News - Project Zomboid Update 42.15 Released on March 9 Full Changelog and Server Hosting on XLGAMES - XLGAMES.GG

Project Zomboid Update 42.15 Released on March 9 Full Changelog and Server Hosting on XLGAMES
Project Zomboid Update 42.15 Released on March 9 Full Changelog and Server Hosting on XLGAMES

Monday, March 9, 2026 at 5:48 PM

A new Project Zomboid Build 42.15 update was released on March 9, bringing a very large set of changes across gameplay, balancing, multiplayer, technical systems, modding, bug fixing, and server stability.

As always after major Project Zomboid updates, the developers recommend starting with a fresh save and no mods. Older saves, especially those created before the previous patch cycle, may not be fully compatible with the new build. The same applies to outdated mod packs, custom server configurations, and older workshop setups.

If you want to play on Build 42.15, you need to select the “Unstable” branch in Steam:

  • Right-click Project Zomboid in your Steam library

  • Open Properties

  • Under Game Version & Betas, select Unstable

If you are ordering a Project Zomboid server on XLGAMES.GG, it is even easier: to run version 42.15, simply choose “Unstable” in the version selector during server order.

Rent your Project Zomboid server here:

EN: https://xlgames.gg/games/projectzomboid

If you want to launch a fresh world, test the new unstable branch with friends, rebuild your modded server, or prepare your community for the latest multiplayer changes, now is a great time to deploy a new Project Zomboid server.

Below is the full overview of the changes included in Update 42.15.

NEW

New Game Mode Defaults

Game Modes have been rebalanced and updated. All presets except Apocalypse and Custom Sandbox have been replaced with new versions. Each of these modes also includes its own Custom Sandbox preset, so server owners and players can inspect and modify the exact values behind each mode.

Future balancing changes may still happen as developers continue gathering playtesting feedback.

  • Apocalypse is now intended to represent the true “lore canon” version of the outbreak, showing what really happened on July 9th, 1993. Major changes include:

    • zombie respawn removed

    • reduced impact of Muscle Strain and Discomfort

    • more realistic animal growth rates

    • adjusted loot levels

    • and other core tuning

  • Outbreak is aimed at players who want a faster-paced playthrough with less time investment needed for progression.

  • Extinction is designed as a brutal hardcore experience for veteran players who want a much greater challenge. The developers explicitly warn players to beware sprinters.

  • Rising is made for players who want more breathing room to explore, build, survive, and create.

  • Custom Sandbox remains in place as a core and fully valid way to play Project Zomboid with fully customized settings.

New Firearms

Several new firearms have been added, along with their matching magazines, repair recipes, and proper loot distribution based on rarity and weapon appropriateness:

  • JS-14 Rifle — 5.56x45mm

  • JS-3T Tactical Shotgun — 12 Gauge

  • L92 Carbine — .357 Magnum

  • L94 Rifle — .30-30

  • MSR7T Tactical Rifle — 7.62x51mm

  • Trapper Carbine — .45 ACP

Additional New Features

  • Characters now receive a reading speed boost while sitting

  • Added a new gun store loot story prototype at Stendo’s

  • Added new animal map symbols

  • Added a gamepad aiming tech prototype that is still marked as work in progress:

    • basic target reticle handling for gamepad aiming

    • the reticle is placed relative to the player through the aim axis

    • added slow-down when aiming over an active target for better precision

  • Added an option to toggle Livestock Zone visual overlay on and off

  • Shift + Click now lets players select multiple items in workstation menus

  • The game option previously called “Pause when focus is lost” has been renamed to be clearer, and it is now enabled by default on new installs

New Sound Effects for Large Containers

New SFX were added for:

  • Small Metal Door

  • Clothes Rack

  • Cardboard

  • CardboardLarge

BALANCE

Tool Usage Balance Changes

  • Removed tool requirements from several tiles when picking them up

  • Removed screwdriver durability loss in electrical-related recipes

  • Reduced durability drain on tools meant for chopping trees when used for chopping trees

  • Garden hoes can now remove stumps

Loot Table Updates

A wide range of distribution and room definition changes were made:

  • Updated missing distribution entries and incorrect room definitions

  • Added new room definitions:

    • policeswat

    • prisonlocker

    • swatlocker

  • Removed forced merge for:

    • policestorage

    • policegunstorage

  • Added GunStoreAmmunition to military lockers inside gun stores

  • Added:

    • metalfabrication

    • metalfabricationstorage

  • Added CrateMetalBars and CrateMetalPipes to:

    • metalshop

    • metalshipping

  • Added sewingfactory room definition

  • Added fabric rolls to sewing stores

  • Added CrateWallpaper to crates and cardboard boxes in furniture store storage

  • Added ButcherFish to seafood kitchen display counters

  • Integrated the new firearms into loot lists

  • Added gunStorage modifier to containers so correct magazines and ammo spawn with the appropriate guns

  • Removed unused modifiers from distributions

  • Updated maximum number of display cases that can spawn items in the gunstore room definition

