Project Zomboid Update Pushes Concurrent Players to 120,000, Reaches Steam Top 20

A major update (Build 42.20.0) for the zombie‑survival sandbox Project Zomboid has dramatically increased its player base. Released on 29 July 2026, the update expands the map size, adds seven newly built cities, introduces new animals such as cows and chickens, overhauls lighting, and revamps hunting and fishing mechanics. The changes are extensive enough that saves from the previous build are incompatible, though players can revert to the older version on Steam.

Following the update, concurrent Steam users surged from an average of about 30,000 to a record 120,000, placing Project Zomboid among the 20 most‑played titles on the platform. The game's price also rose from €20 to €25.