⚒ Crafting Recipes
Project Zomboid Build 42 has more than 45 recipe categories. Each category corresponds to a skill or game system.
How to Learn Recipes: Most recipes are learned automatically as you level up the corresponding skill. Some require reading technical books (found in libraries, schools and homes). Skill books teach advanced recipes.
Skill and Recipe Progression
| Skill | Beginning Level | Middle Level | Advanced Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpentry | Boxes, basic chairs | Walls, windows, doors | Advanced constructions, furniture |
| Metalworking | Simple metal parts | Structures, reinforcements | Metal armatures, advanced forging |
| Tailoring | Basic patches | Leather parts, reinforcements | Complete armor |
| Knitting | Wool accessories | Warming pieces | Winter complete clothing |
| Electrical | Wires, simple switches | Generators, alarms | Advanced circuits, radio |
| Mechanics | Check car condition | Install parts | Repair engine, transmission |
| Foraging | Twigs, stones | Mushrooms, herbs | Rare ingredients |
| Knapping | Basic stone chipping | Primitive tools | Self-reliant survival kit |
| Carving | Simple pegs and handles | Utility wooden components | Specialized parts for other crafts |
| Spear Crafting | Simple Spear | Reinforced Spear | Advanced Blade Mounts |
| Survivalist | Basic ignition | Stable field fire | Survival routine without infrastructure |
| Pottery | Clay molds | Base utility parts | Continuous production for construction |
| Glassmaking | Basic Jars | Utility Containers | Advanced Panels and Components |
| Fishing | Basic line | Baits | Nets |
📚 Craft by Skill
This section organizes crafting by skill, explaining how it works, how to evolve and what it unlocks per level. The levels below are a practical reference for progression planning.
Carpentry
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base construction, structures, water and storage. | Saw logs, build walls/boxes and dismantle furniture. | Lv 1–2: crate, barricade, fence. Lv 3–4: door and rain collector. Lv 5+: ladders and advanced structures. | Wooden Wall (1), Wooden Door (3), Rain Collector Barrel (4), Wooden Stairs (5). |
Metalworking
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metallic structures, base reinforcement and heavy parts. | Dismantle metal objects and manufacture fences/gates. | Lv 2: window grille. Lv 3–4: wall and gate. Lv 5–6: barred door and metallic armor. | Metal Bar Window (2), Metal Wall (3), Metal Gate (4), Metal Helmet (6). |
Tailoring
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing repair and reinforcement, bite/scratch protection. | Tearing clothes, patching damaged pieces and applying padding. | Lv 1: basic patch. Lv 3–4: leather/jeans padding and better pieces. Lv 5+: advanced leather clothing. | Patch Hole (1), Add Leather Padding (3), Knitted Sweater (4), Leather Jacket (5). |
Knitting
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sewing subspecialization focused on wool clothing and thermal protection. | Produce simple pieces with wool yarn to gain consistency. | Start: accessories (hat/scarf/socks). Medium: heating parts. Advanced: complete variations for winter. | Knit Beany, Knit Scarf, Knit Socks, Knit SweaterVest, Knit Balaclava Full. |
Electrical
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics, base power and vehicle integration. | Disassemble radios/TVs and manufacture electrical utilities. | Lv 1: simple lighting. Lv 2–3: traps and alarms. Lv 5+: battery charger and advanced systems. | Lamp on Pillar (1), Noise Maker Trap (2), Home Alarm (3), Car Battery Charger (5). |
Mechanics
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle maintenance, parts exchange and mobility reliability. | Uninstall/reinstall parts with correct tools. | Lv 1: tires and battery. Lv 2: hotwire with Electrical 1. Lv 3–4: engine and body repairs. | Change Tire (1), Install Battery (1), Fix Engine Part (3+), Weld Body Panel (4). |
Foraging
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collect natural resources for primitive crafting. | Search the forest/field for stones, sticks, herbs and materials. | Lv 1–2: stone tools and primitive fire. Lv 3+: rarest materials for survival crafting. | Chipped Stone (1), Stone Knife (2), Notched Wooden Plank (2), Stone Hammer (2). |
Knapping
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craft of stone chipping for primitive tools and weapons. | Produce blades, axes and stone tools in sequence. | Progression through learned recipes and collected materials; focus on self-sufficiency without urban loot. | Make Sharp Flint Flake, Make Stone Awl, Make Stone Hammer, Make Crude Stone Axe, Make Stone Drill. |
