First Day Survival Roadmap: What to Do First in Project Zomboid
What Should I Do First in Project Zomboid?
Solo Beginner's Toolbox
You've just spawned in Project Zomboid's zombie-infested Knox County, utterly alone and armed withโฆ a frying pan? Don't panic.
This toolbox-style guide will walk you through exactly what to do in your first 1-3 days so you stay safe, fed, and one step ahead of the undead.
Quick answer: Focus on securing your spawn house, grabbing essential supplies (weapon, food, water, bandages), and staying unseen. Follow the Quick Start checklist below, and you'll dramatically improve your odds.
For more details and pro-tips, keep reading the full breakdown or jump to any section using the table of contents.
Quick Start: Day One in 10 Steps (Solo Survival)
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1Secure the spawn house: Immediately turn off any TVs or radios in your spawn location to avoid noise, and close all curtains to stay out of sight. Crouch (press C) while moving to stay quiet.
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2Arm yourself: Search for a makeshift weapon. Common finds include kitchen knives, frying pans, rolling pins, or even a heavy book. Equip it in both hands if two-handed (like a bat or pan) for maximum impact.
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3Grab food and water: Check the fridge for perishable food (eat some now to stay full) and fill an empty container (bottle, cooking pot) with water at a sink. Clean water is your lifeline -- stock up early while taps work.
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4Loot basic supplies: Scavenge the house for a bag (school bag, duffel, even a plastic bag) to expand carrying capacity. Also grab bandages or rip sheets from clothes (for wounds), any meds (painkillers, disinfectant), and a lighter or matches.
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5Check for nearby zombies: Before leaving, listen for thumping (zeds trying to break in). Peek out safely: use windows (curtains opened briefly) or door windows to spot zombies outside. If one is at the door, prepare to fight or sneak out a back exit.
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6Plan your next move (look at your map): Press M to open your map and mark your house. Note nearby points like stores or sheds. Not sure where you are? Your spawn town is shown in the bottom right of the in-game map screen.
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7Venture out carefully: Time to carefully step outside. Stay crouched and move slowly; avoid drawing attention. Your goal on Day One: loot a few nearby houses or shops for better weapon, more food, and any tool that could help. Only engage lone zombies; if you see a group, sneak away.
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8Find a safer base (if needed): If your spawn house is in a dangerous spot (say, downtown), identify a safer house (edge of town, fewer windows, preferably a two-story). Clear it of zombies and settle there. If the spawn house is fine, consider staying for a day or two.
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9Stockpile and organize: Before night, stash your loot in a safe place (preferably upstairs in your base). Fill any containers with water while utilities are still on. Eat perishable food first (so it doesn't spoil). If you found a radio, check the news for the "Knox Event" broadcast for fun, but keep volume low.
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10Night routine (stay indoors): As a solo beginner, avoid going out at night -- it's dark and more dangerous. Instead, use that time to rest (sleep if tired) and improve skills: read "For Beginners" skill books you found, or watch Life and Living TV at 6/12/18h if it's still airing.
Success! By following these steps, you've survived your first day! Below, we break down why each step matters and share deeper insights, along with veteran tips.
Staying Safe Immediately: Secure Your Spawn Point
"I always get overwhelmed as soon as I start -- zombies barge in or I make a noise and it's game over."
When you first spawn, safety is your top priority. The game even warns "This is how you diedโฆ" -- but let's prove it wrong. Most new survivors start in a random house. Here's how to fortify it before it becomes your tomb:
๐ Kill the noise
New characters often spawn with a TV or radio blaring nearby. First thing's first: turn those off! Noise attracts zombies from outside. A loud TV is an unnecessary beacon for the undead. So locate any TVs or radios (you'll hear them) and switch them off.
๐ช Close curtains and check doors
Zombies have line-of-sight. Open windows with lights or movement inside are like billboards saying "Fresh meat here!". Go around and close all curtains or blinds on ground-floor windows. No curtains? Improvise: right-click windows and hang sheets or clothing as makeshift curtains.
Ensure the front and back doors are closed and (if possible) locked. You can right-click a door to lock it, but many houses spawn unlocked. This won't hold against a determined zombie forever, but it slows them down and prevents wanderers from just strolling in.
