What changed in Project Zomboid in 2024
150 updates · 38 main milestones · Jan 25, 2024 to Dec 23, 2024
- 10 eventsFixed weapons with 0 base rate from jamming on rackbug fixSteamSet default sandbox jam multiplier to 0balance changeSteamAdded sandbox multipliers for jamming, weather and moodle effectsnew contentSteamAdded boolean sandbox option to disable headgear vision penaltiesnew contentSteamFixed tutorial running to the outhouse step from being brokenbug fixSteamAdjusted point blank distance to 3.5 tilesbalance changeSteamReduced moodle hitChance penalties by halfbalance changeSteamIncluded additional HitChance modifiers for point blank distancebalance change
Moodles, weather, lighting and headgear are now considered.
SteamFixed tutorial shotgun from potentially jammingbug fixSteamSignificantly reduced jamming ratesbalance changeMilestoneSteam - 29 eventsFixed a butchering exploitbug fixSteamFixed rendering issues with zoom disabledbug fixSteamFixed not being able to open doors during timed actionsbug fixSteamFixed bink videos not playing without 'media' directorybug fixSteamModelInstance::getAttachmentWorldPosition normalizes direction vectorbug fixSteamFixed Zeds playing wrong animation when shoved downbug fix
Adjusted various conditions for Zed animations.
SteamBreaded foods renamed to FriedotherSteamFix for 'no UI'/'black screen' at game startbug fixHelps with problematic screenresolution.ini file, but not with old AMD cards bug.
SteamFixed Chickenpocalypsebug fixSteamFixed multiple recipes in knappingbug fixSteamRebuilt Linux pzbullet librariesotherSteamWooden Cudgel renamed to Large BranchotherSteamRemoved placeholder UI soundsbug fixSteamUpdated PZBullet Win32/64 nativesotherSteamFixed Make_Stone_Knife requiring Maintenance 5 instead of 1bug fixSteamModified default sandbox options for animalsgameplayMade milk/wool on Fast by default; egg hatch time adjusted.
SteamFixed array indexing in PZBallistics::getCameraTargetsbug fixSteamConvert GLSL 330 syntax to 150 for lower OpenGL versionsperformanceShould allow the game to run on MacOS again, in theory.
SteamRebuilt libbink64.dylibotherSteamFixed texture compression being disabledbug fixSteamFixed BallisticsTargets not being clearedbug fixSteamReduced Melee Weapon Muscle strainbalance changeNow 60% of the previous amount; other sources of Muscle Strain are unaffected.
SteamFixed game closing while shootingbug fixSteam - 9 eventsDeer Migration and Tracking Systemgameplay
Deer now migrate along paths and leave tracks for players with tracking skills.
SteamGrappleTech Animation Issuesbug fixClipping and animation issues while interacting with corpses need improvements.
SteamCrafting UI Issuesbug fixSearch bar ignores selected categories and recipes can use items instead of values.
SteamBuild Menu Issuesbug fixTile properties for new constructions need setup; players can't disassemble moveable objects.
SteamRare Game Crash with M16bug fixMilestoneA rare crash during heavy usage of the M16 is a top priority for fixing.
SteamBuild 42 Unstable Releasenew contentMilestoneBuild 42 Unstable is now available for players to test.
SteamGeneral Known Issuesbug fixIncludes missing 3D models, animal pathfinding bugs, and UI improvements needed.
SteamKnown Issues with Ballistics Systembug fixProblems with shooting at crawlers and on stairs will be addressed in the new year.
Steam - 10 eventsAnimal Husbandry Featuresnew contentMilestone
Introduction of animals like deer and rabbits, with tracking and care mechanics.
SteamFishing Gameplay EnhancementsgameplayFeedback-driven improvements planned for fishing mechanics.
SteamImproved Stealth MechanicsgameplayEnhanced stealth mechanics tied to environmental factors like light and weather.
SteamChanges to Combat Mechanicsbalance changeCombat now builds up muscle strain, affecting player tactics.
SteamDynamic Music and Player Vocalsnew contentAdded dynamic music and player vocalizations to enhance gameplay experience.
