What changed in Project Zomboid in 2024

150 updates · 38 main milestones · Jan 25, 2024 to Dec 23, 2024

  1. 10 events
    Fixed weapons with 0 base rate from jamming on rackbug fix
    Steam
    Set default sandbox jam multiplier to 0balance change
    Steam
    Added sandbox multipliers for jamming, weather and moodle effectsnew content
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    Added boolean sandbox option to disable headgear vision penaltiesnew content
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    Fixed tutorial running to the outhouse step from being brokenbug fix
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    Adjusted point blank distance to 3.5 tilesbalance change
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    Reduced moodle hitChance penalties by halfbalance change
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    Included additional HitChance modifiers for point blank distancebalance change

    Moodles, weather, lighting and headgear are now considered.

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    Fixed tutorial shotgun from potentially jammingbug fix
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    Significantly reduced jamming ratesbalance changeMilestone
    Steam
  2. 29 events
    Fixed a butchering exploitbug fix
    Steam
    Fixed rendering issues with zoom disabledbug fix
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    Fixed not being able to open doors during timed actionsbug fix
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    Fixed bink videos not playing without 'media' directorybug fix
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    ModelInstance::getAttachmentWorldPosition normalizes direction vectorbug fix
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    Fixed Zeds playing wrong animation when shoved downbug fix

    Adjusted various conditions for Zed animations.

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    Breaded foods renamed to Friedother
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    Fixed a missing floor in cell 16,24bug fix

    Causing the player to fall forever.

    Steam
    Fix for 'no UI'/'black screen' at game startbug fix

    Helps with problematic screenresolution.ini file, but not with old AMD cards bug.

    Steam
    Traits renamedother

    Several traits have been renamed for clarity.

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    Fixed Chickenpocalypsebug fix
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    Fixed multiple recipes in knappingbug fix
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    Rebuilt Linux pzbullet librariesother
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    Wooden Cudgel renamed to Large Branchother
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    Fixed recipe code for pack of batteriesbug fix

    That spawned in the world.

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    Removed placeholder UI soundsbug fix
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    Updated PZBullet Win32/64 nativesother
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    Fixed Make_Stone_Knife requiring Maintenance 5 instead of 1bug fix
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    Modified default sandbox options for animalsgameplay

    Made milk/wool on Fast by default; egg hatch time adjusted.

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    Fixed glitchy model rendering affecting modsbug fix

    Due to not-normalized bone weights.

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    Fixed array indexing in PZBallistics::getCameraTargetsbug fix
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    Convert GLSL 330 syntax to 150 for lower OpenGL versionsperformance

    Should allow the game to run on MacOS again, in theory.

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    Rebuilt libbink64.dylibother
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    Fixed texture compression being disabledbug fix
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    Fixed BallisticsTargets not being clearedbug fix
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    Reduced Melee Weapon Muscle strainbalance change

    Now 60% of the previous amount; other sources of Muscle Strain are unaffected.

    Steam
    Reduced memory usageperformance

    Garbage creation avoided in several places.

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    Very Long Stick renamed to Long Stickother

    Still above average.

    Steam
    Fixed game closing while shootingbug fix
    Steam
  3. 9 events
    Deer Migration and Tracking Systemgameplay

    Deer now migrate along paths and leave tracks for players with tracking skills.

    Steam
    GrappleTech Animation Issuesbug fix

    Clipping and animation issues while interacting with corpses need improvements.

    Steam
    XP Gain Adjustmentsbalance change

    Adjustments to experience gain have been implemented.

    Steam
    Crafting UI Issuesbug fix

    Search bar ignores selected categories and recipes can use items instead of values.

    Steam
    Build Menu Issuesbug fix

    Tile properties for new constructions need setup; players can't disassemble moveable objects.

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    Rare Game Crash with M16bug fixMilestone

    A rare crash during heavy usage of the M16 is a top priority for fixing.

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    Build 42 Unstable Releasenew contentMilestone

    Build 42 Unstable is now available for players to test.

    Steam
    General Known Issuesbug fix

    Includes missing 3D models, animal pathfinding bugs, and UI improvements needed.

    Steam
    Known Issues with Ballistics Systembug fix

    Problems with shooting at crawlers and on stairs will be addressed in the new year.

    Steam
  4. 10 events
    Animal Husbandry Featuresnew contentMilestone

    Introduction of animals like deer and rabbits, with tracking and care mechanics.

    Steam
    Fishing Gameplay Enhancementsgameplay

    Feedback-driven improvements planned for fishing mechanics.

