Project Zomboid

About

Project Zomboid is a hardcore sandbox zombie survival game, with a focus on realistic survival and an emphasis on avoiding a relentless horde of zombies. The game features online multiplayer with persistent player-run servers, local 4-player split-screen co-op, and a vast, growing map to explore. It boasts in-depth visual and hearing systems, as well as a full line of sight system, for a truly immersive experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

+18

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 221,571 reviews

gameplay3.7k positive mentions

grinding2.2k negative mentions

gameplay
13,064 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
67%
4%
The gameplay of Project Zomboid is characterized by its deep and intricate mechanics, offering a challenging yet rewarding survival experience. Players must manage various survival aspects such as hunger, thirst, and mental health while navigating a realistic zombie apocalypse, which can be both punishing and immersive. While the steep learning curve and complex controls may deter some, the extensive modding community and customizable gameplay options enhance replayability and allow for a tailored experience.
- “The game rewards learning and experimenting quite well. The mechanics themselves are rather interesting to pick up on, and the way your focus of what you need/want changes depending on your traits honestly feels really nice. Exploring a town for the first time is an experience I wish I could delete from my brain so I could go through it again.”
- “Project Zomboid is an incredibly realistic zombie game that centers around one core gameplay loop: explore, kill zombies, loot, bring loot back to base, do cool things with your loot (build a water collector, a fence around your base, home decor, make a farm, set up hunting traps, fish, cook a pie, set up a generator, move a laundry machine into your base, set up plumbing using previous water collector, repair a car, sew leather patches into your clothes for better protection, paint your house, etc.).”
- “The gameplay is fun, and I adore how the world changes. It's an honest challenge. The depth of its mechanics, including crafting, cooking, and medical systems, keeps you engaged for hours on end.”
- “The gameplay is punishing so that you have to keep starting over, otherwise the game is over very quickly.”
- “The mechanics are so realistic that it makes the gameplay tedious and unfun.”
- “The game has a plethora of in-depth mechanics and it's still being updated and developed to this day.”
graphics
6,228 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
70%
8%
The graphics of Project Zomboid have received mixed reviews, with many players noting their retro, simplistic style reminiscent of early 2000s games like The Sims. While some find the visuals unappealing and dated, others appreciate the charm and functionality they bring to the gameplay, emphasizing that the game's depth and mechanics far outweigh any graphical shortcomings. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they effectively contribute to the game's immersive atmosphere and engaging survival experience.
- “Don't let the graphics fool you; this game is the most realistic game ever.”
- “The game’s isometric art style and gloomy atmosphere enhance the feeling of dread and isolation, and the sandbox nature offers endless replayability as no two playthroughs are ever the same.”
- “Don't let the graphics deter you from what is a very in-depth zombie survival game.”
- “Graphics - absolutely appalling”
- “The graphics also leave a lot to be desired, especially given the price tag.”
- “The graphics put me off this game to the point where my friend had to convince me to keep it.”
story
4,464 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
80%
7%
The story aspect of Project Zomboid is largely defined by its lack of a traditional narrative; instead, players create their own unique stories through gameplay experiences. Each character's journey is a personal tale of survival and inevitable death, with the game emphasizing that "this is the story of how you died." While some players appreciate the emergent storytelling and character-driven narratives, many express a desire for more structured content, such as quests and NPC interactions, to enhance the overall experience.
- “The tone of the game is rather nice; I enjoy that it's an experience where you're told from the get-go to expect death and you're encouraged to treat every 'story' of your characters as unique.”
- “Project Zomboid doesn’t just simulate a zombie apocalypse; it tells your story.”
- “This game isn’t about winning—it’s about surviving as long as you can and telling the story of how it all went wrong.”
- “There's no environmental storytelling that draws you in.”
- “The game needs objectives, missions, a story.”
- “This game is not for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone except for those who are willing to add things to the game, play it as a sandbox or if you are a content creator and you are willing to make a story with this game.”
grinding
2,524 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
86%
The grinding aspect of Project Zomboid is frequently described as extremely tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling that it requires an excessive investment of time to level up skills and gather resources. While some enjoy the depth and complexity of the grinding mechanics, others find it frustrating, especially given the game's permadeath feature, which can lead to losing significant progress due to a single mistake. Overall, the game appeals to those who appreciate detailed survival mechanics and are willing to endure the grind, but it may deter players looking for a more casual or fast-paced experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding - if you want to build bases in the game without mods.”
- “It's not tedious, but does require some planning to keep that death screen away!”
- “The zombies are hard, and the survival elements are realistic enough that it's fun but not tedious.”
