christmas, players can enjoy zombie-themed celebrations. Discover new features and previews in Project Zomboid. Many players are certainly looking forward to the return of Multiplayer permanently.

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