    Steam
    Wild Turkeys Addednew content

    Introduction of wild turkeys to the game.

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    Improved Stealth Mechanicsgameplay

    Enhanced stealth mechanics tied to environmental factors like light and weather.

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    Changes to Combat Mechanicsbalance change

    Combat now builds up muscle strain, affecting player tactics.

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    Dynamic Music and Player Vocalsnew content

    Added dynamic music and player vocalizations to enhance gameplay experience.

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    Crafting UI Improvementsquality of life

    Refinements to the crafting UI for better intuitiveness and consistency.

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    Rebalanced Zombie SpawnsgameplayMilestone

    Changes to zombie spawn rates to make gameplay more tactical and slower.

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    New Lighting and Map Additionsnew contentMilestone

    Introduction of new lighting effects and additional map areas.

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    Radial Menu for Livestock Carequality of life

    Added a radial menu to simplify livestock care management.

    Steam
  5. 8 events
    Crafting UI Improvements Plannedui ux

    The Crafting UI will receive more attention and improvements in future updates.

    Steam
    Animal Husbandry Improvementsbug fix

    Working on automating animal zoning to improve gameplay experience.

    Steam
    Improved Reading Materials Graphicsvisuals

    Updated the graphic design of flyers to enhance visual appeal.

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    Enhanced Container Liquid Fillingquality of life

    Increased the variety of containers that can be filled with liquids, improving early game survival.

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    Zed Awareness and Stealth RebalancinggameplayMilestone

    Rebalancing zombie senses to account for lighting, obstacles, and weather effects.

    Steam
    Improved Zombie Grouping MechanicsgameplayMilestone

    Changes to zombie spawning make the world feel more alive and allow for better exploration.

    Steam
    New Abandoned Sanatorium Locationnew content

    Introduced a fictionalized version of the Waverley Hills, complete with a 'death tunnel'.

    Steam
    Combat Tighteningbalance changeMilestone

    Addressed combat irregularities leading to unfair deaths and improved zed targeting.

    Steam
  6. 14 events
    New Art Commissionedvisuals

    Commissioned new art for various in-game screens, including the MP connection menu.

    Steam
    New Rare Vehicle Spawnsgameplay

    Introduction of super rare vehicles in specific towns.

    Steam
    New Depth Textures Addedvisuals

    42's new depth textures have been added to scenery and items.

    Steam
    Optimized Player View Coneperformance

    Improved optimization of the player's view cone for better performance in busy areas.

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    Enhanced Animal Pathfindingai

    Animals now navigate more realistically around walls and structures.

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    Increased Animal Encountersgameplay

    More opportunities for players to encounter animals, especially in non-farm and forest areas.

    Steam
    Glow-Up for Nu_Twiggys Locationvisuals

    Visual enhancements for the survivor-favorite location, including day and night visuals.

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    New In-Game Business Flyersvisuals

    Finalized newspapers and business flyers to encourage exploration and reveal interesting areas.

    Steam
    Improvements in Team Organizationquality of life

    Enhanced organization and communication within the development team as Build 42 progresses.

    Steam
    Improved Fishing Mechanicsgameplay

    Fishing is now clearer and easier for new players, with better messaging for fish presence and catches.

    Steam
    Body-Dragging Issues Fixedbug fix

    Resolved bugs related to body-dragging, including phasing through walls.

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    Updated Zombie Heat MapgameplayMilestone

    Revised zombie spawn locations for more realistic gameplay, with zombies appearing near lootable locations.

    Steam
    Professional Localization for Build 42localizationMilestone

    Complete professional translation of the game into 21 languages, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

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    Map Updates and Fixesworld

    Testing and fixing of new towns and existing areas, particularly in Muldraugh.

    Steam
  7. 9 events
    Weapon Testing Updatesaudio

    Recent in-game weapon testing featuring new items and familiar weapons.

    Steam
    Improved Animation Logic Toolquality of lifeMilestone

    Development of a new logic network editor to enhance character animation integration.

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    Multiplayer Security EnhancementsperformanceMilestone

    Improvements made to server-side inventory and anti-cheat measures for better multiplayer security.

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    Randomized Animal Pathsnew content

    Implementation of dynamic animal paths for deer and other wildlife.

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    New Building UIui uxMilestone

    A new categorized building UI to improve the building experience in the game.

    Steam
    Addressing Showstopper Bugsbug fixMilestone

    Ongoing efforts to resolve serious bugs and improve gameplay experience.

