Welcome to the PZ Wiki
This guide covers in detail all the systems of Project Zomboid (Build 42): crafting recipes, weapon statistics, nutritional values of food, animal husbandry and much more.
What is Project Zomboid?
Project Zomboid is an isometric survival RPG set in the state of Kentucky, USA, after a zombie apocalypse. Developed by Indie Stone, it focuses on extreme realism: every injury matters, fatigue affects performance, food rots, fire spreads and death is permanent.
The Pillars of the Game
- Permadeath When you die, it's over. There is no saving in the middle of the game — death is permanent and you start over from scratch.
- Deep Simulation Temperature, nutrition, illnesses, tiredness, hygiene, stress — everything is simulated with real impacts.
- Extensive Crafting More than 45 recipe categories. Build, forge, cook, sew and more.
- Total Sandbox Dozens of configurable variables to create exactly the experience you want.
- Multiplayer Dedicated servers with optional co-op and PvP.
- Build 42 — Animals Complete animal breeding system with genetics, reproduction, slaughter and products such as milk, eggs and wool.
The Most Common Causes of Death
🧟 Fatal Bite
A zombie bite causes infection by the Knox Virus. There is no cure. You have 1–3 days. Avoid close combat whenever possible.
🔥 Uncontrolled Fire
Fire spreads quickly between buildings. A forgotten candle or burning car can destroy your entire base.
🚗 Car Accident
High-speed collisions cause fractures and hemorrhages. Driving while tired increases the risk. Damaged vehicles make more noise.
☠ CO₂ from Generator
Generator inside a closed space releases carbon monoxide. The character may die in his sleep. Always install outdoors.
⚡ Electricity Outage
Electricity and water are turned off in 0–14 days. All fresh food will spoil. Prepare generator and rain barrels before then.
🤸 Building Fall
Falling from the second floor can cause bone fractures and hemorrhage. Rope ladders are dangerous without fitness training.
Game Modes
Sandbox — Quick Reference
See the complete reference at Advanced → Sandbox.
| Variable | Default Value (Apocalypse) | What it controls |
|---|---|---|
Zombies | 4 (High) | Initial zombie density |
ZombieRespawn | 4 (Frequent) | Respawn Speed |
WaterShut | 0–14 days | When the water is turned off |
ElecShut | 0–14 days | When electricity is turned off |
FireSpread | true | Fire spreads between buildings |
NightDarkness | 3 (Very dark) | Nighttime visibility |
BoneFracture | true | Falls cause fractures |
LootAbundance | 2 (Scarce) | Amount of items in the world |
ZombieMigrate | true | Zombies migrate in hordes |
GeneratorFuelConsumption | 0.1/hour | Generator Fuel Consumption |