Carving
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carve wood for handles, utility tools, and crafting components. | Convert sticks/planks into small parts and cables in batch. | Start: stakes and sticks. Medium: cables and utensils. Advanced: Specialized parts for other crafts. | Make Stake, Carve LongStick, Carve SmallHandle, Carve MediumHandle, Carve KnappingTools. |
Spear Crafting
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production and improvement of spears for ranged melee combat. | Create base spear and evolve with hardening/binding/adaptations. | Start: simple spear. Medium: fire-hardened and reinforced versions. Advanced: assembly with better blades and parts. | Carve Spear, Fire Harden Spear, Bind Spear, Duct Tape Spear, Assemble Spear. |
Survivalist
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field survival recipes for fire and utility without infrastructure. | Produce basic fire ignition and maintenance items. | Initial focus: starting a fire without a lighter. Evolution: optimization of ignition materials. | Drill Plank, Make Magnesium Shavings. |
Fishing
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainable source of protein and fat in the long term. | Fishing with rod, bait and net; filleting for cooking. | Lv 1: improvised stick. Lv 2–3: capture efficiency. Lv 4+: fishing net for passive production. | Improvised Fishing Rod (1), Worm Bait (0), Fish Net (4), Fillet Fish (0). |
Farming
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable production of food, seeds and fertilization. | Plant, water, treat pests and harvest in cycles. | Lv 0–2: soil preparation and composting. Lv 3: pest control. Lv 4+: efficient seed recovery. | Dig Plot (0), Compost (2), Garden Spray (3), Seed Packet (4). |
Pottery
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modeling clay for molds and building materials. | Produce molds and press clay pieces manually. | Base: brick/tile molds. Progression: production standardization for base and construction. | Make Brick Mold, Make Shingle Mold, Make Tile Mold, Press Clay Brick Manually, Press Clay Tile Manually. |
Glassmaking
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production of glass containers and components for utility and construction. | Manufacture jars, bottles and panels from sand/thermal process. | Start: jar/bottle/cup. Medium: utility glass. Advanced: panel and mirror. | Make Glass Jar, Make Glass Bottle, Make Lantern Glass, Make Glass Panel, Make Mirror. |
Cooking
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Converts ingredients into better, safer meals. | Cook simple and evolved dishes, use leftovers. | Low Lv: basic preparation. Medium Lv: more efficient recipes. High Lv: better nutritional use and less waste. | Soup/Stew base, evolved Sandwich, Cut Up Turkey, preservation recipes. |
Trapping
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passive capture of small animals for meat and fur. | Position traps, choose the right bait and review schedules. | Lv 2–3: efficient basic traps. Lv 4+: advanced traps and better income. | Wire Trap (2), Wooden Box Trap (3), Cage Trap (4). |
Reloading
| How It Works | Training | Level Unlocks | Key Recipes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammunition reloading and maintaining the flow of combat with firearms. | Disassemble ammunition, reload cartridges and standardize stocks. | Lv 5: pistol reload (.45/9mm). Lv 6: 12 Gauge recharge. High levels reduce errors and time. | 9mm Round (5), .45 ACP Round (5), 12 Gauge Shell (6). |
Progression Tip: Read the skill book before training each skill. The XP multiplier drastically reduces the time to reach recipe unlock levels.
🪵 Carpentry
Carpentry is one of the most important skills for base building.
Fundamental Recipes
Saw Log into PlanksCarpentry 0
Ingredients
- 1× Log (log)
- 1× Hand Saw
→ 3× Plank
Base of all construction. Stacks of boards are essential.
Saw Log into Long SticksCarpentry 0
Ingredients
- 1× Log
- 1× Hand Saw
→ 4× Long Stick
Long Sticks used in constructions and improvised spears.
Chop LogCarpentry 0
Ingredients
- 1× Log
- 1× Ax or Hatchet
→ 8× Plank (vs. 3 from Hand Saw)
Ax is more efficient on boards than Saw!
Wooden Wall (Frame)Carpentry 1
Ingredients
- 4× Plank
- 4× Nail
- 1× Hammer
→ 1× Wooden Wall Frame
Then add planks to the frame for complete wall.
Wooden DoorCarpentry 3
Ingredients
- 6× Plank
- 6× Nail
- 1× Hammer
- 2× Hinge
- 1× Door Knob
→ 1× Wooden Door (installed on frame)
Essential for base security.
