Creating a character in Project Zomboid can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. Besides choosing a profession you had before the zombie apocalypse, you have dozens of additional traits to select from. These traits have both negative and positive impacts on your character and consequently affect your gameplay. Naturally, you must balance these traits wisely, as your character cannot be super strong right from the start. But which traits are worthwhile, and which negative effects can you effectively balance? Let’s take a closer look at the traits in Project Zomboid!
Negative Traits: Which Drawbacks Can You Balance?
Let’s first examine the negative traits, as they can seem quite daunting at first. However, some are surprisingly manageable and do not significantly hinder your gameplay.
Easily balanced in the game:
Slow Reader (+2): In single-player mode, this trait has virtually no impact since you can fast-forward. However, in multiplayer, it’s not as practical if you spend ages reading a book.
Short-Sighted (+2): Offset this trait during character creation by giving your character reading glasses.
Slow Healer (+3): Initially seems disadvantageous but is actually manageable. If you take good care of your wound, it has little negative effect on your game.
Weak Stomach (+3): As long as you avoid eating spoiled food (which you shouldn’t do anyway!), this trait has no negative impact on your game.
Weak Immune System (+4): This trait is manageable as well. And if you’re bitten, your current run is over anyway!
Smoker (+4): This trait balances your stress, panic, and boredom, but you must always have cigarettes with you. Fortunately, they can be found everywhere, especially at gas stations.
Thirsty (+6): As long as you have enough water with you, this trait shouldn’t be a problem. Water is abundant, especially at the beginning of the game, and later you can collect rain and redirect it into the water system.
(Very) Underweight (+6 / +10): These traits give you less starting weight, but you can compensate with calorie-rich food. Not a problem for long runs, but it can make the beginning a bit more challenging since you’re less fit.
Less impactful depending on playstyle:
Cowardly (+2): Pairs well with Adrenaline Junkie, turning your panic into a positive trait.
Agoraphobic (+4) & Claustrophobic (+4): These traits can be integrated well depending on your playstyle. Use them if you spend most of your time indoors/outdoors and can balance them effectively.
Conspicuous (+4): Useful if you play aggressively, allowing you to control hordes better.
Pacifist (+4): Manageable during long runs as it only affects your weapon skill progression.
Not worth it:
Sunday Driver (+1): You’re MUCH slower in cars, and the one point isn’t worth it.
Clumsy (+2): Makes you too loud, so it’s not worthwhile. You also risk tripping more often and injuring yourself.
All Thumbs (+2): Not recommended, as you sort items much slower.
Hoarder (+4): Not a good trait for inventory management, as you’ll be able to carry significantly less.
Hard of Hearing (+4): You’ll be much less aware of nearby zombies, making this trait not recommended!
Illiterate (+8): Only for truly hardcore runs, as you won’t be able to read books or entertainment media otherwise.
Positive Traits: Which Strengths Are Worthwhile?
To achieve a good balance, you must carefully select your positive traits as well. You can’t be an incredibly strong survivor, but you can still make your gameplay easier.
Always worth using:
Outdoorsman (-2): An extremely important trait, as you’ll be less likely to get sick and injured in nature, such as from scratches on trees.
Cat’s Eyes (-2): Improves night vision – and nights in Project Zomboid can be dark!
Dexterous (-2): One of the best traits in the game, as you can sort items faster, and the two points are well worth it.
Gymnast (-5): An underrated trait that makes you faster and more agile.
Keen Hearing (-6): Very useful for being more aware of your surroundings and spotting zombies more quickly.
Organized (-6): Increases your carrying capacity significantly, which will be immensely helpful.
Fast Learner (-6): You learn all skills (except strength and fitness) 30% faster.
Athletic (-10): Expensive, but extremely useful for your athleticism. You’ll tire more slowly and move faster in general.
Strong (-10): Almost indispensable, as these traits are very difficult to level up. You’re stronger, both in combat and in carrying capacity.
Occasionally helpful:
Fast Reader (-2): Only worthwhile in multiplayer, where you can’t fast-forward time. Otherwise, “Slow Reader” is much better.
Insomniac (-2): Gives you more time during the day but makes it harder to fall asleep. You might also become dependent on sleeping pills.
Adrenaline Junkie (-4): As explained with negative traits, this pairs well with “Cowardly.” You’re more agile when panicked.
Fisherman (-4): Useful if you want to live in nature and primarily rely on fishing for food.
Brave (-4): A good choice for beginners to make combat easier. Less worthwhile later when you’ve made progress.
Low Thirst (-4): Can be practical if you want to spend less time searching for food. Not necessarily essential, though, as you’ll always find something.
Tailor (-4): Surprisingly useful if your clothing tends to get damaged quickly!
Avoid at all costs:
Speed Demon (-1): Too loud in the long run, risky for accidents, and can become a liability.
Iron Gut (-3): You shouldn’t eat spoiled food anyway, so this trait is virtually useless.
Inconspicuous (-4): This trait sounds good at first, but in the current Build 41, it’s relatively ineffective. Zombies will see you as soon as you’re in their line of sight. Inconspicuousness makes little difference.
Fast Healer (-6): Not worth it, even though it sounds appealing. An infection means death, and everything else heals if you play more cautiously.
Why is Choosing the Right Traits Worth It?
Project Zomboid’s character traits are complex and need to be balanced with each other. However, this complexity makes the game extremely enjoyable, providing numerous opportunities to customize your character and try out 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 ready for any challenge! You can use as many or as few traits as you like. It also doesn’t hurt to test different playstyles.
