Zombie games are no longer a rarity in the video game market. From Resident Evil to Left 4 Dead, there are plenty of classic titles you can enjoy solo or with friends. As a small indie game, Project Zomboid joins this list but approaches it from a completely different angle. Despite this, many still underestimate the game! So, let’s take a closer look at Project Zomboid for you, as it is a true survival hidden gem that has particularly gained attention in recent years.
Flexible Character Creation for a Tailored Game
Let’s start directly with the creation of your own character, as there are countless settings here that can turn the gameplay upside down. Unlike other zombie games, you can completely customise your character. It begins with the appearance, but the various traits and predefined skills add a much deeper layer.
In addition to a profession, you can choose from dozens of positive and negative traits to balance your character. You can’t fend off hordes of zombies from the start; instead, you have to gradually work your way up and develop your skills.
Endless Gaming Experience in Sandbox Mode
Project Zomboid is essentially a sandbox game that offers you various ways to tackle your problems. The beginning is quite challenging for newcomers, and you’re likely to die within the first few days. But don’t worry, your progress is saved… indirectly. Your old character can return as a zombie, and you may find your old base if you’re lucky. Essentially, there is no end to the game; you can play as long as you like. Fight zombies, expand your base, or collect rare weapons and items. Everything is open to you!
Resource-Efficient and Hardware-Friendly
The graphics may seem off-putting at first glance, but they fit Project Zomboid perfectly. The isometric perspective is somewhat reminiscent of the original “The Sims,” bringing with it great retro vibes! This not only makes the atmosphere more intense and cohesive but is also surprisingly resource-efficient. This makes the game accessible even for less powerful hardware, making Project Zomboid a very approachable game. Additionally, the graphics allow for a certain attention to detail, which stands out particularly well with the pixel art style.
Detailed Survival Gameplay That Captivates
Speaking of details, this is where the true strength of Project Zomboid shines! There is probably hardly any other survival game that is as detailed. A good example is breaking into unfamiliar houses. You can go through the door, but sometimes they’re locked. You can break them open or dismantle them with a screwdriver. But be careful, you might trigger an alarm!
Windows are just as tricky. Smash them without a weapon and your character could get injured by the glass. If you don’t remove the broken glass, your character might cut themselves climbing through. Additionally, the sound of shattering glass can attract nearby zombies.
And this is just one of the many complex systems in Project Zomboid. Whether it’s character creation, the healing system, or cooking – you’ll need to get familiar with many systems to survive. Even the smallest mistake could mean your demise.
Explore a Huge Map Full of Possibilities
These game systems also mean that you can play the game for a very long time. You’ll always have a new challenge to tackle. Sometimes you’re short on food, other times you need to search for new ammunition. And sometimes your current base is overrun by a horde of zombies, and you need to retreat for a while.
The map in Project Zomboid is accordingly large and offers many exciting opportunities to tailor your gameplay. Even with a car, it can take several weeks to drive from one side to the other. You can live in the woods, barricade yourself in a police station, or reside in a quaint family home. Once again, the complexity of Project Zomboid is evident. The map is modelled after the US state of Kentucky.
Multiplayer: Even More Fun with Friends
However, you don’t have to face the zombie apocalypse completely alone. Project Zomboid even allows you to have up to 100 players on a multiplayer server. This makes it much more fun and allows you to play together with others. If you get bored or perhaps don’t dare to face the zombies alone, a server with your friends is a great option!
Looking Ahead: Constant Updates and New Features
Like many other indie games, Project Zomboid is a “work in progress” – and has been for about 15 years. It is still in the Early Access phase and continues to be actively developed and expanded by the developer. There is no end in sight yet, and many exciting features are planned! This alone makes it exciting to try out the different stages and wait for new updates.
Currently, the game is on “Build 41,” although a 42nd version is already available for beta testers. This update is expected to introduce new crafting recipes, offering players even more opportunities. Further updates have also been announced, promising, for example, real NPCs.
At the moment, planning extends up to Build 48, which is slowly heading towards a full release. But when that will actually happen is uncertain. The last two major updates alone took 2 to 4 years.
Conclusion
As you can see, Project Zomboid is a true gem among indie games and has seen significant growth in the community in recent years. The complex gameplay, charming graphics, and constant updates keep many players engaged, providing an unforgettable experience. Rent your own server for Project Zomboid with us and battle through hordes of zombies with friends. Even if you happen to die from time to time, the game is a unique experience and is likely to surprise you every time!
