42.18.0|May 11, 2026
View on Steam↗Build 42.18.0 Unstable Released
3/5 Moderate
UNSTABLEBuild 42.18.0 introduces new weapon reload animations, an auto-pause accessibility option for map reading, and critical security fixes for multiplayer.
Key Changes
- 1Added new Weapon Reload animations for lever action rifles and shotguns
- 2Fixed RakNet DoS vulnerability in Multiplayer
- 3Added Accessibility option to automatically pause the game when reading maps
- 4Overhauled liquid container capacities for Canteens and Backpacks
- 5Rebalanced Park Ranger and Rancher occupations with new stat distributions
- 6Fixed item duplication exploits involving backpacks and forging
- 7Added 'Sit on Ground' keybind and new environmental sounds
- 8Fixed non-PVP players receiving damage or knockdowns from vehicles
- 9Improved Modding API with new zombie speed methods and trait texture support
- 10Fixed over 100 bugs related to synchronization, crafting, and zombie behavior
All Changes
🕹️Gameplay(8)
- newWeapons: Added new Weapon Reload animations for lever action rifles and shotguns
- newMap: Added Accessibility option to automatically pause the game when reading maps
- newPlayer: Added dedicated keybind for 'Sit on Ground' action
- changePropane Tank: Updated propane tank assets to reflect US standards
- newGarbage Bins: Added new garbage bins to Spiffos and PizzaWhirled locations
- fixEnvironment: Removed invisible wall between wide staircases
- fixControls: Fixed being unable to manually target the ground on controller
- fixZombies: Fixed some sprinters being silent
⚖️Occupations & Balance(10)
- buffPark Ranger: Park Ranger now has +1 Carving
- nerfPark Ranger: Park Ranger no longer has +1 Tracking
- buffRancher: Rancher now has +1 Fitness
- nerfRancher: Rancher no longer has +1 Agriculture
- changeImprovised Gas Mask: Improvised Gas Mask rebalanced to use Clean Rags as filters
- buffCanteen: Canteen and Military Canteen capacity increased from 500ml to 900ml
- buffCanteenCowboy: Cowboy Canteen capacity increased from 1L to 1.8L
- buffHydrationBackpack: Hydration Backpack capacity increased from 1L to 2L
- buffHydrationBackpack_Camo: Camo Hydration Backpack capacity increased from 1L to 3L
- nerfBeerEmpty: Empty Beer bottle capacity reduced from 1L to 300ml
🛡️Multiplayer & Security(9)
- fixServer: Fixed RakNet DoS vulnerability
- fixExploits: Fixed exploits that allowed backpacks and items to be duplicated via forging
- fixAFK Players: AFK players no longer die if someone tries to remove their bandages
- changePVP: Non-PVP players no longer receive damage, staggers, or knockdowns when struck by vehicles
- newVehicles: Added hearing 'distant vehicle' sounds for approaching vehicles
- fixSecurity: Removed AutoCreateUserInWhiteList setting to prevent unauthorized character login
- fixVehicles: Fixed vehicles sometimes clipping through one another
- fixHealth: Fixed overencumbrance damage and muscle strain accumulating 4x faster than intended in MP
- buffDrying Rack: Drying racks now dry items faster
🛠️Modding(5)
- fixRecipes: Non-base Module Recipes now function correctly in Multiplayer
- newLua API: Added new zombie methods including doCrawlerSpeed, doSprinter, and getSpeedType
- newTraits: Added Texture field for Trait Script to allow custom trait icons
- newFactions: Added SyncFactionServer event which triggers on any faction change
- fixForaging: Fixed Mod Foraging Icon bug allowing collection of mod items via Foraging
🔊Audio(3)
- changeZombies: Increased the distance zombies play a thump sound from 20 to 70
- newAudio: Added new sounds for Garbage Bins, Wooden Doors, and Crates
- fixPlayer: Fixed player characters not having a bodyfall sound on death
🐛Bug Fixes(6)
- fixMultiplayer: Fixed over 50 multiplayer synchronization issues including fire burning time, puddle visibility, and weapon bloodiness
- fixCombat: Fixed point-blank calculations for ranged weapons
- fixZombies: Fixed zombies with the ability to open doors being unable to do so
- fixHealth: Fixed character body heat generation being too high after exercising
- fixUI: Fixed various UI issues including vehicle name text overflow and mechanics UI flashing
- removeCrafting: Removed Wooden Crucible Molds and the ability to use Leather Strips for Improvised Briefs
Summary
This update for the Project Zomboid Unstable branch focuses on a massive sweep of multiplayer stability and security, including a fix for a RakNet DoS vulnerability. Players will find new animations for lever-action rifles and shotguns, a dedicated 'Sit on Ground' keybind, and significant rebalancing for the Park Ranger and Rancher occupations. Additionally, liquid container capacities have been overhauled, and over 100 bugs related to synchronization, vehicles, and crafting have been addressed.