Project Zomboid is by no means a new game, but thanks to its dedicated developer, it continues to receive fresh updates. The first unstable release of the new Build 42 came out in December 2024, which players can already test and try out. But what exactly is being added with this new update? And is it worth switching to the new version now? Today, we take a closer look at all the announced and already implemented changes that await you when transitioning to Build 42.
Exciting Map Expansions and Adjustments
As with many previous updates, Build 42 has received a map upgrade. Three completely new towns are now explorable: Brandenburg, Ekron, and Irvington. These expand the map, especially in the southwest, offering many new locations where you can find loot. Additionally, you can choose the new location “Echo Creek” at the start of the game to explore the area directly.
Older areas have also received a fresh coat of paint, and several points of interest around Louisville have been added to make the city feel even more authentic. These include an airport and a college.
Basements and Skyscrapers for Vertical Exploration
Some buildings now feature basements, and in Louisville, you can find tall structures with dozens of floors. A good example is the Bateman Office Building, which has 28 floors. Here, you must be extremely cautious of zombies!
Enhanced Survival with a Greater Focus on the Wilderness
While you might hear a dog barking in Build 41, apart from you and the zombies, there are no other creatures on the map. This changes with this update and is a first step towards NPCs, which are likely to follow in Build 43.
Farming is possible from B42 onwards, as you can find animals like cows, sheep, pigs, or chickens in the world, breed them, and utilise their resources. This drastically expands the gameplay concept of Project Zomboid, allowing you to live in the wilderness without looting locations. Many other survival aspects have also been expanded, particularly concerning hunting and fishing. The aim is for these activities to be more realistic, giving players the opportunity to try different playstyles.
Improved Crafting System for More Gameplay Options
Crafting has received a complete overhaul with Build 42 and is barely recognisable. There are significantly more recipes and items to craft, which should help you survive. The system is now much more complex than before, offering more options for gameplay!
Sections have also been added for:
- Pottery
- Blacksmithing
- Stoneworking
- Potion Brewing
- Weapon Crafting
Immersive Gameplay with Enhanced Music and Sound Effects
The developer also continuously works on immersion with each update. Musical accompaniment, background noises, and other aspects have been expanded, helping you to better immerse yourself in the game. While most players might prefer to play without in-game music, it’s definitely worth turning it on in the new update. The dynamic music creates thrilling moments, as well as calm breaks after a zombie attack.
Simultaneously, your character will be less silent, with the update introducing a few voice lines that are triggered randomly during gameplay. This also aids immersion and gives each action more weight.
Deepened Backstory with More Lore from Knox Country
More background knowledge about the world of Project Zomboid is always welcome, and Build 42 certainly delivers more lore. A cool new feature is the new graphics you can access, including posters, brochures, or newspapers that open as full windows, providing more clues for your game world. Important locations can also be marked on the map, similar to the found maps already present in the game.
Engine and Graphic Improvements for a Smoother Experience
Of course, a general adjustment of the game cannot be missing. While many animations were improved for Build 41, the entire lighting system is now being revamped. You can already see in the game how much better light sources function and that dark places are genuinely dark. Eventually, this should also improve performance, although PZ is not particularly resource-intensive. So, a nice upgrade!
The UI has also received some refinements, especially for screens larger than the standard HD format. Icons are now significantly larger and can be recognised on a 4K monitor.
Release Date for Build 42: What You Should Know
This is, of course, the million-dollar question! And most PZ fans are likely waiting for an answer – a look at previous builds, however, does not give much hope that the update will be released in a stable state this year. There was about a three-year gap between the first unstable Build 41 and its release.
You can, of course, play Build 42 now by activating the beta version on Steam. Theoretically, you don’t have to wait for a release, but you must also live with the risks. Unfortunately, no multiplayer version is available yet, but it’s only a matter of time!
These risks include:
- Mod incompatibility
- Old save games are not compatible
- Bugs and glitches
- Crashes
- Loss of progress due to new unstable versions
Conclusion: Is an Upgrade to Build 42 Worth It?
Build 42 of Project Zomboid already looks like a promising update. Thanks to feedback from playtesters on Steam, the developer has many opportunities to balance new features and improve them gradually. Rent your own Project Zomboid server with us and be one of the first players to enjoy the new update in multiplayer!
