NEXT STEPS
BETAProject Zomboid outlines the path to Build 42 Stable, including the upcoming 42.20 Unstable update featuring fixes for vehicle towing and multiplayer zombie culling.
Key Changes
- 1Build 42.20 identified as the candidate for the upcoming Stable branch release
- 2Save games from 42.19 will be incompatible with the 42.20 update
- 3Upcoming fixes for multiplayer zombie culling and map chunk loading while driving
- 4Official Map Project upgraded with Build 42 support and a new Roleplay mode
- 5Post-Stable release of AnimZed, WorldZed, and TileZed modding tools
- 6Fixes for vehicle towing and meat yield from Butcher Hooks in development
- 7Announcement of a long-term Build 42 Support Update through 2026
- 8New 20% discount bundle with RimWorld
All Changes
📅Coming Soon(5)
- newBuild 42.20: Unstable Build 42.20 is currently in testing and targeted for release later this summer.
- changeBuild 42 Stable: Build 42.20 identified as the candidate to move to the Stable branch and become the default Steam launch option.
- newAnimZed: Release of AnimZed, an in-house animation editor and integration tool, planned for post-Stable launch.
- newWorldZed: Release of latest mapping tools including WorldZed and TileZed planned for post-Stable launch.
- newBuild 42 Support Update: Build 42 Support Update planned through 2026 focusing on optimization and player-requested features.
🛠️Bug Fixes(6)
- fixCharacter Spawns: Addressing issues with Character Spawns in the upcoming 42.20 build.
- fixControllers: Addressing issues with Controller support in the upcoming 42.20 build.
- fixButcher Hooks: Addressing issues with Meat yield from Butcher Hooks in the upcoming 42.20 build.
- fixVehicle Towing: Addressing issues with Vehicle Towing mechanics in the upcoming 42.20 build.
- fixZombie culling: Addressing issues with Zombie culling in Multiplayer in the upcoming 42.20 build.
- fixMap chunk loading: Addressing issues with Map chunk loading when driving in Multiplayer in the upcoming 42.20 build.
🗺️Community & Tools(4)
- changeOfficial Map Project: Official Project Zomboid Map Project upgraded to support B41, B42, and legacy versions.
- newOfficial Map Project: New Roleplay mode added to the Official Map Project to reflect character knowledge.
- changeLocalization: Ongoing localization project has translated over 1.3 million words into 29 languages.
- newGame Server Providers: New initiative launched for medium to large Game Server Providers to provide feedback via Slack.
📦General(4)
- removeSave Games: Save games from version 42.19 will not be transferable to version 42.20.
- changeBuild 42.19: Version 42.19 will remain available via the 'outdatedunstable' Steam branch.
- changeRimWorld Bundle: New 20% discount bundle available for purchasing Project Zomboid and RimWorld together.
- changeStaffing: Lead writer Pat Brennan is stepping away from the project on a full-time basis.
Summary
The Indie Stone has provided a comprehensive roadmap for the remainder of 2024 and beyond, focusing on the transition of Build 42 from Unstable to the Stable branch. The upcoming 42.20 Unstable build is the primary candidate for this transition, bringing significant fixes to multiplayer performance and vehicle mechanics.
Beyond the Stable release, the team plans to release their internal development tools to the modding community and continue work on a long-term Support Update aimed at optimization and technical debt. Additionally, the official community map project has received a major overhaul to support the new features of Build 42.