Barricade WindowCarpentry 1
Ingredients
- 2–4× Plank
- Nails
- 1× Hammer
→ Barricaded window (zombies don't enter)
First priority when laying foundation!
Rain Collector BarrelCarpentry 4
Ingredients
- 8× Plank
- 8× Nail
- 1× Hammer
→ 1× Rain Collector Barrel
Unlimited water source after water shortage. ESSENTIAL!
Wooden CrateCarpentry 1
Ingredients
- 3× Plank
- 3× Nail
- 1× Hammer
→ 1× Wooden Crate (50 units capacity)
Basic and functional storage for bases.
Wooden StairsCarpentry 5
Ingredients
- 8× Plank
- 8× Nail
- 1× Hammer
- 2× Long Stick
→ Staircase to second floor
Allows you to build base on multiple floors.
Wooden FenceCarpentry 2
Ingredients
- 4× Plank
- 2× Long Stick
- 4× Nail
- 1× Hammer
→ 1× Wooden Fence (perimeter)
Faster than a wall for area fencing.
Objects and Furniture
| Item | Skill | Main Ingredients | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden Chair | Carpentry 1 | 4× Plank, 4× Nail | Seating, decoration |
| Wooden Table | Carpentry 2 | 6× Plank, 6× Nail | Work Surface |
| Wooden Bed | Carpentry 3 | 10× Plank, 4× Nail, 1× Sheet | Sleep (less efficient than real bed) |
| Wooden Bookshelf | Carpentry 3 | 8× Plank, 8× Nail | Organized Storage |
| Wooden Floor | Carpentry 2 | 2× Plank, 2× Nail | Upper Floor Construction |
| Campfire | Carpentry 0 | 1× Small Stone, 1× Notched Wooden Plank | Improvised Campfire |
| Fireplace | Carpentry 5 | 25× Stone, 10× Plank | Permanent fireplace for base |
More Vanilla (Carpentry) Recipes
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Saw Wooden Rod | Initial | Converts boards into rods for smaller crafts. |
| Make Firewood Bundle / Unbundle Firewood | Home | Efficient fuel and transportation organization. |
| Make Wooden Toolbox | Advanced (learned) | Trade tool storage. |
| Make Oil Press | Advanced (learned) | Agricultural resource processing. |
⚙ Metallurgy & Welding
Metallurgy allows you to create extremely resistant structures, armor and force bars on windows.
Necessary Tools
- Blowtorch Torch — main welding tool. Uses Propane Tank as fuel.
- Welding Mask Welding mask — mandatory to use the torch without damaging your eyes.
- Propane Tank Torch fuel. Monitor the level.
- Metal Bar / Sheet Metal Metallurgy base materials.
- Grinder To create metallic powder from disassembled parts.
Metal WallMetalworking 3
Ingredients
- 3× Sheet Metal
- 3× Metal Bar
- Blowtorch + Welding Mask
→ Metal wall (stronger than wood)
Better base protection. Difficult to demolish.
Metal GateMetalworking 4
Ingredients
- 8× Metal Bar
- 4× Sheet Metal
- Blowtorch + Mask
→ Metal gate (vehicles pass through)
Essential for vehicle entry to the base.
Metal Bar DoorMetalworking 5
Ingredients
- 10× Metal Bar
- 2× Hinge
- Blowtorch + Mask
→ Metal grille door
Maximum security — virtually indestructible.
Metal Bar WindowMetalworking 2
Ingredients
- 6× Metal Bar
- Blowtorch + Mask
→ Metal Window Grille
Prevents zombies from entering through the window permanently.
Metal Armor
| Part | Skill Req. | Protection | Mobility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Helmet | Metalworking 6 | High (head) | Reduced (limited vision) |
| Metal Chest Plate | Metalworking 6 | Very High (torso) | Reduced |
| Metal Arm Guards | Metalworking 5 | High (arms) | Slight reduction |
| Metal Shin Guards | Metalworking 5 | High (legs) | Slight reduction |
More Vanilla Recipes (Metalworking)
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Make Barbed Wire | AutoLearn MetalWelding 4 | Perimeter defense and traps. |
| Make Metal Sheet / Small Metal Sheet | MetalWelding 4 | Base for doors, walls and reinforcements. |
| Refill BlowTorch | No fixed skill | Refills blowtorch with Propane Tank. |
| Cut Iron Band / Circular Sawblade | MetalWelding 4 | Recovers useful metal components. |
🧵 Tailoring
Sewing allows you to mend damaged clothing, add extra protection, and create leather and upholstery pieces.
