author: Michal Harat
List of New Features in Project Zomboid Build 42 is Long and Promising. Popular Survival Game with 94% Rating on Steam Receives Major Update
The survival game Project Zomboid will soon get a huge update. Build 42 in the test version may arrive later this year, and internal testers are already excited.
It's been 3 years since The Indie Stone studio released the last major update for their survival hit Project Zomboid. However, it's time to bid farewell to the old version of the game at last - the developers have shared information on their blog that directly points to the imminent arrival of Build 42. What's more, according to a comment from one of the devs posted on the game's Steam community forum, a new test update could be released later this year. In turn, the public version will be released when it is "ready."
With Build 42, we're at the tail end and it will release on the Unstable beta branch within the next couple of months, unless something happens and/or we and testers aren't happy with the build, whatever reason. (…) If we already knew it wouldn't release it in 2024, we'd say so.
The latest game build is shaping up to be great, according to the internal testers' comments shared by the developers on their blog. In their opinion, exploration is even better than before, and the world "seems more alive." This version allegedly perfectly balances the dense atmosphere with a high level of difficulty.
The mentioned post, apart from the feedback that the devs have received from the closed beta testers of Project Zomboid Build 42 so far, also includes a reference to the complete list of new features that the upcoming update will introduce. It must be admitted that it is impressive.
Project Zomboid Build 42
As noted by the developers at The Indie Stone, the upcoming update will bring a number of changes to crafting and building. Until now, players who have well-secured and supplied their shelter didn't have much to do in this area. From now on, the so-called "Endgame" is set to offer significantly more creative options in the crafting system, including pottery, blacksmithing, and stone processing.
New crafting options
Basements and extremely tall buildings will be a new feature that players will definitely notice when encountering Build 42 for the first time. (The tallest one is supposed to have 32 floors!) Besides skyscrapers and damp underground areas, when exploring the map we will also come across bunkers and "panic rooms."
32nd floor skyscraper
Another significant change that the developers are preparing is a completely new lighting system. Devs emphasize that it will be much more realistic and if you believe the testers, it really is. As they report:
In regards to the darkness: I think it’s perfect, I love the horror feeling of it. You really actually fully need a flashlight.
I got cocky and had a small horde chase me. (...) I opened and closed behind me a random door inside, to try lose them. I was accidentally now stood in pitch black. I scrambled for the glowing light switch as the door was now being slammed by the chasing horde, only to realise I’d run into the world’s tiniest bathroom.
The developers have prepared many new features for Build 42, and it's impossible to list all of them. Therefore, I encourage you to see the full list. In short, I can add that the game will feature three new cities, new vehicles, clothes, and functional items (including items for tents and sleeping bags). Farming, animal breeding, fishing, and hunting will be improved.
The sound will also change – the music will now react to our actions and adapt to the events in which we participate (the so-called adaptive soundtrack). Our characters will also receive new "callouts" that will come in handy in multiplayer.
Project Zomboid is available in Early Access on Steam for $19.99 and on the GOG platform (currently with a 33% discount – $15.58 instead of $23.26). The game has a steady and impressive level of popularity, with over 17,000 players currently enjoying it simultaneously, and a 24-hour peak of over 40,000 people. The title on Valve's platform also has 94% positive reviews (almost 250 thousand users left their opinion).
