Zomboid Survival Spots: Where to Loot (Not Die) in Knox County

Zomboid Survival Spots: Where to Loot (Not Die) in Knox County

Welcome to Knox Country, survivor. The world of Project Zomboid features a huge open map – a chunk of Kentucky filled with towns, cities, and hidden sites – and each region offers a different survival experience. Choosing where to loot or settle can mean the difference between thriving or becoming zombie chow. This guide is your one-stop survival atlas, updated for 2025 with the latest map expansions and gameplay changes.

From the quiet streets of Rosewood to the urban hell of Louisville, we've got you covered. Grab your map (and a shotgun), and let's dive in!

Quick Start: Choosing Your Town

If you're new or just want the TL;DR on each major location, this section is your anchor. Here's a quick rundown of the five major towns in Project Zomboid and what they offer:

Town Spawn Point? Zombie Density Notable Loot & Buildings Base Building Special Notes
Rosewood Yes Very Low (≈1.5k) Police station (armory), Large firehouse, Gas station, Courthouse Excellent Easiest start; nearby Knox Prison has high-tier loot if cleared. Great for beginner builds
Riverside Yes Low (≈2k) Giga-Mart supermarket, Police station, Riverside Hotel, Nearby Country Club Good Abundant water (river) and fishing; trailer park can draw clusters
Muldraugh Yes Medium (≈4k) Large warehouses, Police station, Pharmahug drugstore, McCoy Logging Co. Good Central location; watch for roaming hordes along highway
West Point Yes High (≈5k) Gun store, Large police station, Hardware store, Pharmacy, School Fair High loot density downtown. Expect huge hordes; not for newbies
Louisville No Extreme (20k+) Every loot imaginable: Mall, Hospital, Military Surplus, Police HQ, High-rises Poor End-game city; approach only when well-armed

Quick Decision Tips: If you're a beginner, go Rosewood or Riverside for an easier learning curve. For a mix of challenge and reward, Muldraugh hits the sweet spot. If you're feeling confident (or masochistic), West Point will keep you on your toes. And Louisville... well, Louisville's waiting for when you really think you've seen it all.

Muldraugh – "Knox Country's Crossroads"

Muldraugh has been the classic Project Zomboid town since the early days. Geographically, it's a narrow town stretched along a north-south highway (Route 31W) and flanked by forests. Historically an army town just north of Fort Knox (ground zero of the Knox Event in lore), Muldraugh offers a mix of blue-collar locales and rural outskirts.

Dangers & Strategy

  • Moderate zombie density (around 4,000 zeds)
  • Highway can become a migration route during helicopter events
  • Stick to side streets early on to avoid main road hordes
  • McCoy Logging Company area has concentrated zombies
  • Use the woods as escape routes when pursued

Loot Hotspots

  • McCoy Logging Co. – Tools, nails, construction supplies
  • Mass Genfac Warehouse – Generators, tools, occasional ammo
  • Police Station – Small armory with basic weapons
  • Pharmahug – Medical supplies and medications
  • Gas Stations – One at each end of town
  • Gated Community – Upscale homes at south end of town

Base Building

  • Warehouse (North) – Fan favorite with office upstairs, two entrances to fortify, close to logging yard
  • Gated Community (South) – Pre-built fences, houses with pools for water supply
  • Isolated Houses – West of town, off side roads for quieter living
  • Storage Lots – Fenced areas that can be secured

Pro Tip: Consider creating safehouses on both ends of Muldraugh to have fallback positions when hordes migrate through the highway during events.

Summary

Muldraugh is the "jack-of-all-trades" town: manageable zombie levels, decent loot variety, and superb base potential. It's no cakewalk, but it won't overwhelm you as quickly as West Point might. For many, it's the perfect sandbox to learn the ropes and then build a permanent stronghold.

Moderate Challenge
Central Location
Great Base Options
Tool Paradise

West Point – "High Stakes on the Ohio"

If Muldraugh is a sleepy rural town, West Point is its rowdier cousin. Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, West Point is more compact and urbanized, with a downtown that can erupt into a zombie nightmare on Day 1. The devs loosely based it on real West Point, KY – it even features a famous bar named Twiggy's that the town's mayor allegedly frequents in lore.