Sewing Tools
- Needle Needle — basic sewing tool.
- Thread Thread — consumed in each sewing action.
- Scissors Scissors — for cutting fabric.
- Leather Strips Leather strips — from leather clothing or animals.
- Denim Strips Denim strips — ripping jeans.
Rip Clothing into StripsTailoring 0
Ingredients
- Any clothes
- Scissors or Knife
→ Ripped Sheets / Denim Strips / Leather Strips
Improvised bandage base and sewing.
Patch HoleTailoring 1
Ingredients
- Clothes with holes
- Needle + Thread
- Denim/Leather Strips
→ Patched clothing (restores condition)
Keeps clothes functional longer.
Add Leather PaddingTailoring 3
Ingredients
- Any clothing
- 2× Leather Strips
- Needle + Thread
→ Clothing with extra protection against bites
Adds anti-bite layer. Very effective!
Leather JacketTailoring 5
Ingredients
- 15× Leather Strips
- Needle + Thread (a lot)
→ Leather Jacket (high protection)
One of the best protections against torso bites.
Garbage Bag PonchoTailoring 0
Ingredients
- 1× Garbage Bag
- Scissors
→ Makeshift poncho (cheap waterproof)
Emergency rain protection at the start of the game.
Knitted SweaterTailoring 4 (Knitting)
Ingredients
- Wool Yarn (wool yarn — from sheep)
- Knitting Needles
→ Knitted Sweater (heating)
Requires sheep's wool. Excellent for winter.
Cloth and Leather Armor
| Part | Material | Skill | Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather Gloves | Leather Strips | Tailoring 3 | Hands — anti-scratch |
| Leather Boots | Leather Strips | Tailoring 4 | Feet — anti-bite |
| Leather Vest | Leather Strips | Tailoring 5 | Torso — anti-high bite |
| Leather Arm Covers | Leather Strips | Tailoring 3 | Arms — anti-bite |
| Leather Shin Guards | Leather Strips | Tailoring 4 | Legs — anti-bite |
| Tarp Coat | Tarpaulin | Tailoring 3 | Torso — waterproof and warm |
More Vanilla Recipes (Tailoring)
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Convert Into Fingerless Gloves | Initial | Converts regular gloves into a practical version. |
| Dye Clothes | Initial | Visual customization of clothes. |
| Sew Cloth Satchel | Intermediate | Lightweight craftable backpack. |
| Make Mattress / Sew Pillow | Intermediate | Sleeping comfort and functional furniture. |
More Vanilla (Knitting) Recipes
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Knit Beany | Initial | Head warmer with low material cost. |
| Knit Scarf | Home | Thermal neck protection in cold weather. |
| Knit Socks | Initial | Thermal layer for feet and prolonged use in winter. |
| Knit Balaclava Face / Full | Intermediate | Thermal protection of face and head. |
| Knit Sweater Vest | Intermediate | Chest piece for cold-weather builds. |
⚡ Electrical
Electrical skill allows you to create generators, alarms, lighting and radio systems.
Power Tools
- Screwdriver Screwdriver — power base tool.
- Multimeter Multimeter — check battery level and circuits.
- Electrical Wire Electrical wire — base component.
- Electronic Scrap Obtained by disassembling electronic devices.
Home AlarmElectrical 3
Ingredients
- Electrical Wire
- Electronic Scrap
- 1× Small Battery
→ Alarm installable on doors/windows
Triggers noise when triggered — intrusion warning.
Noise Maker TrapElectrical 2
Ingredients
- Electronic Scrap
- Electrical Wire
- 1× Tin Can
→ Sound trap (distracts zombies)
Creates sound to attract/distract zombies from an area.
Car Battery ChargerElectrical 5
Ingredients
- Electronic Scrap (various)
- Electrical Wire
- Duct Tape
→ Car Battery Charger
Essential for keeping vehicles running in the long term.
Lamp on PillarElectrical 1
Ingredients
- Electrical Wire
- 1× Light Bulb
- Plank
→ Permanent lighting for base
Connect to generator to light up base at night.
