How to Play Build 41 in Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid is currently in early access, meaning the game is not yet complete. Changes will only come as more of the developers work on the game. Now, some players prefer to play on Build 41 of Project Zomboid.

You may wonder what Build 41, other than the most stable build of the game and whether you should be playing it, too. If you’re not sure how to play on it, we have it covered. Keep on reading to learn how to play using it, even with friends.

How to Play Build 41 in Project Zomboid

Before we get into playing on Build 41, let’s briefly introduce what it is.

What Is Build 41?

While Build 41 isn’t the latest version of Project Zomboid, it remains the most critical update so far. In Build 41, there were more than 20 changes and updates to the game. Here’s a small sampling of changes:

• New survivor skills
• Better gunplay
• Improved vehicle handling
• New combat features
• Overhauled sound effects
• Visible backpacks
  

The new engine and gameplay differences mean that the older versions aren’t compatible. The developers have solved the problem by releasing a Classic version, allowing players to enjoy their modded versions of Project Zomboid while working on the newer version.

This build is very stable, and players are still playing on it while waiting for Build 42.

Project Zomboid’s developers, The Indie Stone, took giant steps while transitioning to Build 41. This update involves switching to Java 15 and LWJGL (3.2.3). The upgrades will let the game use OpenGL/Vulkan technology, effectively modernizing the game.

Playing on Build 41

Switching from the latest stable release to the Build 41 beta is incredibly simple. However, you shouldn’t enable your existing Project Zomboid mods. Other than being incompatible, they may cause problems accessing the Build 41 beta.

After you disable your mods, assuming you have any, follow these steps:

1. Launch Steam on your PC.
   
2. Head to your Steam library.
   
3. Right-click on Project Zomboid.
   
4. Choose “Properties” from the list.
   
5. Click on the “Betas” tab at the far right.
   
6. Select “iwillbackupmysave” from the menu.
   
7. Once Steam says you opted into the beta successfully, you can play on Build 41.
   

Sometimes, mods aren’t the problem. The Indie Stone recommends a complete reinstall after deleting your installation and user folders.

If there’s no problem, you can start a new game in Build 41. Old saves from Build 40 won’t work on Build 41, making starting over necessary. However, you’re free to explore the new mechanics, graphical overhauls, and much more.

How To Play Multiplayer in Build 41

Initially, The Indie Stone revealed that native multiplayer would be unavailable due to how unstable it was. Currently, there’s no official way to play multiplayer yet. To the disappointment of many, the developers claim that the system needs to be released when everything is ready.

However, there are still at least two ways to play multiplayer in Build 41. Keep in mind one method involves modifying the game. It can be dangerous to your game, so we recommend careful consideration before proceeding.

Play Multiplayer in Build 41 With Steam Remote Play

Local multiplayer up to four persons is already in the game. While inviting friends over may be preferable, it may not be possible due to distance or other factors. That said, Steam Remote Play can solve your problem.

With these steps, you can invite friends to play Build 41 with you online:

1. Open Steam on your PC.
   
2. Launch Build 41 of Project Zomboid.
   
3. Open the Steam Overlay with Shift + Tab.
   
4. Go to your Friends list.
   
5. Invite your friend by clicking “Remote Play Together.”
   
6. You’ll be playing Build 41 together once they accept the invitation.
   

Steam Remote Play works by simulating local controllers through the signals sent by your friends. This way, games you can typically only play together in person can be enjoyed even if you’re far away from the other players.

There’s some input delay and lag, though, so it’s better to play multiplayer this way only if everyone has a strong internet connection.

Of course, Steam Remote Play isn’t perfect, and there may be times where the internet won’t cooperate. However, this is the case with all online multiplayer games.

Steam Remote Play not only allows for multiplayer gameplay, but you can voice chat and use your own controllers. It’s even possible to share the keyboard even if you’re halfway across the globe from each other. Amazingly, you can play across operating systems too.

The other players can play Project Zomboid Build 41 with you even if they don’t own the game.

Play Multiplayer in Build 41 by Modifying the Code

The second method for playing multiplayer will require you to change the game’s code. All players must also own the match and modify it this way. However, the potential damage you’ll do to the game is unknown.

If you’re still willing to play multiplayer this way, this is how to get started:

1. Go to “ProjectZomboid\media\lua\client\OptionScreens\MainScreen.lua” on your PC.
   
2. After you open the .lua file, go to lines 1518 and 1528.
   
3. Delete “[[” on line 1518 and “]]” on line 1528.
   
4. Scroll up to line 1465.
   
5. Add “[[” without the quotes after the “–.”
   
6. Go to line 1468 and add “]]” after the end of the line.
   
7. Scroll up to line 584.
   
8. Remove the “–” at the beginning of this line and add it to the front of the following line.
   
9. Add the “–” to the beginning of line 596 as well.
   
10. Add “–” to the beginnings of lines 590, 592, 601, and 603.
    
11. Save the file.
    
12. Launch Project Zomboid Build 41.
    
13. If you followed all the steps right, you could play multiplayer.
    

As multiplayer for Build 41 is disabled, you’ll likely find it unstable, and you may experience desyncs and bugs.

Build 41 isn’t compatible with older and stable builds, which means you can’t play with older saves or mods. With how unstable the Build 41 multiplayer already is, we don’t recommend tampering with the files any further than necessary.

Let’s Survive Together

As we wait for The Indie Stone to release newer builds of Project Zomboid, playing with friends is still possible. Build 41 is an advanced version of the game, and with so many new features, you’ll see the game in a new light. Thankfully, the developers made accessing it a matter of several clicks.

Have you played Build 41 with friends? What’s your favorite part of the changes? Let us know in the comments section below.