The world of Project Zomboid is expansive and, while on foot, your odds of survival appear grim. But, if you’re lucky enough to nab a vehicle early on, you can explore more towns and neighborhoods, loot more goods and supplies, and put a thick layer of metal between you and the undead. Here’s how to hotwire vehicles in Project Zomboid!
What do you do when you find a functional vehicle without any keys? In the latest build of Project Zomboid, you could mark its location on your map and return later, should you find the correct key. Or, if you level up your skills enough, specifically electrical and mechanics, you could hotwire said vehicle and drive on home!
Hotwire Vehicles in Project Zomboid
To successfully hotwire vehicles in Project Zomboid, you need Electrical level 1 and Mechanics level 2. Neither skill is tough to level early on, thankfully. To level your electrical skill, start by dismantling everyday objects, like radios and televisions, found in abandoned homes. To level your mechanics skill, disassemble car parts or read a book or two on the subject.
Alternatively, if you choose the Burglar starting class, you can hotwire cars in Project Zomboid from the get-go. It’s a useful skill, though Burglar limits you elsewhere.
Step-by-Step Hotwiring
With the appropriate skills and know-how in place, hotwiring cars in Project Zomboid becomes an absolute breeze and a life-saver!
Simply approach a vehicle you want to lift, then enter the driver’s side. If the doors are locked, you can use a melee weapon to smash out the window, then unlock the door from the inside using the radial menu, which you access by hitting ‘V’.
Tip: Do not bash open a window with your fists. You’ll cut yourself and risk bleeding out.
Once you’re sitting comfortably behind the wheel, once more open the radial menu and select the hotwire option on the top right, with the key icon. If you have the necessary skill requirements, your character will attempt to hotwire the vehicle.
If you’re successful, you’ll note the key lock has changed to include wires poking out.
Congrats! You can now drive your stolen cars in Project Zomboid with ease!
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