Dangers & Strategy

  • High zombie density (around 5,000 zeds)
  • Downtown streets are often packed with hordes
  • Get out of downtown ASAP when starting
  • Use alleyways and fences to break line of sight
  • Gun store alarm is a death trap for unprepared players
  • Consider escaping via river shoreline or country roads

Loot Hotspots

  • Gun Store – Hunting & Outdoors shop with rifles, shotguns, ammo (often alarmed)
  • Police Station – Central location with locked armory
  • "West Point Mini-Mall" – Cluster of grocery store, hardware, pharmacy in one block
  • Twiggy's Bar – Famous bar on west edge of town
  • Church – On north side near river
  • Gas Station – Fossoil at west end of town

Base Building

  • Twiggy's Bar – Has upstairs room and roof access; destroy interior staircase and use sheet ropes
  • Gas Station – West edge has service garage, good for mechanics
  • River Cabin – Isolated cabin north of town with well nearby
  • Church – Sturdy building with bell tower, can be secured

Pro Tip: Some players clear urban buildings and use their second floors as bases - by destroying the stairs and using sheet ropes, you create a zombie-proof living space.

Summary

Treat West Point as a high-risk, high-reward challenge. It'll test your combat and evasion skills, but if you conquer it, you'll be swimming in gear and supplies. It's relatively isolated in the north-east corner of Knox Country, but offers a gateway to Valley Station and Louisville for late-game exploration.

High Challenge
Abundant Weapons
Gateway to Louisville
Dense Urban Environment

Riverside – "Wealthy, Wet, and Worthwhile"

Riverside is a picturesque town on the river's west bank, notable for its mix of wealthy homes and rural charm. In lore it's described with pride and even has its own baseball team. For players, Riverside offers a gently challenging start – less intense than West Point, but not as empty as Rosewood. It's geographically north-west on the Knox Country map, somewhat tucked away by the river and woods.

Dangers & Strategy

  • Low zombie density (around 2,000 zeds)
  • Main clusters near town center and trailer park
  • Focus on clearing residential areas first
  • Avoid Scenic Grove trailer park early on
  • River provides permanent water source
  • Fishing viable with proper equipment

Loot Hotspots

  • Giga-Mart – Supermarket with food and supplies
  • Police Station – Small station with limited weapons
  • Riverside Hotel – 3-story hotel with many rooms to search
  • Hardware Store – Tools for construction
  • East Riverside – Wealthy homes with better loot
  • West Maple Country Club – Southeast of town, has wines, golf clubs, and sometimes antique ovens

Base Building

  • Country Club – Huge building with fences, pool, kitchen, and upper floor
  • Church – Sturdy structure with bell tower and fenced yard
  • Riverside Lodge – Small ranger station north of town, quiet and isolated
  • Upscale Homes – East side houses with fences make good fortified bases

Pro Tip: Living near the river gives you permanent water access and fishing opportunities - crucial for long-term survival.

Summary

Riverside is often recommended for players who want a challenging yet manageable start. You won't be swimming in guns or canned food, but you also won't be swarmed at every turn. With the river at your side and maybe a bourbon tumbler at the country club, Riverside can feel almost relaxing... almost.

Moderate Challenge
Abundant Water
Upscale Homes
Country Club Nearby

Rosewood – "Low Population, High Potential"

Rosewood is a cozy town in the south-west of the map. Think of government buildings, nice community services, and a laid-back vibe – at least until the zombies show up. It's known in the PZ community as the easiest starting location, largely due to its sparse zombie population. Don't underestimate it entirely though; Rosewood has its own curveballs.

Dangers & Strategy

  • Very low zombie density in town (around 1,500 zeds)
  • Knox Prison outside town contains ~4,000 zombie inmates
  • Wide, open streets make spotting zombies easy
  • Focus on the Fire Station early for tools and gear
  • Don't get complacent - small groups can surprise you
  • Watch for wrecks on the highway when driving

Loot Hotspots

  • Fire Department – Axes, tools, firefighter gear, and vehicles
  • Police Station – Small armory in the center of town
  • Medical Office – West side clinic for medical supplies
  • School – Good source of backpacks and various supplies
  • Knox Penitentiary – Prison complex with armory, riot gear, nightsticks
  • Spiffo's & Gas Station – Fast food and fuel

Base Building

  • Fire Station – S-tier base with watchtower, garage, perimeter fence, on town edge
  • Mechanic Shop – Small auto shop with fenced yard, perfect for vehicle focus
  • Edge of Town Houses – Isolated homes on outskirts for peaceful living
  • Prison Outer Building – Bold option: barricade the front office without clearing the whole prison

Pro Tip: The Fire Station is so popular because it has everything - height for visibility, multiple exits for escape, and a natural fence. Many players beeline straight for it.

Summary

Rosewood is the calm before the storm. It's where you can establish a firm foundation with minimal interference – just don't let that lull you into dropping your guard, especially if you plan a run on the prison or a road trip out of town. For beginners looking to learn the game's mechanics without constant pressure, Rosewood is the ideal starting point.