๐งโโ๏ธ Do a sweep for roommates (the dead kind)
It's rare to spawn with a zombie inside the house, but not impossible. Move room by room with your weapon ready. Press Q to shout if you want to lure any hiding zombies out -- but be very careful: shouting will also attract zombies outside.
Better method: listen for any banging or groaning. If a door inside the house is being thumped on and rattling -- you've got a zombie in a room.
If you hear "more than one bang every 2-3 seconds" on an interior door, that means multiple zombies are on the other side and you should consider getting out of there.
๐๏ธ Stay unseen while you loot inside
Even after quieting the house, stay crouched (hold C or toggle stealth mode) when moving past windows. You never know if a zombie is right outside. Crouching dramatically reduces your visibility and noise.
Also, avoid running indoors; it's noisy and if you trip (yes, you can trip, especially over bodies or debris), you'll be literally falling into danger.
Personal Experience: "I've had zombies literally walk right past the window I was behind because I was crouched in shadow. Think of it as holding your breath while the monster looks for you."
Analogy: Treat your spawn house like a tutorial level where the goal is to not alert any "guards" (zombies) as you gather equipment. Imagine you're Solid Snake in a stealth game, not Rambo. Once the house is silent, secure, and you've done a cautious sweep, you've effectively created a tiny safe zone -- your first foothold in the apocalypse.
Looting 101: Grab the Essentials Before You Leave
"There's so much stuff -- I end up grabbing useless items or getting overloaded, and then I can't run when a zombie shows up."
Loot anxiety is real in PZ. Every cupboard beckons, but your pockets (and time) are limited. Here's how to loot smart:
Prioritize survival gear
According to the official wiki's survival guide, "Your first priorities upon spawning are getting a weapon, food, and a backpack." That's sage advice. In practical terms:
Weapon
Check the kitchen for a knife (great for quick kills if you sneak up behind a zombie) or a frying pan (decent short range and one-handed). Even a heavy canned food item can work in a pinch by right-clicking and using "Attach as melee".
Aim is less important early; what you need is something to create space and knock a zombie down.
Food
Grab anything edible that doesn't require cooking. Fresh fruits, bread, sandwiches, etc., are top picks. Also take non-perishables (canned food, chips) but don't overdo it -- canned goods are heavy and you likely don't have a can opener yet.
Key tip: Eat perishable food first. That slice of ham or watermelon won't last without power, so use it to fill yourself up now, and save the canned beans for later.
Water
New survivors often overlook this until they're parched. Fill any empty bottle or container with water. No bottle? Improvise: Teapots, cooking pots, mugs -- anything that holds water.
You should carry at least one water-bearing item when you leave the house. City water will shut off after a couple of weeks (in-game) randomly, and you don't want to be caught unprepared.
โ๏ธ Lighten your load (the power of a bag)
If you find any kind of bag, equip it! A plastic grocery bag, tote, purse, school bag -- each gives extra carry capacity. For example, a school bag might reduce item weight by 60%, effectively letting you carry more before hitting your weight limit.
Check your weight meter at the top of the inventory -- if it's red or you see the "Heavy Load" moodle, you're carrying too much. Drop non-essentials (do you really need that toy bear or extra cooking pot right now?).
Personal Experience: "In my early runs I was a pack-rat -- I grabbed books, multiple tools, etc., and then couldn't climb a fence when 3 zombies chased me because I was huffing under 20 lbs of junk. Don't be me! Keep it lean."
Key loot to look for (Day One edition)
Aside from the big three (weapon, food, water) and a bag, scan rooms for:
๐Medicine
A bottle of disinfectant or alcohol wipes and some bandages can save your life if you get scratched. Even band-aids or a needle and thread (for stitching deep wounds) are great finds. Painkillers help if you take minor injury.
๐Clothing upgrades
Find better protection -- a leather jacket, boots, or gloves. These reduce bite/scratch chance on that body part. Also, grab a hat or sweater if it's cold (you don't want to catch a cold on top of everything).