More Vanilla (Electrical) Recipes
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Remove Battery / Insert Battery | Initial | Battery management in flashlights and electronics. |
| Dismantle Electronics / Misc Electronics | Home | Electronics Scrap Farm and Components. |
| Make Improvised Flashlight / Lantern | Electricity 1 | Craftable emergency lighting. |
| Make Improvised Lighter | Research 4 / AutoLearn 5 | Alternative fire source. |
🔧 Mechanics
The mechanic skill allows you to repair and install parts in vehicles.
Vehicle Repair Recipes
Fix Engine PartMechanics 3+
Ingredients
- Wrench / Socket Wrench
- 1× Replacement Engine Part
- Jack for lower parts
→ Engine part repaired
Each part of the engine (carburetor, radiator, etc.) requires a specific level.
Change TireMechanics 1
Ingredients
- 1× Lug Wrench
- 1× Jack
- 1× Tire (tire)
→ Tire changed
One of the most common repairs. Always have spare tires.
Install BatteryMechanics 1
Ingredients
- 1× Screwdriver
- 1× Car Battery
→ Battery installed in the vehicle
Weak battery = car won't start. Check with Multimeter.
Weld Body PanelMechanics 4
Ingredients
- Blowtorch
- Welding Mask
- Sheet Metal
→ Repaired body panel
Keeps the vehicle in good visual and structural condition.
More Vanilla Recipes (Mechanics/Fixing)
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fix With Duct Tape / Adhesive Tape / Zipties | Variable by item | Quick repair of items and tools. |
| Fix With Glue / Wood Glue / Epoxy | Variable per item | Efficient durability maintenance. |
| Sharpen Blade / Grindstone Sharpen | No high level required | Recovers blade performance. |
| Fix Saw | Intermediate | Prevents loss of key crafting tools. |
🌿 Survival Crafting
Essential survival recipes — fire, primitive tools, camping utensils.
Notched Wooden PlankForaging 2
Ingredients
- 1× Plank or Tree Branch
- 1× Knife or Saw
→ Notched Wooden Plank (light fire)
Required with Wooden Drill to start a fire without a lighter.
Chipped StoneForaging 1 (Knapping)
Ingredients
- 1× Large Rock
- 1× Small Rock (for chipping)
→ Chipped Stone (primitive stone knife)
Primitive tool that replaces basic knife.
Stone KnifeForaging 2 (Knapping)
Ingredients
- 1× Chipped Stone
- 1× Tree Branch
- Ripped Sheets or Bark
→ Stone Knife (functional knife)
Completely self-contained stone weapon and tool.
Stone HammerForaging 2
Ingredients
- 1× Large Rock
- 1× Long Stick
- Ripped Sheets
→ Stone Hammer (primitive hammer)
Replaces metal hammer for basic carpentry.
CampfireSurvival 0
Ingredients
- 3× Wood / Log
- Optional: Small Stone ring
→ Campfire (outdoor bonfire)
Use Lighter, Matches or Notched Plank to light up.
Sleeping BagTailoring 1
Ingredients
- 8× Sheet / Ripped Sheets
- Needle + Thread
→ Improvised Sleeping Bag
To sleep outside in comfort.
More Vanilla (Trapping) Recipes
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Make Stick Trap | AutoLearn Trapping 2 | Capture small birds. |
| Make Snare Trap | Trapping 1 | Hunting rabbits and small mammals. |
| Make Trap Box | Woodwork 1 + Trapping 2 | Live capture with good success rate. |
| Make Cage Trap | Trapping 3 | Durable trap for continuous use. |
More Vanilla Recipes (Knapping & Survivalist)
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Make Sharp Flint Flake | Initial Knapping | Basic blade to start stone tool chain. |
| Make Stone Awl / Make Stone Drill | Intermediate knapping | Utility tools for wood and leather crafts. |
| Make Crude Stone Axe | Intermediate knapping | Heavy duty cutting tool for self-sufficiency in the bush. |
| Drill Plank | Early Survivalist | Ignition method without match or lighter. |
| Make Magnesium Shavings | Starter Survivalist | Ignition Accelerator for Fire in Bad Conditions. |
🔨 Improvised Weapons
Crafted weapons — generally less effective than those found, but available when there are no alternatives.
Barbed Wire BatCarpentry 2
Ingredients
- 1× Baseball Bat
- Barbed Wire
- Duct Tape
→ Barbed Wire Bat (Increased Dmg, Lacerations)
Causes lacerations to zombies. Extra damage but greater wear.
