Character creation in Project Zomboid can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. In addition to choosing a profession you had before the zombie apocalypse, you have dozens of additional traits available. These have both negative and positive impacts on your character and thus influence your gameplay. Of course, you need to balance these carefully, as your character can’t be super strong right from the start. But which traits are worth it, and which negative effects can you balance out well? Let’s take a closer look at the traits in Project Zomboid!
Negative Traits: Which Drawbacks Can You Compensate For?
Let’s first take a look at the negative traits, as these can be somewhat daunting at first. However, some are surprisingly manageable and don’t really restrict your gameplay.
Easily manageable in-game:
Slow Reader (+2): In single-player, this trait has virtually no impact since you can fast-forward. However, it’s not as practical in multiplayer when you’re stuck reading a book for ages.
Short-Sighted (+2): Compensate for this trait right in character creation by giving your character reading glasses.
Slow Healer (+3): Seems bad at first, but it’s not really a problem. If you take good care of your wound, it has hardly any negative effects on your game.
Weak Stomach (+3): As long as you don’t eat spoiled food (which you shouldn’t anyway!), this trait has no negative impact on your game.
Weak Immune System (+4): This trait is also manageable. And if you’re bitten, your current run is over anyway!
Smoker (+4): This trait balances your stress, panic, and boredom, but you need to always have cigarettes with you. Fortunately, they can be found everywhere, especially at gas stations.
Thirsty (+6): As long as you always have enough water with you, this trait should not be a problem. Water is abundant at the beginning of the game, and later you can collect rainwater and direct it into the water system.
(Very) Underweight (+6 / +10): These traits give you a lower starting weight, but you can compensate for it with calorie-rich food. It’s not a problem for long runs but can make the start a bit more challenging since you’re less fit.
Less impactful depending on playstyle:
Cowardly (+2): Pairs wonderfully with adrenaline junkie to turn your panic into a positive trait.
Agoraphobic (+4) & Claustrophobic (+4): These traits can be well integrated depending on your playstyle. Use them if you spend most of your time indoors/outdoors and can balance them well.
Conspicuous (+4): If you play more aggressively, this trait is actually very useful! You can better control hordes with it.
Pacifist (+4): Can be balanced out in long runs, as it only affects your weapon skill leveling.
Not worth it:
Sunday Driver (+1): You’re MUCH slower with cars, and the one point is definitely not worth it.
Clumsy (+2): Makes you way too loud, so it’s not worth it. Plus, you can trip more often and injure yourself.
Disorganized (+2): Not recommended either, as you sort items much slower.
Hoarder (+4): Also not a good trait for inventory management, as you will be able to carry significantly less.
Hard of Hearing (+4): You’ll be much worse at detecting zombies in your vicinity. Not recommended!
Illiterate (+8): Only for truly hardcore runs, as you can’t read books or entertainment media otherwise.
Positive Traits: Which Strengths Are Worth It?
To create a good balance, you also need to carefully select your positive traits. You can’t be an incredibly strong survivor, but you can still make your gameplay easier.
Always use these:
Outdoorsman (-2): An extremely important trait as you’ll get sick less often and injure yourself less in nature, like with scratches from trees.
Cat’s Eyes (-2): Lets you see better at night, and the nights in Project Zomboid can be dark!
Graceful (-2): One of the best traits in the game as you can sort items faster, and the two points are really a bargain.
Gymnast (-5): An extremely underrated trait that makes you faster and more nimble.
Keen Hearing (-6): Very practical as you’ll be able to better perceive your surroundings and detect zombies more quickly.
Organized (-6): You can carry more overall, which will help you immensely.
Fast Learner (-6): Learn all traits (except strength and fitness) 30% faster.
Athletic (-10): Costs a lot, but is extremely practical for your athleticism. You’ll tire less quickly and move faster overall.
Strong (-10): Almost indispensable as these traits are very hard to level up. You’re stronger, both in combat and when carrying.
Occasionally helpful:
Fast Reader (-2): Only worth it in multiplayer, where you can’t fast-forward your time. Otherwise, “slow reader” is much better.
Insomniac (-2): You have more time during the day but fall asleep much worse. You might also become dependent on sleeping pills.
Adrenaline Junkie (-4): As explained with the negative traits, this pairs well with “cowardly.” You’re more agile when you panic.
Fisherman (-4): Can be helpful if you want to live in nature and primarily live off fishing.
Brave (-4): A good choice for beginners to make dealing with combat easier. Later, it’s less worthwhile as you progress.
Low Thirst (-4): Can be practical if you don’t want to search for food as much. However, it’s not really necessary as you’ll always find something.
Tailor (-4): If your clothes get damaged quickly, this trait can be surprisingly useful!
Avoid at all costs:
Speed Demon (-1): Too loud, too risky for accidents, and can be your downfall in the long run.
Iron Gut (-3): You shouldn’t eat spoiled food anyway, making this trait almost useless.
Inconspicuous (-4): This trait sounds great at first, but in the current Build 41, it doesn’t make much difference. Zombies will spot you once you’re in their line of sight. Inconspicuousness doesn’t make much of a difference.
Fast Healer (-6): Not worth it, even though it sounds good. An infection means your death; everything else heals if you’re more cautious.
Why Is the Right Trait Selection Worth It?
Project Zomboid’s character traits are complex and need to be balanced with each other. However, this makes the game extremely enjoyable and provides you with many opportunities to customize your character and experiment with different playstyles. You can rent your own Project Zomboid server with us and coordinate your characters with your friends. This way, you have a balanced team and are prepared for any challenge! You can use as many or as few traits as you want. It also doesn’t hurt to test different playstyles.