Beginner Friendly
Fire Station Base
Prison Challenge
Sparse Zombies

Louisville – "The Big Urban Buffet"

Louisville is the crown jewel of Knox Country – a sprawling urban center that was sealed off during the outbreak. It's roughly 4× the size of any other town in the game and offers an end-game challenge for even the most seasoned players. With tens of thousands of zombies, navigating Louisville feels like trying to survive in a real metropolis overrun by the undead.

WARNING: Do not approach Louisville unprepared. This area is designed for late-game survivors with maxed skills, stockpiled weapons, vehicles, and plenty of ammunition. New players will almost certainly meet their demise here. Consider yourself warned.

Dangers & Strategy

  • Extreme zombie density (20,000+ zeds)
  • Use vehicles carefully - avenues may be clogged with wrecks
  • Divide and conquer - secure a small area at a time
  • High-rise buildings are death traps - clear floors methodically
  • Noise discipline is crucial - sound attracts hordes from blocks away
  • Consider raid-and-retreat tactics instead of permanent settlement

Loot Hotspots

  • Downtown – Skyscrapers, corporate offices, hotels, courthouse, restaurants
  • Hospital – Multi-floor medical facility with abundant supplies
  • Residential Districts – Upscale suburbs, apartments, gated communities
  • Northeast Mansions – Luxury homes with pools, electronics, rare weapons
  • Industrial Zone – Warehouses, factories, tool depots, storage lots
  • Military Checkpoints – Scattered outposts with potential weapon spawns

Base Building

  • Secure Tower – Multi-story building on edge of town, destroy stairs, use sheet ropes
  • Fenced Communities – Pre-fenced neighborhoods, especially in the southwest
  • Fire/Police Station – Sturdy, often fenced, multiple bays and yards
  • Forward Base Strategy – Most use Valley Station or West Point and make armed forays into Louisville

Pro Tip: Many players never permanently settle in Louisville - they raid specific targets (hospital, police HQ) then retreat to safer towns. This is often smarter than trying to clear the endless city hordes.

Summary

Louisville is the ultimate Project Zomboid challenge – a nightmare metropolis where only the well-prepared survive. Tackle it when you've mastered the rest of Knox Country, and even then, never underestimate it. The loot potential is unmatched, but so is the danger. For those seeking constant action and the true apocalyptic city experience, Louisville delivers.

End Game Zone
Extreme Threat
Ultimate Loot
Urban Labyrinth

Other Notable Locations & Points of Interest

Not every place in Knox Country is a major town – there are smaller settlements and unique sites that can be just as important in your survival story. Here we cover some of these notable locations:

Valley Station & The Mall

Valley Station isn't a town in the spawn menu, but it's the area on the southern outskirts of Louisville and just north-east of West Point. It's usually defined as everything south of the Louisville quarantine fence and north of the river bridge leading to West Point.

Key Points of Interest:

  • Crossroads Mall – Gigantic shopping mall with ~4,000 zombies, two stories of shops, food court, and movie theater. Massive loot potential but extremely dangerous.
  • Knob Creek Shooting Range – Gun store called "Straight Shooter" and hunting lodge with abundant firearms and ammo.
  • Suburbs – Residential areas with gated communities and the Onyx Drive-In Theater.
  • Gas Station – Popular base location with upstairs lounge, good sightlines, and not too close to Mall hordes.

Tip for Valley Station: Avoid the Mall initially. There are plenty of other stores and houses to loot without touching that death trap. If you spawn in West Point, crossing the bridge into Valley Station can be a way to escape West Point's chaos.

March Ridge

March Ridge is a small, fenced town in the far south of Knox Country. Added in Build 41, it's often overlooked because it's not a spawn town and is a bit out-of-the-way. Lore-wise, it was a gated community, possibly for military families (which explains the fence around its perimeter).

Features:

  • Layout – One main street with shops (mini-mart, laundromat, bar, small police station) and apartment complexes plus a school.
  • Zombie Presence – Surprisingly high for its remote location, but still lower than major towns. A few hundred spread throughout.
  • Loot – Modest police station, mini-mart, no major loot spots. No dedicated gun or hardware store.
  • Base Potential – Apartment buildings make ready-made multi-unit bases. Perimeter fence helps keep out wandering zombies.

Fun fact: Because March Ridge is fenced, some players role-play it as a "quarantine zone" that was sealed early in the outbreak. You'll find a checkpoint on the road leading in, adding to that story flavor.

