How many days can you survive in Project Zomboid? Before I read up on guides, like you are now, my record was four days. Four measly days surviving in the zombie wasteland that is Kentucky. Do you know what would have helped? If I had learned how to build a base in Project Zomboid back then.
Mastering the Carpentry Skillset
Do you have what it takes to build a base in Project Zomboid? If you don’t know a thing or two about carpentry (your character, in this case) then chances are, no, you do not have what it takes to build a functional base.
Let’s rectify that, though.
First and foremost, we begin with character creation. There are certain occupations better suited to the carpentry skill than others. These include the Park Ranger, Construction Worker, Carpenter (Duh!), Repairman, and Engineer.
We recommend choosing the Carpenter occupation if your sole goal for this run is to build a base. The Carpenter receives +3 Carpentry straight out of the gate, which is invaluable early on for crafting walls, windows, doors, and so on.
Furthermore, after choosing your occupation, pick your traits. We recommend ‘Handy’ for its +1 Carpentry and faster and more durable constructions.
How Do I Build a Base in Project Zomboid?
Great question! Once you’re in-game, after creating your character, find a hammer. Without a hammer, nails, and logs/planks, you cannot build even a 1×1 shack.
Well, where do I find a hammer in Project Zomboid? Again, another great question! You can find a hammer in many wooden crates spread across the map. A sure spot is the large warehouse to the east of McCoy Logging in Muldraugh, KY.
Otherwise, you can find hammers randomly in many homes, especially two-story homes, and garages.
Assuming you now have a hammer in your inventory, right click on the ground nearby to bring up the building menu. You do not need to equip the hammer — simply keep one in your inventory.
With the build menu open, you’ll note the a large selection of buildable objects, of which many are highlighted in red. Red means you lack the necessary supplies to build that construction.
Once you do have the supplies, select the desired construction, rotate it using the ‘R’ key to the proper position, then click. Your character will begin construction.
Understanding Building Levels
As of Build 35, developer The Indie Stone introduced multi-stage building plans. First, you need to construct a wall frame, then upgrade it to a wooden wall or window by right-clicking directly on the frame. It’s easy enough to grasp once you do it for the first time.
In total, there are three levels of walls and windows.
- Tier 1 – Carpentry Level 2 Required
- Tier 2 – Carpentry Level 4 Required
- Tier 3 – Carpentry Level 7 Required
How much does it cost to upgrade to the next tier? One plank and four nails per level.
What Base Items Can I Craft?
Project Zomboid features a large selection of buildable items, including stairs, wooden crates, rain collector barrels, tables, wooden chairs, lamps, sandbag walls, beds, shelves, bookcases, composters, and wooden signs.
That’s a small list of the many, many items available to craft — should you have the appropriate skill level and materials handy.
You can, of course, always move furniture and other items from the surrounding houses into your base, too.
Base Building Tips for Project Zomboid
- Ensure you have multiple escape routes, including a sheet rope ladder leading out of a second floor window.
- For single-story bases, double up your doors and limit visibility to the exterior door.
- Fence off your farm fields or place them on a second story using dirt or sand.
- As zombies can now destroy rope ladders, it is no longer viable to knock out staircases using sledgehammers.
- For new and veteran players alike, warehouses prove a formidable starting base, what with their excess resources and sturdy walls.