Latest
Oct 27 · 42.22 pre-release: ladders and crowbar break-insOct 23 · First-person mods are not officially supportedOct 21 · The Indie Stone on Java mods: download responsiblySep 28 · Build 42.21 Stable: zombie duplication fixesAug 26 · Security fixes on every branchAug 17 · Servers now handle up to 254 playersJul 29 · Build 42 goes Stable

Build planner: occupation and trait calculator

Pick an occupation, tick traits, and the planner keeps score. It blocks traits that cannot be combined, adds the free traits that come with a job, totals your starting skills, and gives you a link to share the build. Uses our Build 42.21 trait and occupation table, November 2026.

01Part

Plan your character

Points 0

Positive traits (cost points)

Negative traits (give points)

Occupation-only traits

Your build

02Part

How the points work

You start at zero. Your occupation adds or takes points. Positive traits cost points and negative traits give them back. You can only start the game when the total is zero or above.

Each trait and occupation has its own page: start from traits and occupations. For what each starting skill does, see skills.

03Part

Quick answers

How many trait points do you start with in Project Zomboid?

Zero. Your occupation adds or removes points, positive traits cost points and negative traits give points back.

Can you start with negative points?

No. The total has to be zero or above before the game lets you start.

Which occupation gives the most points?

Custom Occupation, which gives 8 points.

Why is a trait greyed out in the planner?

It conflicts with a trait you already picked, or it comes free with your occupation.

Costs and effects come from our own traits and occupations table, which lists its sources. Your game is the final word: if it disagrees with us, tell us and we will fix the page.