- “I think this game is very interesting in many ways, at the first days the game is very challenging which is something that makes you wanna keep grinding over and over but i think the problem with this game is that it doesn´t have a clear objective to the end, when you maxed out the necessary traits or you are safe on many ways the game slows off way too much, at the point that you don´t have anything to do.”
- “It's a good game if you enjoy grinding out a character for hours and then die by walking into a bathroom unprepared.”
- “The game is grindy, and players must deal with depression, boredom, hunger, thirst, and illness while trying to survive.”
replayability
1,600 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
48%
1%
Project Zomboid is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players highlighting the game's deep mechanics, extensive modding community, and customizable sandbox options that allow for unique experiences in each playthrough. Many reviews emphasize that the game can be played endlessly, whether solo or with friends, and that the variety of character traits, scenarios, and mods significantly enhance the replay value. Overall, it is considered one of the most replayable games available, offering countless hours of engaging gameplay.
- “The game’s isometric art style and gloomy atmosphere enhance the feeling of dread and isolation, and the sandbox nature offers endless replayability as no two playthroughs are ever the same.”
- “With continuous updates, an active modding community, and endless replayability, it’s a game that will keep you coming back for more.”
- “The ability to customize the experience to be exactly how you want it via the sandbox options + the character building system + the amazing modding community means the game essentially has infinite replayability.”
- “That being said, I have enjoyed my time with this game, but the flawed progression makes replayability impossible for me without serious changes.”
- “Just doesn't have a lot of replayability, got bored after only 1280 hours.”
- “Far from enough vanilla content, and even with mods, the replayability is just not nearly enough.”
humor
1,484 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in "Project Zomboid" is a standout feature, often described as dark and absurd, providing players with countless hilarious moments, especially in multiplayer settings. Players frequently find themselves laughing at the chaotic and unexpected ways their characters meet their demise, whether through comical accidents or the antics of friends. The game's blend of challenging survival mechanics with a lighthearted approach to death and misfortune creates a uniquely entertaining experience that resonates well with those who enjoy humor in gaming.
- “Hilarious game especially with friends running from zombies and stuff.”
- “The only game where dying is a learning experience and humorous.”
- “It's certainly best with multiplayer and offers a sandbox perfect for creating all sorts of memories with your friends, often ending with one dying and the others laughing for minutes straight.”
- “This game simply put has so much packed into its honestly unfunny.”
- “But playing alone is not funny like with friends.”
- “Then getting swarmed while shouting 'Dad help me, stop laughing it's not funny.'”
music
1,340 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
60%
3%
The music in "Project Zomboid" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its atmospheric and haunting qualities that enhance the game's sense of dread and isolation. However, some find the limited number of tracks repetitive and suggest using mods, like the "True Music" mod, to diversify the experience. Overall, while the soundtrack is often described as beautiful and immersive, it can become tiresome over extended play sessions, leading some players to prefer ambient sounds instead.
- “The soundtrack is so good, I could take a shit without my phone, just listening to the soundtrack.”
- “The desolate and haunting landscapes, coupled with the haunting soundtrack, create an immersive and chilling experience that keeps me on the edge of my seat.”
- “The music is some of the most beautiful and at the same time haunting pieces of music I've ever heard from a game.”
- “The overall 'vibe' of the game's music, while I love it, is very repetitive.”
- “The soundtrack has like 2 and a half songs, one being a plucky ambient banjo and the other being a generic tense string section.”
- “Unfortunately, the music is literally unbearable.”
atmosphere
1,242 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
54%
45%
1%
The atmosphere in "Project Zomboid" is widely praised for its immersive and haunting quality, effectively capturing the tension and dread of a zombie apocalypse. Players appreciate the game's detailed environments, atmospheric sound design, and the emotional weight of survival mechanics, which together create a sense of isolation and urgency. Despite its simple graphics, the game excels in building a compelling atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay experience, making it a standout title in the survival genre.
- “The game’s isometric art style and gloomy atmosphere enhance the feeling of dread and isolation, and the sandbox nature offers endless replayability as no two playthroughs are ever the same.”
- “From the moment you step into its bleak, zombie-infested world, you’re hooked by its tense atmosphere and deep mechanics.”
- “Whether it's the creeping dread of an approaching horde or the satisfaction of scavenging that last can of food in a desolate town, Project Zomboid nails the atmosphere of a true zombie apocalypse.”
- “The depressing world building, the gloomy atmosphere, the impending doom you feel knowing that your character just isn't gonna make it out.”
- “The atmosphere isn't silence followed by cheap thrills, but more of a sense of dread, and the realization that the world will never look better than day 1.”
- “The atmosphere is as dark, bleak and dangerous as you would expect from a total societal collapse.”
stability
990 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
92%
