Perennial early access game Project Zomboid hit a new concurrent player record after a huge map update added reworked towns, a spooky orphanage and ‘400 procedural basements’

Project Zomboid has made headlines this week, marking a significant moment for the beloved zombie survival simulation. The game, which has remained in Steam’s early access for an extended period, has rolled out its first major build update since 2021. This update, however, comes with a notable price increase, yet it hasn’t deterred players from flocking to the game, leading to a record-breaking number of concurrent users on Steam.

Build 42.20 Enhancements

According to the latest entry on the Project Zomboid blog, build 42.20 introduces a comprehensive overhaul of Knox County, the game’s setting. This update features a complete redesign of seven towns, each now boasting unique architectural styles, distinctive buildings, and enhanced landscaping that enriches the overall environment.

In addition to the visual upgrades, build 42 expands the gameplay mechanics significantly. Players can now encounter new animals, including cows and chickens, while the hunting and trapping systems have been refined to offer fresh avenues for farming and wilderness survival. Enhancements to the stealth system, fishing mechanics, and the ability to drag corpses further deepen the immersive experience.

In light of these extensive improvements, The Indie Stone has adjusted the game’s price from (£16.75) to (£22.50). This increase, while substantial, has not hindered interest; nearly 79,552 players logged in during the early hours of Friday to explore the new features, setting a new all-time high for concurrent players on Steam.

With build 42 now live, attention will likely shift towards the next update, which is expected to reintroduce NPC survivors to Knox County. Given the historical timeline for recent updates, it may be some time before this eagerly awaited feature becomes available.

AppWizard
Perennial early access game Project Zomboid hit a new concurrent player record after a huge map update added reworked towns, a spooky orphanage and '400 procedural basements'