Dixie, Fallas Lake & Rural South

"Dixie" refers to a trailer park and surrounding rural stop along the Dixie Highway (the same highway that runs through Muldraugh). It's south of Muldraugh, north of March Ridge – basically a midpoint on that road.

Areas of Interest:

  • Dixie Trailer Park – Small cluster of mobile homes with central office building. Low zombie count (~350) and occasional gun loot in trailers.
  • Fallas Lake (aka "Ekron") – Small farming village west of the trailer park with farming supply store, country church, doctor's office, bookstore, and homes. Near a lake and very low-population.
  • Dixie Gas Station – Highway gas station with convenience store. Remote but reliable refuel point once cleared.
  • Wildlife & Forage – Perfect area for rural survival: forests for foraging, lake for fishing, and open lands for hunting (especially in Build 42+).

Summary: The Dixie area (trailer park + Fallas Lake) is like a gentle wilderness tutorial. Not much threat, but also not much high-end loot – a place to live off the land and build up resources before heading to more populated zones.

The Secret Military Base

Deep in the woods, west of Rosewood, lies one of Knox Country's worst-kept secrets: a hidden military research facility. Many players call it the "secret base" or "underground lab," and it's one of the most intriguing locations to explore.

Key Information:

  • Location & Access – Remote area west of Rosewood, through dense forest via dirt roads. Surrounded by barbed wire fence with a gated checkpoint.
  • Layout – Above ground has checkpoint booth, storage building, and entrance to underground section. Underground is a maze of dark corridors.
  • Zombies & Loot – Military zombies with high-end gear (M16s, body armor, weapon mods). Contains gun lockers, medical research items, and unique scene pieces.
  • Difficulty – ~5000 zombies total, tight spaces, and pitch darkness make this a late-game challenge.

Strategy: Only attempt when well-equipped. Bring flashlights for the bunker. Some players take a stealth approach with knives. Be ready for surprises around corners and have an escape plan - it's easy to get turned around in identical halls.

"The Burnt Town" (Ghost Town)

There is a location commonly referred to as the "burnt town" or ghost town – a small settlement that was burned down during the outbreak. Visually, it's striking: most buildings are charred ruins, with blackened walls and ash. It's an eerie, quiet place, and easy to miss on the map.

Details:

  • Location – Northwestern part of the map, not far from the river between Riverside and Louisville's outskirts. Off a side road that doesn't lead anywhere else.
  • Zombies – Surprisingly few zombies (most probably followed noises elsewhere). A couple dozen may wander or emerge from woods.
  • Loot – Most buildings ruined, so loot is sparse. One prized item: Antique Oven that can spawn in one house (wood-burning stove useful after power shutoff).
  • Base Potential – Double-edged: cleared area with few zombies, but ruined structures. Better to build from scratch on cleared land.

Storytelling: The burnt town tells a story of military or local authorities taking drastic action. Exploring it during the day vs. night gives very different feelings (try night with a flashlight for true horror vibes). It's a reminder of Project Zomboid's narrative depth.

West Maple Country Club

The West Maple Country Club is a huge recreational center with a golf course and luxury amenities, located southeast of Riverside.

Features:

  • Unique Loot – Golf clubs (melee weapons), rare bourbon/wine in the bar, possible antique stove in kitchen, nice furniture.
  • Zombies – Moderate population, around 100 scattered across the golf course and clubhouse.
  • Base Potential – Fenced tennis courts (potential farm plots), pool (water source), and large clubhouse to secure.
  • Location Advantage – Outside of town, meaning once cleared, it's relatively isolated and peaceful.

Living the high life: The idea of surviving the apocalypse at a luxury resort has its appeal. The main challenge is fortifying the multiple doors and windows of the clubhouse, but its second floor can be a safe living area.

Survivor's Toolbox: Maps, Mods, and More

Navigating and mastering these locations can be enhanced with some community-made tools and modifications. Here are a few helpful resources to consider:

Interactive Map Project

The official Project Zomboid map website (map.projectzomboid.com) is a godsend. It lets you zoom in on Knox Country, view all towns, buildings, and even loot definitions by room. Updated through Build 41.

PZ Fans Map

Another online map by the community includes additional layers like zombie heatmaps and forage zones. It can show you which areas are marked as non-forageable or how loot is distributed.

URL: pzfans.com

WorldEd and TileZed

If you ever want to mod or just inspect the game's map in extreme detail, the developers provide map editing tools. These let you open the game's map files – essentially peeking behind the curtain.

Available from: The Indie Stone developer website

Spawn Mods

There are mods that add spawn points for the non-default towns. For example, the "Small Towns Spawn Locations" mod adds spawns in Fallas Lake, March Ridge, and Valley Station.