๐จTools
A hammer and nails if you stumble on them (shed or garage) -- these let you barricade doors/windows later. A screwdriver -- needed to hotwire cars (eventually) and remove certain barricades. A flashlight for night (just keep it off unless needed).
Veteran Tip: Staging Areas
Use containers in the house as staging areas. For example, if you find more useful stuff than you can carry, stash them in a single cupboard or crate near the exit. Mark it mentally or on your map. You can return on Day 2 or 3 to pick them up with a vehicle or after you drop off other supplies.
First Base: Where to Crash Safely
"I survived day one, but sleeping in a house scares me -- how do I know I won't get eaten at night? Should I fortify somewhere or keep moving?"
Choosing a base (even a temporary one) is a big deal in PZ. As a solo newbie, you want a place that's easy to defend, has useful loot nearby, and isn't in the middle of a zombie parade. Here's how to find and set up your first safehouse:
Evaluate your spawn house
Sometimes, your starting location is actually decent! Ask:
- Is it in a low-population area (residential outskirts rather than city center)?
- Does it have a second floor (for escape or throwing a sheet rope out)?
- Is it near useful loot (e.g. a neighbor with a car, a store within 1-2 blocks)?
If yes, you might just reinforce this place and call it home for the first week. If no -- for example, you spawned in a trailer in a packed trailer park, or a house by a highway where zombies constantly wander through -- you might plan to relocate come daytime.
What makes a location "good" for beginners?
Community veterans often suggest starting in Rosewood or Riverside towns because they are relatively sparse in zombie population and have lots of houses. Regardless of town, look for:
Fewer approach vectors
A house at a cul-de-sac or dead end, or one with a fenced yard, is easier to secure because zombies can only approach from certain sides.
Second story or attic
Multi-story houses allow an old trick -- you can destroy the staircase (with a sledgehammer, if you find one later) and use a sheet rope to climb in/out from a second-floor window, making you virtually unreachable by normal zombies.
Proximity to resources
Being near a water source (like a lake or river) is great for long-term, but for first days, being near a grocery store or pharmacy is more pressing. Don't live next door to the police station or gun store, though -- those attract zombies.
Visibility and escape
Check if the house has tall fences (you can't see zombies behind them easily, double-edged sword) or if it's on a open street (good visibility). Note nearby thickets of trees: they can hide zombies, but also serve as escape routes.
Make it home, at least for now
Once you commit to a place for the night, do a bit of fortification:
๐ชตBarricade if you can
If you found a hammer and nails, you can barricade windows by right-clicking them. Even one plank can slow zombies. Most beginners won't have this Day 1, so don't fret. Alternatively, push a heavy piece of furniture (like a dresser) in front of a window -- it's not as good as nails, but it's something.
๐กLighting
Turn off lights at night on the ground floor. You can leave a second floor light on so you're not stumbling in the dark, but lights make you visible at night. Use lamps or a flashlight upstairs if you must.
๐ชManage entrances
Decide which door is your "main" and only use that one (less noise). Keep others closed and locked. If you have a spare sheet, make sheet ropes from a window as a fire escape.
Pro tip: You can use sheet ropes on any second-story window if you have nails and a hammer to secure it. Sheet rope escape = good.
๐ฆStash supplies
Organize your loot inside. It's not just OCD -- if you get injured, you don't want to be frantically digging through five containers for a bandage. Have a designated "medical shelf" or box, a food shelf, etc.
๐ด Sleep safety
Sleeping in PZ as a solo player is nerve-wracking because time will fast-forward and you're vulnerable. The game will wake you up if zombies start breaking down the door (often with a heart-stopping sound of glass breaking).
To maximize safety: clear the area before you sleep. If you've killed the few zombies in your immediate vicinity and it's quiet, you're likely okay for the night. You can also go upstairs and close the door to the bedroom; this way if a zombie wanders in, it has another door to get through before it chomps you.
As a new player, I often spent my first nights too scared to sleep -- pacing in the dark. Don't be like me; if you've done due diligence, get some rest so you're not exhausted tomorrow. Fatigue (the Sleepy moodle) will slow you, reduce awareness, and could be fatal.