Bolt BatCarpentry 3
Ingredients
- 1× Baseball Bat
- Nails / Bolts
- Duct Tape or Glue
→ Bolt Bat (bolts in bat)
Heavier and with more blunt damage than a regular club.
Improvised SpearCarpentry 0
Ingredients
- 1× Long Stick
- 1× Chipped Stone or Kitchen Knife
- Ripped Sheets
→ Improvised Spear (high range)
Excellent range. Allows you to kill zombies while keeping your distance.
Bucket MaulCarpentry 3
Ingredients
- 1× Metal Bucket
- 1× Long Stick
- Duct Tape
→ Bucket Maul (heavy improvised maul)
High knockdown. Heavy but effective against groups.
Can Reinforced WeaponCarpentry 1
Ingredients
- Any wooden gun
- Empty Tin Can
- Duct Tape
→ Tin-reinforced weapon (more durable)
Increases durability of existing wooden weapons.
Make Brake WeaponMechanics 2
Ingredients
- 1× Brake Pad (vehicle part)
- 1× Pipe
- Duct Tape
→ Improvised Brake Weapon
Heavy blunt weapon made from brake piece.
More Vanilla (Farming) Recipes
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Make Mildew Cure | AutoLearn Farming 6 | Treating mold on crops. |
| Make Aphids Cure | AutoLearn Farming 6 | Fight aphids without losing crops. |
| Put Seeds In Packet / Open Packet | Initial | Seed organization and planting logistics. |
| Make Scarecrow | Intermediate | Supports the protection of the cultivation area. |
More Vanilla (Spear Crafting) Recipes
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Carve Spear | Initial | Creates the spear base for ranged combat. |
| Fire Harden Spear | Intermediate | Improves spear performance and consistency in use. |
| Bind Spear | Intermediate | Mounting reinforcement for tip stability. |
| Duct Tape Spear / Wire Spear | Intermediate | Reinforced versions for prolonged use. |
| Assemble Spear | Advanced | Assemble with better parts for damage and durability. |
🪤 Traps
Traps are used to hunt small animals and warn/deter invaders.
Wire TrapTrapping 2
Ingredients
- Electrical Wire or String
→ Wire Trap (catches rabbits and squirrels)
Bait with vegetables or fruits. Place on animal tracks.
Wooden Box TrapTrapping 3
Ingredients
- 3× Plank
- String
- 1× Stick
→ Box Trap (rabbits, mice, squirrels)
Catch alive to keep or slaughter later.
Cage TrapTrapping 4
Ingredients
- Wire
- Metal Bar
→ Cage Trap (live capture)
More durable than wooden box.
Pipe Bomb TrapElectrical 4
Ingredients
- Pipe
- Propane Tank (small)
- Electrical Wire
- Alarm Clock
→ Explosive trap (dangerous!)
Explosion when triggered. Use with extreme caution.
More Vanilla (Fishing) Recipes
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Fix Fishing Rod | AutoLearn Fishing 4 | Reuses broken rod and reduces cost. |
| Make Chum | AutoLearn Fishing 5 | Increases catch efficiency. |
| Harvest Roe | No fixed skill | Use of food by-product. |
| Get Wire Back (Broken Net) | AutoLearn Fishing 7 | Recovers material from broken net. |
⛺ Camping & Expedition
TentTailoring 3
Ingredients
- Tarpaulin or Canvas
- Long Sticks
- String / Rope
→ Buildable tent (portable dormitory)
Allows you to sleep in the field with some protection.
TorchSurvival 0
Ingredients
- 1× Long Stick or Stick
- Ripped Sheets
- Bourbon / Alcohol (for imbuing)
→ Torch (improvised flashlight)
Light without battery. Lasts in hours, not days.
CandleSurvival 0
Ingredients
- Wax
- String (for wick)
→ Candle
Base stationary lighting. No power required.
Pot HolderCarpentry 1
Ingredients
- 2× Metal Bar
- Campfire
→ Pot Holder
Allows you to cook in a pot/frying pan over a fire.
🌱 Agriculture
See also the World → Agriculture page for farming details.
CompostFarming 2
Ingredients
- Organic waste (spoiled food, leaves)
- Compost Bin
→ Fertilizer (organic fertilizer)
Best fertilizer in the game — increases growth speed.
Dig PlotFarming 0
Ingredients
- 1× Shovel or Garden Hoe
- Suitable soil (earth)
→ Bed prepared for planting
First step. Prepared soil accepts seeds.
