Is Underweight a Free Trait in Project Zomboid?

In the game Project Zomboid, players have the option to customize their characters' attributes, including their weight. Being underweight can have some benefits, such as allowing players to pick up positive fitness traits, but it also comes with drawbacks.

First, let's talk about the benefits of being underweight. Being underweight allows players to pick up positive fitness traits, which can give them a +6 trait point bonus. However, being overweight bars players from picking up any positive fitness traits. It's important to note that being overweight or underweight is best for the player and will vary based on the rest of their build.

Now, let's discuss the drawbacks of being underweight. Characters who are very underweight (between 50 and 65) have reduced melee damage, a higher chance of tripping, and increased fall damage. They also have a greater chance of failing to climb tall fences. Additionally, being underweight lowers a character's starting weight from 80 to 60. It's important to note that fitness does not cause the effects associated with being underweight. Rather, it is the weight itself that causes these effects. So, if a character hits 65 weight, they will no longer be considered very underweight and will no longer suffer from the increased chance of tripping and reduced melee damage. However, they will still be underweight and will suffer from the other penalties associated with this trait. It's also worth noting that being underweight can bar players from picking up positive Fitness traits, although they can still pick Athletic for a net +3 bonus.

So, what is considered underweight in Project Zomboid? The game has a set weight range for different categories. If a player's weight is 100 or more, they will suffer damage and be considered obese. If a player's weight is between 85 and 100, they will be considered overweight. If a player's weight is between 75 and 85, this is considered the normal range. If a player's weight is between 65 and 75, they will be considered underweight. And if a player's weight is between 50 and 65, they will be considered very underweight.

Gaining weight is significantly easier than losing weight. To gain weight quickly, players can include eating as much food as possible and using the ice cream tub method. If players are not sure about the nutritional values of the food they're eating, they can check the calorie list or take the nutritionist trait to see them in the game. Starvation can cause health damage, and being constantly hungry can make it difficult to gain weight. For players looking to gain weight, high calorie food options include pasta, rice, cereal, canned Bolognese, butter, and ice cream.

The "Very Underweight" trait in the game affects the player's body in a number of ways. Firstly, it lowers the player's fitness level by 2. This is a semi-permanent change, meaning that even if the player gains weight, they will still need to earn back those 2 fitness levels. Secondly, the player's starting weight is lowered. This is a temporary change, and all other values associated with weight (e.g. Melee damage, chance to trip, etc.) are only present until the player gains 5+ more weight.

Finally, let's talk about how calories affect weight gain in Project Zomboid. Your calorie intake in the game affects how much weight you gain or lose. If you have a negative calorie balance, you will lose weight, and if you have a positive calorie balance, you will gain weight. The rate at which your calorie balance changes depends on your activity level; walking and being stationary burn calories at the same rate, but running burns calories much faster. The maximum amount of calories

you can have is 3,700, and the minimum is -2,200. So, it's important to keep track of your calorie intake and balance it with your activity level to ensure you're gaining or losing weight at the rate you desire.

In conclusion, being underweight in Project Zomboid can have some benefits such as allowing players to pick up positive fitness traits, but it also comes with drawbacks such as reduced melee damage, increased chance of tripping and falling, and difficulties climbing tall fences. To gain weight, players should focus on eating high calorie foods and monitoring their calorie intake to ensure they have a positive balance. It's important to keep in mind that the "Very Underweight" trait can lower fitness level and starting weight temporarily, and that fitness does not cause the effects associated with being underweight, it is the weight itself that causes these effects. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of being underweight and how to control weight gain in the game, players can make informed decisions about their character's attributes and improve their chances of survival in the zombie apocalypse.