Cult survival game gets many new features. Project Zomboid Build 42 impresses with scale but stable version may take years
Build 42 for Project Zomboid can already be played in an unstable version, which will be developed for a long time by The Indie Stone studio.
Big update for Project Zomboid is now available for testing. As promised, The Indie Stone released a beta version of the much-anticipated Build 42 for its popular undead title. The patch can be checked by selecting "build" in the "Properties" of the game, in the "Beta" tab on Steam.
The list of changes essentially stayed the same as what the developer announced at the end of November. Build 42 lets you explore the updated combat and stealth mechanics, an enlarged map featuring new cities and locations, including underground areas, animals both wild and domestic, early versions of crafting and hunting systems, and numerous other big and small improvements. This is complemented by a more refined storyline.
Project Zomboid Build 42 is currently "unstable"
Please keep in mind that the current Build 42 is "unstable." This means not only the absence of a few features that will appear in the full version (crafting, professions, and skills are set to be expanded in the future) and bugs or glitches needing refinement (including only "working" Steam Deck support) but also incompatibility with saves and mods for the current stable version of Project Zomboid.
Developers have already laid out the development plans for the beta. The studio has identified priorities, including refining interfaces related to new building and crafting systems, expanding hunting, and implementing various fixes related to gameplay balance.
The Steam announcement also highlighted the discovered issues and requested patience, as the team often makes substantial changes in "unstable" builds. This could also mean that - as with previous major updates - we may have to wait a few years for the release of Build 42.
Players appreciated many of the innovations in Version 42, despite some complaints. However, the disagreement over the assessment of the new combat system, among other aspects, prevents us from determining if these complaints are warranted. Outside of the game itself, there has been a lot of confusion surrounding allegations of using AI to create new loading screens and the main menu. The Indie Stone studio assured that it didn't use the services of "artistic" artificial intelligence but fans still don't trust the developers.
More:Project Zomboid Will Get Ambitious Narrative System for NPCs