Tool Highlight: Map Marking
Press M to open your map (if playing Apocalypse mode, you have a map you fill in as you explore). If you have a pen or pencil, you can scribble icons. Mark your base with a house icon or a big X so you remember where it is relative to everything else. This also helps if you need to flee -- you'll know how to navigate back home later.
Resource Check
By the end of Day 1 or 2, a good base will have:
- ๐ง Water: sink still working (fill bottles each day), plus any spare water containers filled.
- ๐ฒ Food: a couple of days worth of canned or non-perishable food, plus whatever fresh you plan to eat immediately.
- ๐ฉน Medical: at least a few bandages (sterilized if possible) and some alcohol wipes or disinfectant.
- ๐จ Weapon: something better than your starting utensil -- maybe you found a hammer or a crowbar to replace that frying pan.
- ๐๏ธ Safe sleeping spot: ideally a second-floor bedroom that's been cleared.
If you're missing some of these, note it as tomorrow's objective (e.g., "Day 2: find a better weapon, raid pharmacy for disinfectant").
Dealing with Zombies: Stealth First, Fight Second
"Every time I fight a zombie it either bites me or a bunch of others hear it and swarm me. How am I supposed to survive if I can't even kill one without trouble?"
Combat in Project Zomboid is unforgiving. A single mistake -- letting a zombie get behind you, missing a swing and getting grabbed -- can end a character. As a beginner, the secret is to avoid fights whenever possible. This isn't a hack-and-slash where you mow down dozens of zombies at level 1. It's more akin to a survival stealth game. Here's how to handle the undead:
๐ฃ Stealth is your best friend
As mentioned earlier, crouch-walk everywhere in unknown territory. Each zombie you avoid is health saved. Use the environment to hide: stay behind walls, hedge fences, and parked cars when moving.
Watch the direction zombies are facing; you can often sneak right behind a zombie that hasn't noticed you (and potentially one-shot it with a knife or hand axe to the skull).
Tip: At night or in dark indoor areas, you have an advantage: zombies have poor vision, so as long as you stay quiet, you can slip by.
Know their senses
Zombies track by sound and sight (and in current builds, not smell). Loud noises like breaking a window, an alarm, gunshots will draw in zombies from very far away. If you break a window to enter a house (only do this if absolutely necessary), immediately get out of sight because nearby zeds will investigate the noise.
Better approach: always check for an open door or window before resorting to smashing glass. You'd be surprised how many houses have an unlocked window -- sliding it open is silent.
When moving outside, keep to a walking pace or crouch-run; sprinting (while it can be a lifesaver in a pinch) generates a lot of noise and exerts you quickly.
Fighting 101
Okay, inevitably you'll have to fight some zombies, especially once you start roaming. Here's the crash course:
๐ฏIsolate one target
Use line of sight tricks to pull one zombie from a group. For example, if you see 3 together, you can shout from far enough that only one hears and comes, or throw something like a noisemaker. If one breaks off, lead it around a corner so its friends don't see its demise.
โ๏ธKeep your distance, then strike
Zombies lunge when they're close. As you face one, hold Right Mouse Button (RMB) to ready your weapon, and aim your cursor at the zombie. This also locks your facing direction.
Backpedal a little as it approaches. When the zombie lunges, you'll see it do a reach animation -- that's your cue to swing (Left Click) and ideally hit the head.
If using a short weapon like a knife, you might need to let it get closer for the stab. For longer weapons (bat, shovel), you can hit a bit sooner. After your hit, back up again if it isn't down. Repeat patiently.
๐The stomp
If you do knock the zombie down (either from a shove or weapon strike), you have a chance to finish it while it's prone. Move close to the downed zombie (but not on top of it) and you'll see a green highlight on its head if you hover there. Press Space without aiming or click when not holding RMB to do a stomp/kick.
Always keep an eye around you even while stomping -- tunnel vision here can get you flanked by another zombie.
๐Retreat is valid
If something feels off -- you missed a swing, another zombie is shambling over, you're getting exerted -- run! Put distance, break line of sight, and regroup. There's no shame in fleeing; living to fight another moment is the name of the game.