  • Created a room definition for Music school

  • Microwaves can now spawn Cup of Coffee and TV Dinner

Additional Balance Adjustments

  • Reduced penlight cone size

  • Increased vehicle headlight cone size

  • Made head turning while sitting on furniture more gradual

  • Reduced the effect of animal corpses on vehicles when driving over them

  • Rebalanced inconsistent Neck Muscle Strain caused by certain sewing activities

  • Fluid collection now properly caps at the player’s max carry weight

  • Removed the ability to sleep on toilets

MP

Multiplayer Optimization and Changes

  • Optimized animal designation zone updates

  • Temporarily hid Google Auth and two-factor authentication until they are fixed and returned later

  • Reduced the sound radius for vehicles in multiplayer

GrappleTech Fixes

Multiple fixes were made for GrappleTech:

  • Fixed players getting stuck when starting or ending corpse grabbing

  • Fixed sync issues when logging in near a player who is grabbing a corpse

  • Added additional small fixes

Multiplayer and Server Fixes

  • Fixed melee attacks passing through zombies near vehicles and animals

  • Fixed multiple client-side and server-side errors

  • Fixed clothing desync where outfits were not updating for players in different map chunks

  • Fixed a server crash

  • Fixed MaxAccountsPerUser option

  • Fixed incorrect remote player position near obstacles, where players appeared on the wrong side of walls

  • Fixed car trunk capacity not updating after damage

  • Fixed clock alarm SFX playing forever if the watch was dismantled while the alarm was active

  • Fixed safe mushrooms receiving the poison tag if cooked with poisoned ones

  • Fixed inability to interact with the composter in Craftsman

  • Fixed attached animal ropes so they now break properly like in singleplayer

  • Fixed remote player not playing HitReaction animation

  • Fixed dirt and blood splats disappearing from clothes after unequipping them

  • Fixed remote player desync on the Z coordinate

  • Fixed character damage while climbing up or down an escape rope

  • Fixed exception when removing graffiti using a two-handed cleaning item

  • Fixed Soap not being used in multiplayer

  • Fixed Propane Tank dupe

  • Fixed endless magazine loading animation

  • Fixed food duping with .replaceOnCooked() if removed from a stove just before cooking finished

  • Fixed double barrel shotgun consuming two rounds in one shot

  • Fixed inability to paint signs

  • Fixed missing pain from disinfecting wounds

  • Fixed inability to pick up fallen zombie hats and glasses

  • Fixed floor rendering built on water tiles

  • Fixed missing corpse items if zombies got stuck during a backstab result

  • Fixed cars becoming stuck in mid-air again

  • Fixed missing XP gain notification during crafting

  • Fixed inability to saw logs via RMC context menu

  • Fixed falling damage and walking-through-trees damage not syncing

  • Fixed firearms not racking after inserting a magazine

  • Fixed pressing Back while starting a host server not stopping the server

  • Fixed inability to assign a role to a user not in the whitelist

  • Fixed dismantling a stack of CD players consuming two items per action

  • Fixed melee weapon held on logout preventing Maintenance XP gain until re-equipped

  • Fixed CookingSounds not playing when foods cooked

  • Fixed SFX for walking barefoot and with shoes

  • Fixed Garage Doors shaking when unlocked from inside

  • Fixed cooking sounds cutting out when cooking multiple items

  • Fixed barbecue cooking sounds not playing in multiplayer

  • Fixed protective gear not increasing discomfort

  • Fixed inability to delete a user from the user list if they had a user log entry

  • Fixed server option Drop off white list after death not working

  • Fixed inability to raise Fitness XP level through the Check Stats panel

  • Fixed foot damage when driving over broken glass barefoot

  • Fixed several shared map symbol issues:

    • translations now defined for shared-symbol panel

    • fixed checkmark texture size in Players panel

    • private symbols no longer flicker between opaque and semi-opaque while sharing

    • shared-symbol panel no longer overlaps the legend

    • fixed map symbol flicker after disconnecting from a server using shared symbols

  • Fixed Username Disguises

  • Fixed missing Maintenance XP from weapons with more than 20 .conditionLowerChanceOneIn

  • Fixed container put-item sounds not playing in multiplayer

FIXES

  • Patched a reported security vulnerability across all listed versions

  • Fixed multiple RMC entries for toilets

  • Fixed ragdoll zombies flipping before getting up after being run over

  • Fixed jumping zombies when shooting at them

  • Fixed crouch spam accelerating magazine reload

  • Fixed players getting stuck in vehicles when entering an open car door while aiming

  • Fixed fuel pumps resetting

  • Fixed TV Remotes having 1.67% battery return chance instead of 60%

  • Fixed invisible View Cone on Mac

  • Fixed Caffeine Pills restoring 100% fatigue instead of 4%

  • Fixed holding ALT drastically increasing gun damage

  • Fixed infinite shoves

  • Fixed Lemongrass and Ginger Root not reducing Food Sickness

  • Fixed different log amounts from trees in singleplayer and multiplayer

  • Fixed inability to drop items out of car windows if they were not in main inventory