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    New Crafting System ImplementationgameplayMilestone

    Introduction of a revamped crafting system with additional features still to come.

    Steam
    Sheet Rope Climbing Mechanics Revisedbalance change

    All players now have a chance to fall when climbing sheet ropes after a grace period, influenced by various factors.

    Steam
    New Modding ArchitecturemoddingMilestone

    Introduction of a versioned mod system to support compatibility across game updates.

    Steam
  8. 11 events
    Grappletech Animation UpdateperformanceMilestone

    Update to animation tech allowing direct interactions between characters.

    Steam
    Nighttime Glow-up of Muldraughvisuals

    Testing the visual enhancements of Muldraugh at night for improved aesthetics.

    Steam
    XP Changes for Scrapping and Dismantlingbalance change

    Scrapping and dismantling items will no longer grant XP to prevent barren maps.

    Steam
    Finalization of Newspapers for Loot Tablesother

    Newspapers have been finalized and will be added to the game's loot tables.

    Steam
    Skill XP Multipliers in Sandbox Settingsgameplay

    Sandbox settings now include options for Skill XP multipliers for individual skills.

    Steam
    Enhanced Roomtones and Ambiancesaudio

    Sound team has created building-specific roomtones and ambiances for immersive experiences.

    Steam
    Boosted XP for Building and Repairingbalance change

    XP for actions such as building structures and repairing clothing has been increased.

    Steam
    Introduction of Random and Permanent Basementsnew content

    New subterranean lairs including random and permanent basements added to the game.

    Steam
    Improved Body Dragging Animationbug fix

    Fixed issues with the animation of dragging bodies and throwing them through windows.

    Steam
    Autolearn Requirement for Recipesgameplay

    Many recipes now come with an 'Autolearn' requirement based on skill levels.

    Steam
    New Crafting Skills: Knapping and Carvingnew content

    Added skills for wilderness play, allowing players to fashion stone blades and carve wood and bone.

    Steam
  9. 6 events
    Improved Zombie Pathing in Multiplayerperformance

    Enhancements to the movement and direction of zombies chasing players in multiplayer mode.

    Steam
    Revamped Muldraugh Public Buildingsvisuals

    Public buildings in Muldraugh have been redesigned to appear more realistic and fitting for the town's aesthetic.

    Steam
    Introduction of New Craft Disciplinesnew contentMilestone

    New craft disciplines including Metal Smelting, Blacksmithing, Pottery, and more will be introduced in the beta.

    Steam
    Combat Targeting Improvementsbug fix

    Fixes to unfair targeting issues during combat to enhance player experience.

    Steam
    Lighting System Improvementsbalance change

    Improvements to the in-game lighting system for better atmospheric effects and realism.

    Steam
    New Biome System for Foragingnew contentMilestone

    A new biome system has been implemented, allowing for more varied and realistic foraging areas throughout the map.

    Steam
  10. 7 events
    War Manager Featuregameplay

    New feature for server admins to manage conflicts between rival groups with customizable settings.

    Steam
    New Loot Itemsgameplay

    Introduction of novelty key-rings and interesting bags/containers to enhance looting experience.

    Steam
    Multiplayer Server EnhancementsnetworkMilestone

    New features for server customization, improved anti-cheat settings, and role management.

    Steam
    Crafting Overhaul ProgressgameplayMilestone

    Significant updates to the crafting system to enhance end game community building and reduce reliance on looting.

    Steam
    New Lore Assetsgameplay

    Introduction of newspapers and flyers to enhance immersion and lore related to the Knox Event.

    Steam
    Map Visual Improvementsvisuals

    Existing towns have been visually enhanced with new tiles and larger buildings.

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    Lighting System Upgradevisuals

    Improvements to the lighting system for more realistic dark environments and consistent color temperatures.

    Steam
  11. 8 events
    Polishing Louisville Mapworld

    Ongoing improvements to the Louisville map with a focus on rooftops and higher floors.

    Steam
    Introduction of GrappleTech Animation Systemnew contentMilestone

    New animation system allowing for synchronized character interactions during grappling.

    Steam
    Animal Crafting MechanicsgameplayMilestone

    Introduction of new animal crafting processes including butchering and leather production.

    Steam
    Redesigned Weapon Crafting SystemgameplayMilestone

    New crafting mechanics for weapons with varying durability and quality based on crafting methods.

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    Variety of Generatorsnew content

    Introduction of different types of generators with unique characteristics.