Find on: Steam Workshop or PZ Mod site

Map Expansion Mods

The community has created custom maps that add new towns or connect to the main Knox map. Popular ones include Bedford Falls, New Denver, Chernaville, and Grapeseed.

Recommendation: Check mod compatibility with your game version before installing

Mapping & Info Mods

Some mods provide in-game mapping tools (like the ability to draw on your map or share map notes in multiplayer). Others like CartoZed can generate an image of areas you've visited.

Popular Choice: Minimal Display Bars mod shows precise coordinates

A Word of Caution

While tools can guide you, try not to spoil all the exploration fun for yourself. Project Zomboid is at its best when you're slightly lost and learning the environment. But if you're truly stumped or want to double-check if that building has a well or an alarm, these resources have your back.

Recent Updates & Map Changes

Project Zomboid has seen significant changes to its map and location mechanics over the past 18 months. Here's what's been happening:

Patch History (Click to Expand)

Nov 2023 – Build 42 Unstable Release

The long-awaited Build 42 entered unstable testing. It brought massive changes to the PZ world. Notably, devs introduced Basements – many houses across the map can now have a random basement level (some are survival shelters, some are creepy horror scenes). They also implemented the Looted Buildings system: certain houses (especially in populated areas) may spawn already looted/empty, to simulate NPC scavenging (even though NPCs aren't in-game yet). This made food and easy loot a bit scarcer, pushing players to be more self-sufficient.

Dec 2023 – Loot Balance Patch

After feedback that the new looting was too punitive, a patch adjusted it. They halved the maximum size of buildings that can spawn as pre-looted – so big stores are less likely empty – and made looted houses overall rarer. They also ensured basements are less likely to be looted than main floors (so diving into a basement might reward you with untouched loot).

Jan 2024 – "Bandit" Zombies

An interesting addition – zombies that spawn in looted houses with backpacks full of stuff. The idea: if a house was looted, the looter died and turned nearby. So you might kill a zombie and find that missing loot on them. These are rare, but a cool way to still get goodies from "looted" sites.

Feb 2024 – Map Expansions (Build 42.5)

The devs began rolling out new map content in the unstable branch. They expanded the map edges outward. One confirmed addition is the town of Ekron to the west (which many mistook Fallas Lake for), and another is rumored to be "Brandenburg" to the north. Also, they acknowledged the community confusion and added a road sign for Fallas Lake, making its name official in-game. These areas increased the map size and added new safehouse opportunities.

Mid 2024 – Animals & Hunting Tweaks

While not directly a location change, Build 42's introduction of domesticated animals (chickens, sheep, etc.) and wild animals changed how players use locations. Farms (like those near Muldraugh or Fallas Lake) became more valuable for trapping and keeping livestock. The devs patched animal spawn zones to balance this (e.g., cows won't wander into downtown, but might be found in farm pastures).

Oct 2024 – Zombie Heatmap Adjustments

Ongoing tuning of zombie distribution. The devs adjusted "heat maps" so that spawn towns hold consistent populations and wilderness truly thins out. This was in response to some complaints that Build 42 initially had odd clumps of zombies in remote areas. Now the population numbers for towns (like those listed in this guide) are more consistently achieved in-game.

Mar 2025 – Finalizing Build 42 for Stable

As of early 2025, Build 42 is on the cusp of stable release. Map-wise, all new locations (Ekron, etc.) are in place, and numerous building fixes were done (glitched stairs, loot container bugs fixed). The devs noted that Build 42 is one of the most "map-rich" updates, effectively giving us an expanded Knox Country with more towns to survive in. Also, the looting system continues to be tweaked to balance challenge vs. reward, based on player feedback.

What To Expect Next

If you're reading this from the future, hello from 2025! Be sure to check the latest patch notes beyond this timeframe – Build 43+ may further transform the map with NPCs, story zones, or other major additions. The Indie Stone developers continue to expand and refine Knox Country with each update, making Project Zomboid an ever-evolving survival experience.

Essential Survival Guides

Best Base Locations

Find the perfect spots to establish your long-term survival base in Knox County.

Base Building Guide

Learn to fortify your chosen location with walls, barricades, and defenses.

Nutrition Guide

Master calorie management and nutrition to keep your survivor healthy during long looting runs.

Respawn Control Guide

Configure zombie respawn settings to keep your cleared areas safe.

Best Weapons Guide

Choose the right weapons for clearing zombies and defending your loot runs.

First Day Survival

Essential priorities and tips for surviving your first hours in any location.