Build 41 for Project Zomboid has released adding a host of new models, animations, and so much more in the game's largest content update yet. Players new and old flocked to the game, boasting a new high of 65,379 players (according to Steam charts) with the launch.
With a lot of the old mechanics either adjusted or reworked entirely, players may feel a bit lost when trying to create a good build that will survive the coming troubles. However, with the welcome addition of these new starting play styles, players may find the game much more accessible and tailored to the experience they want. Project Zomboid has quite a robust character creator, and though there are many options available that host many play styles, only the most prepared and well-read Kentuckians will survive the zombie hordes.
New Game — Playstyle
With the new update, the game has added four types of play styles that gamers can choose from to determine the type of adventure they want to experience. The player's choice here will have a significant impact on what build they should use. This guide will acknowledge all three types (not including sandbox, which is entirely customized by the player) and provide advice accordingly.
Apocalypse
This play style is described as, "Stealth focus. Short lifespan. Combat best avoided." The zombies in this play style are extremely dangerous, and the player is much more fragile. Given the danger of the zombies in this case, it is best advised to start in Muldraugh, KY for this play style, as it is probably the tamest of starts. The player has access to a lot of residential homes and commercial properties to garner supplies, and then it is fairly close to wooded areas and lest densely populated ones as the player begins preparing for surviving long term.
Occupation Choices
Once the player has selected their location, they will be prompted with the character creator. Project Zomboid features 22 occupations (including unemployed) which can feel overwhelming, but it is important to note that Project Zomboid is as much a role-play and sim game as it is a survival. Generally, there are no wrong choices here when it comes to builds, as what matters most is that the player has fun. That said, when playing a more stealth oriented play style, the player may want to narrow to more specific occupations that would aid them well in this condition.
The best choice for the apocalypse playthrough will likely be the Burglar occupation. This occupation allows the player greater leeway and forgiveness when it comes to breaking and entering, which is especially necessary for the early game. Players will need to enter houses and commercial properties in order to get supplies to survive, and most of these locations are not left unlocked. The Burglar occupation will allow much more forgiveness when breaking locks, making it much easier for the player to get inside to loot or hunker down for an evening. This occupation also provides +2 modifiers to the "Lightfooted", "Nimble", and "Sneaking" skills, which of course will be vital in avoiding detection.
Everything comes at a price in this game, and that includes positive traits. Choosing the Burglar will net the player at -6 points. Note that players may choose "Unemployed" as an occupation option, which will provide them 8 free points to allocate at their leisure. If player wants to sacrifice some benefits of the Burglar in order to not incur negative traits, this is a fine option.
Choosing Negative Traits
If players do go with the Burglar, they will need to take on some bad traits in order to balance out the good ones. One good choice is "Sunday Driver," as the player will likely want to avoid cars anyway since they generate loads of sound, thus alerting the horde. This will only net the player +1 point in their favor, so more negative traits will be required.
Other options that have a fairly minor impact on the character include "Short Sighted" and "Smoker." "Short Sighted" will require the player wear glasses, and adds +2. The player can choose right at the start to have glasses, so that is easily mitigated, plus glasses are not uncommon to come across. The "Smoker" trait is also good, as it adds +4. Cigarette packs and lighters/matches are also fairly commonly found around the world, and they have no downside other than causing small amounts of anxiety when the player hasn't smoked in a while.
Survivor
This play style is described as "Powerful Combat. Longer Lifespan." This is the clear antithesis to the previous play style, as the player takes a much more active combat role. This is not to say that this is an "easier" mode than the previous. The zombies will still be fairly powerful, especially when in large numbers, but the player will have much more leeway in taking damage and dealing it out. Players may still want to avoid combat to survive better in the long term, but this play style is much more forgiving to the player in that regard.
Locations
The first two locations will be well suited for this play style for newer players, as they are fairly resource rich for the initial supply gathering while being less densely populated as to not overwhelm the player. Players looking to get right into the action and terror should absolutely start in West Point, but keep in mind that it is quite literally a zombie infested nightmare in every regard.
Occupation Choices
The Survivor play style opens up the player's options a bit more when it comes to useful occupations. In this case, any of the occupations that are related to or have weaponry will be ideal as the player is much more capable of defending themselves/going offensively. The Fire Officer, Park Ranger, and Lumberjack begin the game with an axe, which can be a crucial tool in both defense and utilities such as hacking down doors. The Police Officer and Veteran can also be good choices as they have bonuses to firearms, though keep in mind that coming across said firearms can be a bit of a challenge.
Choosing Negative Traits
Players will note that some of these occupations will have them negative in the skill points. Much like the Burglar, they will need to add some negative traits to balance things out. Players will note that the occupations above net the player around -2 instead of -4, so they can be a bit more particular about which negative traits they choose. The negative traits described previously will still apply here as some better ones in terms of effect on points and effect on actual gameplay. The player may consider picking up "First Aider" or something similar as they may be taking on more damage.
Builder
This play style likely speaks for itself. It is described as "Construction, Exploration, and Farming focus. A more relaxed experience." Players can expect to worry very little about actual zombie hordes in this play style, opting for a more zombie lite themed Sims-style game instead.
Locations
Players looking at this play style will find that the starting location will matter fairly little, but the player may want to choose the first two, as they are less densely populated with more access to open farmland/forests for timber.
Occupation Choices & Traits
The occupations in this case will be fairly self-explanatory, with the best for building being the Construction Worker or Carpenter, and of course the Farmer being best suited for, well, farming. Choosing the Farmer or the Carpenter will actually net the player +2 in terms of traits; thus, they can choose an additional positive trait if they would like to keep things balanced. Dexterous, Faster Reader, and Outdoorsman are all -2 costs that will provide the player aid in their constructions.
Players may still consider adding some negative traits as well to add even more positive ones, as the zombies in this mode are much less of a concern. Players here may want to consider picking up the "Amateur Mechanic" trait as well, as it will allow them easier access to vehicles which they may need when hauling resources.
Project Zomboid is available for PC.