SteamCrafting UI Improvementsquality of lifeRefinements to the crafting UI for better intuitiveness and consistency.
SteamRebalanced Zombie SpawnsgameplayMilestoneChanges to zombie spawn rates to make gameplay more tactical and slower.
SteamNew Lighting and Map Additionsnew contentMilestoneIntroduction of new lighting effects and additional map areas.
SteamRadial Menu for Livestock Carequality of lifeAdded a radial menu to simplify livestock care management.
Steam - 8 eventsCrafting UI Improvements Plannedui ux
The Crafting UI will receive more attention and improvements in future updates.
SteamAnimal Husbandry Improvementsbug fixWorking on automating animal zoning to improve gameplay experience.
SteamImproved Reading Materials GraphicsvisualsUpdated the graphic design of flyers to enhance visual appeal.
SteamEnhanced Container Liquid Fillingquality of lifeIncreased the variety of containers that can be filled with liquids, improving early game survival.
SteamZed Awareness and Stealth RebalancinggameplayMilestoneRebalancing zombie senses to account for lighting, obstacles, and weather effects.
SteamImproved Zombie Grouping MechanicsgameplayMilestoneChanges to zombie spawning make the world feel more alive and allow for better exploration.
SteamNew Abandoned Sanatorium Locationnew contentIntroduced a fictionalized version of the Waverley Hills, complete with a 'death tunnel'.
SteamCombat Tighteningbalance changeMilestoneAddressed combat irregularities leading to unfair deaths and improved zed targeting.
Steam - 14 eventsNew Art Commissionedvisuals
Commissioned new art for various in-game screens, including the MP connection menu.
SteamOptimized Player View ConeperformanceImproved optimization of the player's view cone for better performance in busy areas.
SteamEnhanced Animal PathfindingaiAnimals now navigate more realistically around walls and structures.
SteamIncreased Animal EncountersgameplayMore opportunities for players to encounter animals, especially in non-farm and forest areas.
SteamGlow-Up for Nu_Twiggys LocationvisualsVisual enhancements for the survivor-favorite location, including day and night visuals.
SteamNew In-Game Business FlyersvisualsFinalized newspapers and business flyers to encourage exploration and reveal interesting areas.
SteamImprovements in Team Organizationquality of lifeEnhanced organization and communication within the development team as Build 42 progresses.
SteamImproved Fishing MechanicsgameplayFishing is now clearer and easier for new players, with better messaging for fish presence and catches.
SteamBody-Dragging Issues Fixedbug fixResolved bugs related to body-dragging, including phasing through walls.
SteamUpdated Zombie Heat MapgameplayMilestoneRevised zombie spawn locations for more realistic gameplay, with zombies appearing near lootable locations.
SteamProfessional Localization for Build 42localizationMilestoneComplete professional translation of the game into 21 languages, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
SteamMap Updates and FixesworldTesting and fixing of new towns and existing areas, particularly in Muldraugh.
Steam - 9 eventsWeapon Testing Updatesaudio
Recent in-game weapon testing featuring new items and familiar weapons.
SteamImproved Animation Logic Toolquality of lifeMilestoneDevelopment of a new logic network editor to enhance character animation integration.
SteamMultiplayer Security EnhancementsperformanceMilestoneImprovements made to server-side inventory and anti-cheat measures for better multiplayer security.
SteamRandomized Animal Pathsnew contentImplementation of dynamic animal paths for deer and other wildlife.
SteamNew Building UIui uxMilestoneA new categorized building UI to improve the building experience in the game.
SteamAddressing Showstopper Bugsbug fixMilestoneOngoing efforts to resolve serious bugs and improve gameplay experience.
SteamNew Crafting System ImplementationgameplayMilestoneIntroduction of a revamped crafting system with additional features still to come.
SteamSheet Rope Climbing Mechanics Revisedbalance changeAll players now have a chance to fall when climbing sheet ropes after a grace period, influenced by various factors.
SteamNew Modding ArchitecturemoddingMilestoneIntroduction of a versioned mod system to support compatibility across game updates.