The stability of Project Zomboid has been a significant point of contention among players, with many noting that the game is riddled with bugs and glitches, particularly in multiplayer mode. While some players find the game enjoyable despite its issues, others express frustration over frequent crashes, desynchronization, and unresponsive mechanics that can lead to unexpected character deaths. Overall, while the game shows promise and is actively being developed, its current state is often described as unstable and in need of further refinement.
- “The gameplay is fun and keeps bringing me back; the game also runs great on my pretty low-end PC.”
- “Fantastic game, constantly being updated with new features and keeping it bug-free.”
- “It's incredibly bug-free and bugs are fixed quickly.”
- “It's buggy to the point that the building blocks of the game itself are broken.”
- “This game is so good, it freezes constantly and when I least expect it I get bitten.”
- “The multiplayer is very buggy, getting in a car that a friend is driving is almost guaranteed to desync your game if you have mods.”
optimization
692 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
59%
21%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players citing significant performance issues, especially on higher-end systems, and frequent bugs that detract from the experience. While some users report that the game runs smoothly on lower-end hardware, others experience stuttering and lag, particularly in multiplayer modes or during intense gameplay scenarios. Overall, there is a consensus that the game requires substantial optimization improvements, particularly as it continues to evolve in early access.
- “The optimization allows players to immerse themselves fully in the post-apocalyptic world without being hindered by technical issues.”
- “It astonishes me that a game can balance all of those things so well, not to mention that the stylized graphics fit its tone perfectly and allow it to run smoothly on the weakest of systems, would recommend 9.4/10.”
- “Amazing game, million things you can do and pretty much optimized enough.. my PC thanks me for taking a break from Valheim.”
- “It's optimized like absolute garbage and the game looks like shit but the game is very unique and scratches a special niche genre/audience that is neglected.”
- “The game has been in development for a decade now, and it's still not optimized.”
- “Game is poorly optimized and runs like crap.”
emotional
422 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with players frequently expressing deep attachments to their characters, leading to genuine grief upon their inevitable deaths. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to heartbreak and despair, particularly when a character developed over many hours of gameplay meets a tragic end. The combination of unforgiving mechanics and the need to manage both physical and emotional states creates a uniquely immersive experience that resonates with players on a personal level.
- “This game made me cry 10/10 would recommend.”
- “The fear of death is real, and losing a character you've invested time and effort into is a gut-wrenching experience that adds emotional weight to the gameplay.”
- “Project Zomboid will take you on a high-tension, emotional rollercoaster; featuring both moments of tedious lows and exhilarating highs.”
monetization
98 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
28%
69%
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and in-game purchases, which they see as a refreshing change from typical cash grab titles. However, some users express frustration over the game's reliance on social media for access and advertising, while others criticize it as a potential cash grab despite its lack of additional costs. Overall, the game is viewed positively for its commitment to player experience without the burden of monetization tactics.
- “Not only is it 20 dollars, it has no microtransactions, it's extremely mod friendly, it's a blast with friends, and it has a dedicated dev team that keeps up with the game to this date.”
- “Most dedicated devs of all time, been working on the game for nearly a decade without adding DLC or microtransactions.”
- “Clearly a passion project, no monetization insight, developers give updates on the state of the game regularly.”
- “I wanted to like this game, but I just can't since it looks and feels like a mobile game without ads.”
- “This is a total cash grab, just avoid it.”
- “Making this more like a cash grab than anything else... you want money from gamers to 'beta' test your product... ok... I will find out every name on this project, and I will never buy anything that you ever work on again!”
character development
90 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
81%
3%
Character development in Project Zomboid is highly praised for its depth and complexity, allowing players to create unique characters with distinct traits and backgrounds that significantly impact gameplay. The system encourages skill progression through practical experience, fostering a sense of attachment and investment in the characters. While the character design options are somewhat limited, the overall mechanics and customization possibilities contribute to a rich and engaging survival experience.
- “The character development is top-notch, making you genuinely care about the virtual personas you control and interact with.”
- “Project Zomboid offers a comprehensive character development system that adds depth to your survival journey.”
- “Deep character development: each survivor possesses unique traits and backgrounds, adding depth and complexity to gameplay.”
- “The game itself is very slow-paced from combat to farming to character development, and if you wish to do well in Zomboid you'll probably need to sink some hours into it.”
- “The slow pace and steady character development also means that games become less challenging the longer you play, so in similar fashion to Minecraft you need to start making up your own objectives.”
- “Very slow pacing and character development, and the overall experience is very time-consuming and unrewarding.”