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    Item Packaging Systemquality of life

    New system allowing players to pack items into boxes for better storage efficiency.

    Steam
    New Recipe Magazines and Collectiblesgameplay

    Addition of unique recipe magazines to enhance looting variety and player experience.

    Steam
    Fluid System Overhaulgameplay

    Complete conversion of fluid mechanics including effects of drinking and rain interactions.

    Steam
  12. 8 events
    Zombie Pathfinding and Horde MechanicsgameplayMilestone

    Changes to zombie behavior near fences and new mechanics for large hordes.

    Steam
    Gun Mechanics Overhaulbalance changeMilestone

    Significant changes to hit and critical chances based on environmental factors and player conditions.

    Steam
    Enhanced Underground Soundscapesaudio

    Improved audio effects for underground environments, including ambient sounds and room tones.

    Steam
    Late-Game Armor System Improvementsnew contentMilestone

    Introduction of new armor types crafted from various materials, enhancing late-game survival.

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    Introduction of Readable Materialsnew contentMilestone

    Lootable newspapers, community news pamphlets, and local business flyers added to enhance world-building.

    Steam
    Grass and Undergrowth Visual ImprovementsvisualsMilestone

    Updated grass sprites and added depth buffer support for more realistic interactions.

    Steam
    Skyscraper Playability Testingperformance

    Testing performance and balancing for skyscrapers with high zombie spawn rates.

    Steam
    New Secondary UI API Systemui ux

    A flexible UI system for creating readable text UIs, allowing modders to manipulate templates easily.

    Steam
  13. 13 events
    New Game Item: Wooden Coffinnew content

    Introduction of a new game item, the wooden coffin, in the Event Zone's Wild West tourist attraction.

    Steam
    Permanent Underground Structures Addednew content

    New permanent underground structures are being added to the map for testing, featuring randomized basement locations.

    Steam
    Anti-Cheat Functionality ImprovementsnetworkMilestone

    Finalization of anti-cheat measures by moving inventory processing from clients to the server.

    Steam
    New Debug GUI Library for Moddersmodding

    Implementation of imgui for easier debugging and integration of various aspects of the game.

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    New Hand-Crafting InterfacegameplayMilestone

    Introduction of a new interface for hand-crafting items on in-game surfaces, requiring logical surfaces for certain crafts.

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    4K UI Enhancementsvisuals

    Higher-resolution UIs for 4K players are being prepared for the internal test build.

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    Integration of Bink for Video Playbackperformance

    Integration of Bink middleware for in-game video playback, including tutorials and cut-scenes.

    Steam
    Enhanced Sound Effects for Underground Structuresaudio

    Improvements to sound effects in underground structures, including wildlife sounds and muffled echoes.

    Steam
    Disguise Option for Multiplayergameplay

    New disguise option for players in multiplayer, allowing anonymity through face coverings.

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    Changes to Crafting Mechanicsbalance change

    Crafting mechanics adjusted to require surfaces for certain items, affecting player habits and behaviors.

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    Procedurally Generated WildernessworldMilestone

    Development of a procedurally generated wilderness outside the main map, allowing for seamless transitions.

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    Multiplayer Synchronization Enhancementsnetwork

    Improvements to character synchronization and debugging of unexpected zombie appearances in multiplayer.

    Steam
    Character Traits Gameplay Implicationsgameplay

    Certain character traits now have more direct gameplay implications, affecting visibility and gameplay.

    Steam
  14. 8 events
    Broken Weapon Mechanicsgameplay

    Adding broken versions of existing weapons for crafting and gory effects when they break.

    Steam
    Post-Apocalyptic Improvised Weaponsnew contentMilestone

    Introduction of new crafted weapons inspired by real-life improvised weapons.

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    Major Rendering OptimizationperformanceMilestone

    Significant improvements to map rendering for better framerate on midrange and higher systems, especially at 4K resolution.

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    GPU Memory Usage Investigationperformance

    Investigating GPU memory usage issues on low-end systems due to new optimizations.

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    Zombie Animation OptimizationperformanceMilestone

    Implementation of PenguinTech to optimize zombie animations and improve performance during hordes.

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    New Lighting Propagation SystemvisualsMilestone

    Enhanced lighting system that simulates reflective light for more immersive environments.

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    Improved Viewing Conegameplay

    Newly-coded viewing cone for smoother and more accurate visibility without relying on tile lighting.

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    Basement and Underground SupportgameplayMilestone

    Engine upgrade allows for levels from -32 to +32, enabling more complex building designs.

    Steam