Book it if
You want a long-running group survival story where every supply run feels risky.
Skip it if
You want quick action or a game that teaches itself without a wiki.
Trip sheet
- Crew size
- 1–32 players
- Online
- Yes
- Crossplay
- Yes
- Split-screen
- Yes
- Solo
- Deep and complete as a solo game
- Voice chat
- Helpful
- Danger
- Brutal
1The pitch
The Knox Event has turned rural Kentucky into a zombie-filled sandbox, and the only goal is to survive. You search houses, board up windows, farm, learn skills, and manage hunger, injuries, and boredom. It has been in Early Access since November 8, 2013, with major builds adding systems over time.
2Playing together
Multiplayer runs on hosted or dedicated servers; the default server setting allows 32 players and hosts can raise it, but most friend groups play with 3 to 8. Local split-screen is supported on PC, and Steam lists crossplay across its Windows, macOS, and Linux versions. Server settings let groups tune zombie count, speed, and loot.
3Roles in the squad
Character occupations and traits shape roles: a carpenter builds the base, a nurse handles wounds, a farmer keeps food coming. Looting runs need a driver, a lookout, and someone carrying the bags. Splitting up is efficient and dangerous, which forces real decisions.
4Look & sound
The isometric 2D view is plain, but lighting, weather, and the slow growth of nature over time give the world a lot of mood. Audio is key: noise attracts zombies, and a helicopter event can pull a horde to your door. It is a game about tension rather than spectacle.
5Setup & value
It costs $24.99 on Steam for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and Steam lists it as Verified on Steam Deck. Each player needs their own copy. Workshop mods and server settings give it near-endless replay value, but expect to lean on guides at first.
Best bits
- Huge depth and replay value
- Local split-screen on PC
- Flexible server sizes and settings
- Verified on Steam Deck
Watch out
- Steep learning curve
- Still in Early Access
- Slow start for action-focused players
Score sheet
- Teamwork 25%
- 84
- Fun as a squad 25%
- 86
- Easy to join 15%
- 62
- Replay 20%
- 96
- Value 15%
- 94
84 × 25% + 86 × 25% + 62 × 15% + 96 × 20% + 94 × 15% = 85.10 → 85
Trip report verdict
Verdict
“Project Zomboid is the deepest survival sandbox here and almost endlessly replayable. Its learning curve and Early Access status hold it back for casual groups, but patient squads will get hundreds of hours from it.”
By the Squad Play Review editorial desk · Updated 6 Oct 2026 · How we score · Report an error