Steam - 11 eventsGrappletech Animation UpdateperformanceMilestone
Update to animation tech allowing direct interactions between characters.
SteamNighttime Glow-up of MuldraughvisualsTesting the visual enhancements of Muldraugh at night for improved aesthetics.
SteamXP Changes for Scrapping and Dismantlingbalance changeScrapping and dismantling items will no longer grant XP to prevent barren maps.
SteamFinalization of Newspapers for Loot TablesotherNewspapers have been finalized and will be added to the game's loot tables.
SteamSkill XP Multipliers in Sandbox SettingsgameplaySandbox settings now include options for Skill XP multipliers for individual skills.
SteamEnhanced Roomtones and AmbiancesaudioSound team has created building-specific roomtones and ambiances for immersive experiences.
SteamBoosted XP for Building and Repairingbalance changeXP for actions such as building structures and repairing clothing has been increased.
SteamIntroduction of Random and Permanent Basementsnew contentNew subterranean lairs including random and permanent basements added to the game.
SteamImproved Body Dragging Animationbug fixFixed issues with the animation of dragging bodies and throwing them through windows.
SteamAutolearn Requirement for RecipesgameplayMany recipes now come with an 'Autolearn' requirement based on skill levels.
SteamNew Crafting Skills: Knapping and Carvingnew contentAdded skills for wilderness play, allowing players to fashion stone blades and carve wood and bone.
Steam - 6 eventsImproved Zombie Pathing in Multiplayerperformance
Enhancements to the movement and direction of zombies chasing players in multiplayer mode.
SteamRevamped Muldraugh Public BuildingsvisualsPublic buildings in Muldraugh have been redesigned to appear more realistic and fitting for the town's aesthetic.
SteamIntroduction of New Craft Disciplinesnew contentMilestoneNew craft disciplines including Metal Smelting, Blacksmithing, Pottery, and more will be introduced in the beta.
SteamCombat Targeting Improvementsbug fixFixes to unfair targeting issues during combat to enhance player experience.
SteamLighting System Improvementsbalance changeImprovements to the in-game lighting system for better atmospheric effects and realism.
SteamNew Biome System for Foragingnew contentMilestoneA new biome system has been implemented, allowing for more varied and realistic foraging areas throughout the map.
Steam - 7 eventsWar Manager Featuregameplay
New feature for server admins to manage conflicts between rival groups with customizable settings.
SteamNew Loot ItemsgameplayIntroduction of novelty key-rings and interesting bags/containers to enhance looting experience.
SteamMultiplayer Server EnhancementsnetworkMilestoneNew features for server customization, improved anti-cheat settings, and role management.
SteamCrafting Overhaul ProgressgameplayMilestoneSignificant updates to the crafting system to enhance end game community building and reduce reliance on looting.
SteamNew Lore AssetsgameplayIntroduction of newspapers and flyers to enhance immersion and lore related to the Knox Event.
SteamMap Visual ImprovementsvisualsExisting towns have been visually enhanced with new tiles and larger buildings.
SteamLighting System UpgradevisualsImprovements to the lighting system for more realistic dark environments and consistent color temperatures.
Steam - 8 eventsPolishing Louisville Mapworld
Ongoing improvements to the Louisville map with a focus on rooftops and higher floors.
SteamIntroduction of GrappleTech Animation Systemnew contentMilestoneNew animation system allowing for synchronized character interactions during grappling.
SteamAnimal Crafting MechanicsgameplayMilestoneIntroduction of new animal crafting processes including butchering and leather production.
SteamRedesigned Weapon Crafting SystemgameplayMilestoneNew crafting mechanics for weapons with varying durability and quality based on crafting methods.
SteamVariety of Generatorsnew contentIntroduction of different types of generators with unique characteristics.
SteamItem Packaging Systemquality of lifeNew system allowing players to pack items into boxes for better storage efficiency.
SteamNew Recipe Magazines and CollectiblesgameplayAddition of unique recipe magazines to enhance looting variety and player experience.
SteamFluid System OverhaulgameplayComplete conversion of fluid mechanics including effects of drinking and rain interactions.
