Perennial early access game Project Zomboid hit a new concurrent player record after a huge map update added reworked towns, a spooky orphanage and '400 procedural basements'

Project Zomboid has set a new Steam record for concurrent players shortly after its first major build update since 2021. Build 42.20, according to The Indie Stone, overhauls Knox County with seven reworked towns, new art and distinct architectural styles, and improved landscaping. The map’s surface area has been doubled to 35,000 tiles, adding areas such as a boy scout camp, an all-new prison, and a revamped abandoned orphanage. The update also introduces “400 procedural basements,” alongside 75 unique basements. Mechanically, it adds animals like cows and chickens, changes hunting and trapping, improves stealth and fishing, and allows players to drag corpses. The price rose from $20 (£16.75) to $25 (£22.50).