How to Play Build 41 in Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid is currently in early access, which means the game isn't finished yet. Changes will only come as more and more developers work on the game. Now some players prefer to play on Project Zomboid Build 41.

You might be wondering what is version 41 apart from the most stable version of the game and if you should play it too. If you don't know how to play it, we've got it covered. Keep reading to learn how to play with it, even with friends.

How to Play Build 41 in Project Zomboid

Before we start playing Build 41, let's briefly introduce what it is all about.

What is Build 41?

Although Build 41 is not the last version of Project Zomboid, it remains the most critical update to date. In Build 41, there were over 20 changes and updates to the game. Here is a small sample of the changes:

• New survivor skills
• Best shooter
• Improved vehicle handling
• New combat features
• Revised sound effects
• Visible backpacks

New engine and gameplay differences mean older versions are not compatible. The developers solved the problem by releasing a classic version, allowing players to enjoy their modified versions of Project Zomboid while working on the new version.

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

Project Zomboid developers, The Indie Stone, have made leaps and bounds in transitioning to Build 41. This update involves moving to Java 15 and LWJGL (3.2.3). The upgrades will allow the game to use OpenGL/Vulkan technology, effectively modernizing the game.

Play on Build 41

Upgrading from the latest stable release to the Build 41 beta is incredibly simple. However, you should not activate your existing Project Zomboid mods. In addition to being incompatible, they may cause problems accessing the Build 41 beta.

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

1. Launch Steam on your PC.
   
2. Go to your Steam Library.
   
3. Right click on Project Zomboid.
   
4. Choose "Properties" from the list.
   
5. Click on the "Betas" tab on the far right.
   
6. Select "iwillbackupmysave" from the menu.
   
7. Once Steam says you've successfully picked up the beta, you can play on Build 41.
   

Sometimes mods aren't the problem. The Indie Stone recommends a full reinstall after deleting your install and user folders.

If there is no problem, you can start a new game in Build 41. Old Build 40 saves will not work on Build 41, making it necessary to start over. However, you are free to explore the new mechanics, graphical overhauls, and more.

How to Play Multiplayer in Build 41

Initially, The Indie Stone revealed that native multiplayer would not be available due to instability. Currently, there is no official way to play multiplayer yet. To the disappointment of many, the developers claim that the system should be released when everything is ready.

However, there are still at least two ways to play multiplayer in Build 41. Keep in mind that one method is to modify the game. This can be dangerous for your game, so we recommend that you think carefully before Carry on.

Play multiplayer in Build 41 with Steam Remote Play

Local multiplayer for up to four people is already in the game. Although it is preferable to invite friends, this 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 version 41 of the Zomboid project.
   
3. Open the Steam overlay with Shift + Tab.
   
4. Go to your friends list.
   
5. Invite your friend by clicking on “Remote Play Together”.
   
6. You will play Build 41 together once they accept the invite.
   

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

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

Of course, Steam Remote Play isn't perfect, and sometimes the Internet won't cooperate. However, this is the case with all online multiplayer games.

Steam Remote Play not only allows multiplayer, but you can also chat with you and use your own controllers. It is even possible to share the keyboard even if you are on the other side of the world. Amazingly, you can also play on multiple operating systems.

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 to play multiplayer will require you to change the game code. All players must also own the match and change it that way. However, the potential damage you will do to the game is unknown.

If you're still ready to play multiplayer this way, here's how to get started:

1. Go to “ProjectZomboidmedialuaclientOptionScreensMainScreen.lua” on your PC.
   
2. After opening the .lua file, go to lines 1518 and 1528.
   
3. Delete “[[” on line 1518 and “]]” at line 1528.
   
4. Scroll down to line 1465.
   
5. Ajouter « [[” without the quotes after the “–.”
   
6. Go to line 1468 and add “]]” after the end of the line.
   
7. Scroll down to line 584.
   
8. Remove the "-" from the beginning of this line and add it to the beginning of the next line.
   
9. Also add the “–” at the beginning of line 596.
   
10. Add “–” at the beginning of lines 590, 592, 601 and 603.
    
11. Save the file.
    
12. Launch the Zomboid Build 41 project.
    
13. If you have followed all the steps correctly, you can play multiplayer.
    

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

Version 41 is not compatible with older, stable versions, which means you cannot play with older saves or mods. Given the instability of Build 41 multiplayer, we don't recommend tampering with files more than necessary.

Let's survive together

Until The Indie Stone releases new versions 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 whole new light. Fortunately, the developers have made access 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.