Some new features have been shown off for Project Zomboid's Beta 42 update, so let's check it out!

  • A newly optimized rendering of the map promises better performance, specifically for mid-to-low range systems, achieving solid framerates in many scenarios.
  • A more smooth and accurate viewing cone.
  • With the upgraded engine, the game supports levels from -32 to +32, enabling more convincing tall buildings and sprawling underground complexes.
  • A new lighting system allowing for more convincing and better looking lighting for the world.
  • Post-apocalypse improvised weapons.

The new optimizations to the map rendering should make it perform much better on most systems, the developers acknowledge some potential issues on low-end systems, which may run into problems due to increased GPU memory usage for caching textures.

One of the major features is the new lighting system that simulates reflective light, allowing light from a window to creep across the room or highlighting rooms with no natural lighting.

With the new support for levels -32 to +32 there will definitely be some incredible looking towers and bunkers made by mappers.

The post-apocalypse weapons look really cool and will definitely be very useful in fending off the undead.

There are so many updates coming though, way too many to post here, so go and check out their official blog post to see more. This is all just a teaser though, Project Zomboid's massive update does not currently have a release date, though it is expected to arrive sometime this year.

What are your thoughts on these new updates to Project Zomboid? Are you excited about any particular upgrade or feature? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments below!