Multiple zombies -- advanced tactics
As a beginner, engaging more than one at once is very risky. Two can be managed if you position well: try to line them up (so they approach in single file) to strike the first, then the next.
Or use a doorway: funnel them so only one can come through at a time. If outdoors with two, you might circle around one to put it between you and the second (body blocking).
More than two? Strongly consider running unless you have serious weapons or experience. Generally, as a newbie, avoid playing pied piper with zombies; leave complex distraction tactics for when you're more comfortable.
๐ซ Avoid firearms early
It's worth reiterating -- guns will attract huge hordes due to noise. Yes, finding a pistol or shotgun feels empowering, but unless you've adjusted sandbox settings, firing a gun in town will ring the dinner bell for blocks around.
Plus, your character likely has terrible aim with zero skill, so you'll waste ammo and not even kill the target. Save the firearms for when you're more skilled or have a dire emergency. Melee and stealth won't wake up the whole neighborhood.
Personal Anecdote
The first time I survived a whole week in Project Zomboid, I realized I'd only killed about 10 zombies in total that week -- and that was a winning strategy. I spent more time avoiding zombies than engaging. Think of zombies like natural hazards (like fires or traps) rather than XP to be farmed. Every avoided fight is a victory in itself.
Beyond Day One: Planning 24-72 Hours (Early Game Strategy)
"Okay, I didn't die on day one. Now what? I feel like I'm just waiting around or I end up doing something dumb on day two or three that gets me killed."
Congratulations on making it past the initial chaos! The next couple of in-game days are about consolidating your survival and preparing for mid-term challenges. Let's break down days 2-3 (and the rest of your first week):
Day 2: Short exploratory runs
With a secured base and basic supplies, start carefully expanding your perimeter. Pick one or two nearby targets for loot: for example, a hardware store for tools, a pharmacy for medical supplies, or a neighbor's house that looks promising. Go one at a time.
Morning is a good time -- your character is rested and the daylight helps. Remember the rule: travel light and only as far as you can get back by afternoon. You don't want to be caught far from home at sunset yet.
๐บ๏ธPractice stealth and mapping
If you haven't yet, get used to using the map (M) to mark buildings you fully looted (e.g. put an "X" or check mark). This will save you confusion later. Also mark any important finds you can't grab now.
๐Vehicle hunt
If you're comfortable, Day 2-3 is a fine time to look for a car. Having a working car by Day 3 makes life so much easier -- you can loot further, escape danger faster, and even sleep in it (in a pinch).
Check nearby driveways for cars. If you see one, sneak up and check if it's unlocked. Getting into a car (E key at door) without the key is fine; you can check the glove box for a key, or the nearby house (often the key is in the house or on a zombie around).
I once found a survivor house (with dead survivor bodies) and one had a car key in his inventory, which matched a car outside -- jackpot!
๐Avoid the helicopter (if it comes)
By default, sometime in the first week a helicopter event will occur (the meta-event where an unseen chopper comes and basically attracts zombies to your location). This likely won't happen in the first 72 hours (usually Day 6-7 by default), but just a heads up: when you hear a helicopter, the strategy is to not stay at your base -- you'd run or drive away, letting it follow you, so it doesn't drag zombies to your house.
๐ Skills and reading
Hopefully you found some skill books labeled "Beginners" (like "Carpentry for Beginners"). These are gold. At night or when things are quiet, read those books! They take some in-game hours to read, but give you a multiplier to XP gain in that skill.
For example, Carpentry for Beginners gives you a 3x XP boost up to level 2 Carpentry. That means the little bit of carpentry XP you got from watching Life and Living or breaking furniture will go much further.
Life and Living TV schedule
For the first 9 days of the default apocalypse, the Life and Living channel broadcasts skill lessons at:
- 6:00 (6 AM)
- 12:00 (noon)
- 18:00 (6 PM)
Each show gives XP in a skill if you watch it. Day 1 12:00 shows cooking, 18:00 shows carpentry, etc., with various skills covered through the week.
Pro Tip: You don't actually have to sit and watch like a hawk -- you can turn on the TV at the right time, volume low, and do other tasks nearby and you'll still get the XP. Just don't wander too far off or you'll be out of range.