  • Fixed inability to reload while game tried to take ammo from an unequipped container

  • Fixed error when taking Engine Parts while a Wrench was inside an unequipped bag

  • Fixed error spam in LiveAnimationTrackEntries during certain actions

  • Fixed error when building stairs over fire

  • Fixed blood splatters appearing where an animal was picked up instead of where it was killed

  • Fixed inability to read when “Minutes per Page” sandbox option was at minimum 0.0

  • Fixed brick texture overlaying shutters

  • Fixed inability to click Garage Doors when transparent

  • Fixed invisible fire and incendiary-burned tiles

  • Fixed incorrect depth maps for many items, tiles, and crate stacks

  • Fixed snow-overlay tiles spawning indoors

  • Fixed chicks only dropping heads when butchered; they now also drop meat

  • Fixed tooltip that incorrectly stated Medium Leather Drying Rack could be used for Deer Leather

  • Fixed wet bath and dish towels drying in the rain

  • Fixed disassembled trough parts collecting water

  • Fixed multiple soap consumption issues

  • Fixed multiple issues with washing the character

  • Fixed repeated drinking action when selected multiple times before completion

  • Fixed inventory electronics disassembly granting less XP than placed electronics

  • Fixed Fitness and Running XP continuing while asleep if player ran into bed

  • Fixed incorrect Random Electricity Shutoff settings

  • Fixed Fishing Net with Chum producing too much fish

  • Fixed floating barricades after wall destruction

  • Fixed wrong window being barricaded on north/west corner windows

  • Fixed missing cutaway-wall window outline when west and north windows shared a tile

  • Fixed odd wall cutaway with a one-tile gap between buildings

  • Fixed inability to build shelves and wall-mounted objects over player-built floors

  • Fixed inability to build shelves on corner walls

  • Fixed saucepans being destroyed when last Rice was used in certain food recipes

  • Fixed eggs not freezing

  • Fixed some Prescription Glasses not removing foraging radius penalty

  • Fixed parked cars not moving when hit by another car

  • Fixed mannequins not updating visually in raided houses

  • Fixed characters not having a cold in A Really CD DA challenge

  • Fixed Hay Bale duplication bug

  • Fixed dragging VHS tape from floor into VCR leaving a duplicate tape

  • Fixed male raccoon animal info so males do not attack each other incorrectly

  • Fixed Crafting/Building UI text spacing

  • Fixed ZombieClawChainlinkFence, ZombieClawMetal, and ZombieClawGarageDoor sounds not playing

  • Fixed missing container sounds for crafted_05 small metal cabinets

  • Fixed looping SFX from Noise Makers

  • Fixed Metal Pole Fences playing incorrect SFX

  • Fixed Snare Traps not displaying correctly in new renderer

  • Fixed inability to sit on north-facing toilets

  • Fixed some glass wall cases hiding the character model

  • Fixed vent rendering

  • Fixed inability to disassemble some pianos

  • Fixed being able to walk through fence to sit on Base.Mov_RedChair

  • Fixed small boulders blocking vision

  • Fixed small stones having collision

  • Fixed occasional fireproof state, with more fixes to come later

  • Fixed animal skeletons in containers yielding endless bones

  • Fixed corpse sickness not decreasing near corpses while wearing Gas Mask or Respirator

  • Fixed Gas Masks and Respirators still providing full corpse sickness defense after filters were removed

  • Fixed inability to pick up corpses at Very Low Weight or below

  • Fixed crash when killing animals with Pipe Bomb

    • note: in multiplayer, animals currently still do not take bomb damage

  • Fixed Fire Officer using Police Officer profession icon in character creation

  • Fixed Forged Buckets not being available for Bucket Mauls due to missing METAL_BUCKET tag

TECHNICAL / DEBUG

  • Localization clean-up completed; translation files are now in json

  • Updated Mac and Linux libraries

  • Fixed world context-menu debug error when UI.HideDebugContextMenuOptions is enabled

  • Updated Console txt output so PC specs are always listed

  • Fixed hard cap for Fitness when GodMode is enabled

MODS

A new modding guide and changelog were added.

Additional modding and workshop fixes include:

  • Fixed COMMON/VERSION folders not being detected correctly in mod directories

    • the game now requires only one of those folders instead of both

  • Fixed mod translation, modID, and client-server file check logic

  • Fixed translation loading order

  • Added translation support for mod.info fields:

    • title

    • description

  • Fixed incorrect mod file comparison between client and server

  • Fixed ModID and WorkshopID logic

  • Fixed a mod null-check bug

  • Fixed mod info panel

  • Fixed mods display menu in the Pause menu

  • Fixed icon and poster file paths for mods on Linux

  • Added .glb support to the model file watcher

  • Improved error message shown when clients are missing a required server mod

  • Fixed WorkshopItem description generation

  • Added support for 512x512 mod preview images

Want to host your own Project Zomboid server for Build 42.15?
Choose “Unstable” in the version selector and deploy your server on XLGAMES.GG:

https://xlgames.gg/games/projectzomboid