Garden SprayFarming 3
Ingredients
- Bug Spray (pesticide)
- Garden Spray Bottle
→ Spray to eliminate pests
Use on crops with flies/pests to save harvest.
Seed PacketFarming 4
Ingredients
- Specific ripe vegetable
- Knife
→ Seed Packet (seeds for next harvest)
Seed sustainability — never go unplanted.
🎣 Fishing
Fishing Rod (improvised)Fishing 1
Ingredients
- 1× Long Stick or Cane
- String or Fishing Line
- Fishing Hook
→ Improvised Fishing Rod
Functional. Not as effective as found stick.
Worm (bait)Fishing 0
Ingredients
- Soil in the field (forage)
→ Worm (basic bait)
Most common bait. All fish accept it.
Fish NetFishing 4
Ingredients
- Fishing Line
- String
→ Fish Net
Put it in the water, come back later — passive fishing!
Fillet FishFishing 0
Ingredients
- 1× Raw fish
- 1× Knife
→ Fish fillet (easier to cook)
Required for some cooking recipes.
💥 Ammunition
Manufacturing long-term ammunition is essential for firearms users.
Crafting ammunition requires high Aiming/Reloading skill and rare materials. Prioritize collecting ammo by loot in the first few months.
| Ammunition | Skill Req. | Ingredients | Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9mm Round | Reloading 5 | Empty 9mm Casing + Primer + Gunpowder + Small Bullet | Reused 9mm cartridges |
| .45 ACP Round | Reloading 5 | Empty .45 Casing + Primer + Gunpowder + Bullet | Reused .45 cartridges |
| 12 Gauge Shell | Reloading 6 | Empty Shell + Primer + Gunpowder + Shot | Reused shotgun cartridge |
More Vanilla (Ammunition) Recipes
| Recipe | Level/Learning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gather Gunpowder | Learned / suitable workbench | Production of input for reloading. |
| Open Box of Bullets (20/50) | Initial | Ammunition management and fractionation. |
| Open Box of Shotgun Shells | Home | Quick access to 12 Gauge ammo. |
| Place Ammo in Box | Home | Reorganizes ammo for storage and transport. |
📻 Radio & Electronics
Building radios allows communication and detecting signals from survivors.
Walkie TalkieElectrical 3
Ingredients
- Electronic Scrap
- Electrical Wire
- Small Battery
- Antenna
→ Improvised Walkie Talkie
Short-range communication in multiplayer.
Ham RadioElectrical 6
Ingredients
- Electronic Scrap (various)
- Electrical Wire
- Car Battery or Power
- Ham Radio Microphone
→ Long range amateur radio
Long-range communication. Receives government broadcasts.
🏺 Pottery, Glass & Stone
Clay PotPottery 2
Ingredients
- Clay (foraged clay)
- Pottery Wheel or hands
- Kiln (ceramic kiln) to harden
→ Clay Pot
Self-contained container. Can be used to store liquids.
Glass BottleGlassmaking 3
Ingredients
- Sand
- Glass Furnace
- Glassblowing Pipe
→ Glass Bottle
Replacement bottle for drinks and molotovs.
Molotov CocktailAny
Ingredients
- 1× Glass bottle
- Alcohol (Bourbon/Vodka/Gasoline)
- 1× Ripped Sheet
→ Molotov Cocktail
Area firearm. Fires when broken. Very effective in groups.
🔩 Disassembly
Disassembling objects and devices is essential to obtain rare components.
Important Items to Dismantle
| Item | Result | Useful Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Radio, TV, Computer | Electronic Scrap, Small Motor, Electrical Wire | Electrical 2+ |
| Generator | Engine Parts, Metal Bar | Mechanics 4+ |
| Fan, Mixer | Small Motor, Wire, Scrap Metal | Electrical 1+ |
| Firearms | Gun Components, Recoil Pad, Barrel | Reloading 3+ |
| Clothes | Denim/Leather/Ripped Strips | Tailoring 0 |
| Furniture (tables, chairs) | Plank, Nail | Carpentry 2+ |
| Car | Engine Parts, Battery, Tires, Metal Scrap | Mechanics 2+ |
Disassembly as a Skill: Dismantling objects with the right tool (Screwdriver, Wrench) gives XP in the corresponding skill. Excellent for training Electrical and Mechanics at the beginning of the game.