By Day 3: Aim for self-sufficiency
That means:
๐งWater plan
Several containers filled, maybe even a rain collector crafted if you got carpentry 1 (bit early for that, but keep in mind). The power and water shutoffs are random but typically >= 14 days out; however, it's good to start stockpiling now.
๐ฒFood plan
Non-perishables hoarded. If you have fridge power still, you could freeze some meats. Maybe you started foraging or fishing if you're in a rural spot -- not critical in first 72h, but something to explore if you're safe.
โ๏ธWeapons upgrade
Perhaps by now you found a better melee weapon (a hammer, a hand axe, or that coveted machete). If not, consider visiting a tool shed or garage on Day 3. At the very least, have a backup in case your primary breaks.
๐Transportation
If no car yet, find a gas can from a shed or garage; you'll need it to fuel a car once you get one. Mark nearby gas station on your map.
๐ Long-term base thoughts
Now that you've survived a bit, think: is this base going to be good for the long haul? If yes, you might start fortifying (boarding windows, planning farming plots if you have seeds, organizing loot). If no, you might scout on Day 3 or 4 for a better location.
Deal with any developing problems
๐ฉนInjury/Illness
If you got scratched or bit (let's hope not bit -- bites are 100% fatal in default settings), manage it. Keep wounds clean, stay fed and rested to heal faster. If you got a cold from rain or corpse exposure, make sure you have tissues and stay indoors; a coughing fit can draw zombies.
๐Morale
Depression, boredom, stress -- these can happen, especially if you took traits like Smoker (stress until you get a cig) or if you stay indoors too much. Read magazines or comics to relieve boredom, and try to vary your diet a bit. If you're a Smoker, by Day 2 you hopefully found cigarettes; if not, make that a priority on loot runs.
Use mods or sandbox if needed
If by Day 3 you feel things are too overwhelming or unfun, remember you can adjust sandbox settings next game or even install a quality-of-life mod. For instance, there's a popular mod "Weapon Condition Indicator" that shows a little bar for your weapon's durability -- so you know if that axe is about to break mid-fight. Project Zomboid has a notoriously high learning curve, so think of mods as a friendly coach giving you pointers.
Analogy: Surviving the first 72 hours in Project Zomboid is a lot like establishing a camp in the wilderness. Day 1 you're lighting a fire and keeping the beasts away. Day 2 you're hunting and gathering nearby. Day 3 you're improving your shelter and tools. If you manage these, you're no longer merely reacting to the apocalypse -- you're acting with a plan.
Common Beginner Q&A (FAQ)
How do I know where I spawned? I'm lost!
Check the in-game map (press M). The spawn town name is usually at the bottom. You can also look for unique landmarks: Did you see a sign for "Knoxtown" or a river?
Each town has distinct features (e.g., West Point has a river to the north, Riverside literally borders a river, Rosewood has a big prison nearby (avoid it!), Muldraugh has highway and train tracks). You can find annotated town maps in-game or use the online map to match your surroundings.
What traits or occupation should I pick to make this easier?
This guide assumes you're already in-game, but for next time: popular beginner-friendly choices are Fire Officer or Police Officer (for fitness/strength and combat skills) or Construction Worker (toughness).
Traits: Smoker is an easy free point (cigarettes are common). Wakeful (less sleep) or Stout (more carry weight) are great if you can get them. Avoid things like Claustrophobic or Hemophobic for solo play -- they just add hassle.
I keep getting bitten/scratched in combat. What am I doing wrong?
Probably range or situational awareness. Make sure you're aiming at the zombie (it highlights or your character's facing it with weapon raised) before swinging. If you swing too early, you'll miss and the zombie might close distance. Too late, and it might already be on you.
It takes practice -- try using shove (space bar) to keep them off and only swing when they're recoiling or down. Also, watch out for the "sneaky one" -- zombies often come from off-screen or behind while you tunnel on the one in front.
Remember: scratches aren't always fatal (around 7% chance of infection). Disinfect and bandage it, keep your health up, and you might survive it. Bites, on the other handโฆ well, use that run to learn from.
Should I barricade my base on Day 1?
