Surviving in Knox Country isn’t for the faint of heart. Right on the game’s loading screen, the ominous phrase “This is how you died” sets the tone for your experience. While survival might seem impossible at first, with patience, practice, a bit of luck, and the tips in this guide, you’ll be equipped to last at least a week in the unforgiving zombie apocalypse of Project Zomboid Build 42.
Why Focus on the First Week?
Why aim for a week instead of a month? Well, many players struggle to survive the first night. Build 42 is brutal, and without a solid game plan, your adventure in Knox Country could end before it begins. This guide doesn’t promise a month-long walkthrough, but it will get you through the critical early days and help you establish a foothold for longer-term survival.
Preparation Before You Spawn
Before jumping into the world of Project Zomboid, tweak your sandbox settings to customize your experience. You can make zombies weaker or even remove them entirely, but where’s the fun in that? For a balanced yet manageable start:
- Spawn Recommendations: Choose Muldraugh or Echo Creek.
- Muldraugh: Great for base-building with interesting locations nearby.
- Echo Creek: Home to one of the best base spots in Build 42, next to the trailer park.
- Enable “All Clothing Unlocked”: Start with a Watch to track the TV schedule.
- Pick the Burglar Occupation: This starting occupation boosts sneaking and lets you hotwire cars—an invaluable skill for surviving Build 42.
Day One: Setting the Foundation
Your first day is critical. Focus on finding supplies, securing a base, and laying the groundwork for survival. Here’s your checklist:
- Grab a Weapon
- Anything works—rolling pins, frying pans, or even meat cleavers. If nothing’s available, use the “fence and stomp” technique.
- Find a Provisional Base
- Look for a house with essential amenities: a bathroom, a TV, and at least two floors. Turn on the TV and set it to the “Life and Living” channel to start learning skills like cooking and carpentry. Be home for the shows at 6:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
- Collect Sheets for Windows
- Cover your windows to avoid attracting zombies. You’ll usually find sheets in bathrooms.
- Stock Up on Water and Food
- Prioritize perishable food for the first few days. Find a container for water to stay hydrated while exploring.
Day Two: Establishing Your Routine
Day two is about refining your setup and planning for the long term:
- Search for a Permanent Base:
- Ideal locations are close to towns, have fences for protection, and include necessary amenities. This can be a long-term goal, but start scouting now.
- First Loot Run: Stick close to your provisional base and focus on finding:
- A better melee weapon (preferably two-handed).
- A backpack or duffle bag (check zombies for these).
- Tools like a screwdriver, hammer, and saw for dismantling items.
- Skill books—prioritize carpentry, electrical, and first aid.
Day Three: Skill Building
If you’ve found a permanent base (e.g., Cortman Medical, which has received an upgrade in Build 42), focus on leveling up skills:
- Watch TV Shows: Take advantage of the early-game broadcasts before they stop airing.
- Dismantle Furniture: Gather materials like planks and nails for crafting and barricading.
- Secure Your Base: Eliminate nearby zombies to ensure your base is safe.
Day Four: Advanced Loot Runs
Expand your range, but keep a strict routine:
- Watch TV, exercise, and read skill books.
- Search nearby houses for:
- Empty gas cans (in car trunks).
- Hoses (in garages) to siphon gas from cars.
Day Five: Getting a Vehicle
A car is crucial for mobility, but it’s not easy to come by:
- As a Burglar, you can hotwire cars. Find a functional vehicle with gas or siphon fuel from others.
- Be cautious—cars are loud and attract zombies. Use them strategically to lure zombies away from your base.
Day Six: Securing Your Base
With a car, supplies, and a better base, focus on fortifying your home:
- Use dismantled materials to barricade windows. Avoid barricading doors; instead, create a sheet rope for an emergency exit. Be careful—Build 42 introduces a fall mechanic, so don’t rely on this from higher floors.
Day Seven and Beyond
Congratulations on surviving your first week! Build 42 may seem daunting at first, but by now, you should have:
- A safe base.
- Basic skills in carpentry, cooking, and survival.
- A vehicle for transportation.
- A foundation for longer-term survival.
From here, it’s up to you. Whether you explore Louisville, attempt a forest survival run, or expand your crafting and building capabilities, Project Zomboid offers endless possibilities. Remember, survival in Knox Country is a learning experience. If things go south, you can always try again.
Stay safe out there, survivor.