As a long-time survivor of the Project Zomboid apocalypse, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement as The Indie Stone gears up for the release of Build 42. It’s been a rollercoaster three years since the last major update, and I’ve spent countless nights huddled in my makeshift shelter, waiting for the day when I could explore the world anew.


3 years have passed since The Indie Stone studio unveiled their last significant update for Project Zomboid, their popular survival game. Now, it’s time to say goodbye to the old game version – the developers have hinted at the upcoming release of Build 42 on their blog. Additionally, according to a developer’s comment on the game’s Steam community forum, a test update might be made available later in this year. The public release will take place when it is fully prepared.

With Build 42, we are approaching the final stages before its release, and it should be available on the Unstable beta branch within a few months, unless unexpected issues arise or if the build is not satisfactory to us and our testers. (…) If we had definitive knowledge that it would not be released in 2024, we would make that clear.

Based on feedback from internal testers as reported by the developers on their blog, the current build of the new game appears to be exceptional. The testers suggest that exploration is even more engaging than before and the world seems more vibrant and alive. They claim that the game strikes a fantastic balance between its heavy, immersive atmosphere and challenging level of play.

The post in question not only encompasses the developer’s feedback from the closed beta testers of Project Zomboid Build 42, but also previews a comprehensive rundown of the new features expected in the upcoming update. Admittedly, it’s quite impressive.

Project Zomboid Build 42

According to The Indie Stone team, the upcoming update will introduce numerous adjustments to both crafting and building. Until now, players who had fortified and stocked their shelters found few activities in this aspect. However, the “Endgame” is set to expand creatively within the crafting system, introducing new options such as pottery, blacksmithing, and stone processing.

In Build 42, players are bound to take notice of the inclusion of basements and towering structures, some reaching as high as 32 stories! Alongside sky-high skyscrapers and subterranean hideaways, you’ll also stumble upon bunkers and safe rooms during your exploration.

One notable adjustment the developers are working on involves a thoroughly revamped illumination setup. They stress that this updated version promises greater realism, and according to testers, it truly delivers on that promise. Here’s what they have to say about it:

Regarding the darkness: I believe it’s spot-on, I adore the eerie atmosphere it evokes. To navigate through it effectively, you might want to grab a flashlight.

In an overconfident moment, a group hot on my heels pursued me. To shake them off, I hurriedly entered and exited various doors inside, hoping to lose them. Unfortunately, in my haste, I stumbled into a dark room, which turned out to be the smallest bathroom I’d ever encountered. Struggling in the pitch-black, I frantically felt around for the light switch as the pounding on the door grew louder from the chasing horde.

The development team has packed numerous fresh elements into Build 42, and there are simply too many to mention here. I’d highly recommend you check out the complete list. To give you a brief idea, expect to see three additional city settings, an array of new vehicles, apparel, and useful items (such as enhancements for tents and sleeping bags). You can anticipate improvements in farming, livestock breeding, fishing, and hunting as well.

The sound itself will transform – the music will now respond to our moves and adjust according to the scenarios in which we engage (this is known as an adaptive soundtrack). Additionally, our characters will gain fresh “signals” that will be useful during multiplayer interactions.

The survival game titled “Project Zomboid” can be purchased in its Early Access stage on Steam for $19.99, or on the GOG platform at a discounted price of $15.58 due to a 33% reduction (originally priced at $23.26). This game has gained and maintained a significant following, with over 17,000 players playing it concurrently, and a daily peak of more than 40,000 people. Additionally, the title on Valve’s platform boasts nearly 94% positive reviews from almost 250 thousand users who have shared their opinions about it.

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2024-11-12 16:04