Only if you conveniently found hammer, nails, and wood and have spare time. It's not a Day 1 priority unless you're in a very exposed house. By all means, if you can, fortify a bit -- but be aware hammering makes noise.
Many players actually don't start serious barricading until after the first week when zombie migration patterns become clearer and they commit to a long-term base.
When do I need to move bases or go to the next town?
Not for a while. Knox County is large -- you could survive months just scavenging one town thoroughly. Only move if your area is overrun or depleted of critical supplies (e.g., no food or tools left at all).
As a beginner, it's usually safer to stay in a familiar area and gradually expand outward, rather than make a long trek to a new town early on.
Any cheap "tricks" I should know?
A few beginner-friendly tricks:
- Life and Living TV (free XP, don't miss it).
- Spears from furniture: If you have a knife, you can right-click furniture like chairs to carve a wooden spear. Spears have long reach and high crit chance.
- Alarms: When entering a new house, be ready to run out -- house alarms randomly trigger on entry if you're unlucky, causing a huge noise. If one goes off, run far, hide, and wait.
- Burning corpses: Piles of dead zombies can make you sick over time. You can burn them (with gasoline or fire) or bury them with a shovel. Early on, just drag them out of your house at least.
Wrap-Up: Write Your Story, One Day at a Time
Project Zomboid is the story of your survival, and those first few days are the critical first chapter. You've gone from panicked looter to a cautious, thinking survivor with a plan. Maybe you had a close call -- like that time you fumbled with a locked door while three zombies closed in, heart pounding, only to escape out a window at the last second (I've been there!). These moments will become war stories you share later.
Always remember: slow and steady truly wins here. Every action (or inaction) has consequences. When in doubt, ask yourself "Is this safe? Can I survive if this goes wrong?" -- if not, don't do it.
Now you have this beginner's toolbox: use it to forge your own routine. Maybe each morning you'll clear a few more houses on your block, each afternoon you'll fortify and organize, each evening you'll curl up with "Electricity for Beginners" by lamp light as the undead shuffle outside. It's almost cozyโฆ in a terribly apocalyptic way.
Secure your base, loot only what you need, stay quiet, and always have an escape.
Good luck out there, survivor. Remember: this is how you lived. Now go turn that first day into the first of many.
Resources & Further Reading
- ๐ PZwiki -- Survival Guide: Official wiki guide covering survival basics (great for look-up of mechanics).
- ๐ Shockbyte Beginner Tips (2024): Quick-read list of fundamental tips (inventory, stealth, etc.) for new players.
- ๐บ๏ธ Project Zomboid Map Project: Interactive online map of the game world -- extremely useful for planning and navigation.
- ๐ฎ Steam "Newbie Handbook" Guide (Jan 2024): Comprehensive text guide by community (on Steam) with in-depth first-week survival strategies.
- ๐ฅ MrAtomicDuck's "First Week" YouTube Series: Watch an experienced player navigate Day 1-7 in detail -- helpful to visualize tactics described here.
All sources accessed 2024-2025 for latest info. Gameplay based on Build 41 stable/Build 42 unstable -- subject to change with updates.
Recent Game Updates
Balance patch: Tweaked zombie cognition (slightly better sight in dark) and made TVs default to off on game start. Impact: New players are less likely to spawn with a TV attracting zombies (still check!). Minor combat tweaks make nighttime stealth a tad harder.
QOL update: Added ability to close curtains quickly via context menu and increased spawn rates for beginner tools (like maps, watches). Impact: Easier for solo newbies to secure houses and find basic navigation tools early.
Major update: Introduced animals (deer, rabbits) and expanded map areas. Early game food options now include hunting/trapping small game, but also beware deer can startle you by attracting zombies if they run by. Expanded map means more spawn towns -- learn your area well.
Minor fix: Addressed an issue where some house alarms wouldn't trigger. Impact: You can't count on "safe" unalarmed houses as much; always be prepared for that alarm sprint, especially in first days when you haven't cleared the area.
NPC update (forecasted): NPC survivors may be introduced. This will fundamentally change early game if enabled -- you might encounter AI survivors who can help or harm. For now (Build 41/42) you're blissfully alone, so no need to worry yet.