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

Illiterate trait

Illiterate is a negative trait in Project Zomboid. It gives 10 points to spend elsewhere. Checked for Build 42.21, November 2026.

01Part

What Illiterate does

Cannot read books or signs.

Details
TypeNegative trait
PointsGives 10 points
EffectCannot read books or signs
NotesNot with Fast or Slow Reader
02Part

What you cannot take with it

Illiterate cannot be combined with: Fast or Slow Reader.

03Part

Traits at a similar price

TraitPointsEffect
PunyGives 10−5 Strength; very low carry weight
UnfitGives 10−4 Fitness; very low endurance
DeafGives 12Cannot hear
Thin-skinnedGives 8Scratches and bites break the skin more often
DisorganizedGives 6Smaller container capacity
04Part

Quick answers

How many points does Illiterate cost in Project Zomboid?

It gives 10 points.

What does Illiterate do?

Cannot read books or signs.

What can you not take with Illiterate?

Fast or Slow Reader.

Figures 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.