Steam - 8 eventsZombie Pathfinding and Horde MechanicsgameplayMilestone
Changes to zombie behavior near fences and new mechanics for large hordes.
SteamGun Mechanics Overhaulbalance changeMilestoneSignificant changes to hit and critical chances based on environmental factors and player conditions.
SteamEnhanced Underground SoundscapesaudioImproved audio effects for underground environments, including ambient sounds and room tones.
SteamLate-Game Armor System Improvementsnew contentMilestoneIntroduction of new armor types crafted from various materials, enhancing late-game survival.
SteamIntroduction of Readable Materialsnew contentMilestoneLootable newspapers, community news pamphlets, and local business flyers added to enhance world-building.
SteamGrass and Undergrowth Visual ImprovementsvisualsMilestoneUpdated grass sprites and added depth buffer support for more realistic interactions.
SteamSkyscraper Playability TestingperformanceTesting performance and balancing for skyscrapers with high zombie spawn rates.
SteamNew Secondary UI API Systemui uxA flexible UI system for creating readable text UIs, allowing modders to manipulate templates easily.
Steam - 13 eventsNew Game Item: Wooden Coffinnew content
Introduction of a new game item, the wooden coffin, in the Event Zone's Wild West tourist attraction.
SteamPermanent Underground Structures Addednew contentNew permanent underground structures are being added to the map for testing, featuring randomized basement locations.
SteamAnti-Cheat Functionality ImprovementsnetworkMilestoneFinalization of anti-cheat measures by moving inventory processing from clients to the server.
SteamNew Debug GUI Library for ModdersmoddingImplementation of imgui for easier debugging and integration of various aspects of the game.
SteamNew Hand-Crafting InterfacegameplayMilestoneIntroduction of a new interface for hand-crafting items on in-game surfaces, requiring logical surfaces for certain crafts.
Steam4K UI EnhancementsvisualsHigher-resolution UIs for 4K players are being prepared for the internal test build.
SteamIntegration of Bink for Video PlaybackperformanceIntegration of Bink middleware for in-game video playback, including tutorials and cut-scenes.
SteamEnhanced Sound Effects for Underground StructuresaudioImprovements to sound effects in underground structures, including wildlife sounds and muffled echoes.
SteamDisguise Option for MultiplayergameplayNew disguise option for players in multiplayer, allowing anonymity through face coverings.
SteamChanges to Crafting Mechanicsbalance changeCrafting mechanics adjusted to require surfaces for certain items, affecting player habits and behaviors.
SteamProcedurally Generated WildernessworldMilestoneDevelopment of a procedurally generated wilderness outside the main map, allowing for seamless transitions.
SteamMultiplayer Synchronization EnhancementsnetworkImprovements to character synchronization and debugging of unexpected zombie appearances in multiplayer.
SteamCharacter Traits Gameplay ImplicationsgameplayCertain character traits now have more direct gameplay implications, affecting visibility and gameplay.
Steam - 8 eventsBroken Weapon Mechanicsgameplay
Adding broken versions of existing weapons for crafting and gory effects when they break.
SteamPost-Apocalyptic Improvised Weaponsnew contentMilestoneIntroduction of new crafted weapons inspired by real-life improvised weapons.
SteamMajor Rendering OptimizationperformanceMilestoneSignificant improvements to map rendering for better framerate on midrange and higher systems, especially at 4K resolution.
SteamGPU Memory Usage InvestigationperformanceInvestigating GPU memory usage issues on low-end systems due to new optimizations.
SteamZombie Animation OptimizationperformanceMilestoneImplementation of PenguinTech to optimize zombie animations and improve performance during hordes.
SteamNew Lighting Propagation SystemvisualsMilestoneEnhanced lighting system that simulates reflective light for more immersive environments.
SteamImproved Viewing ConegameplayNewly-coded viewing cone for smoother and more accurate visibility without relying on tile lighting.
SteamBasement and Underground SupportgameplayMilestoneEngine upgrade allows for levels from -32 to +32, enabling more complex building designs.
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