Is the zombie apocalypse of Project Zomboid’s Build 41 a little too slow for your liking? Do you wish you could move faster around the map? You’ve come to the right place! I’m going to show you how you can use not only a jog but also sprint in Project Zomboid. This guide will also include a few other tips like speeding up the time when travelling and what skills you can upgrade to move around even quicker!
How to Run/Sprint in Project Zomboid
There are two different options for running in Project Zomboid. To jog, hold down the Left Shift key by default. This will make your character run a bit quicker than walking and also automatically jump obstacles such as low fences when they are running. To go into a full sprint, hold down the Left ALT key on your keyboard when moving.
There are some things to consider when running around in this post-apocalyptic wasteland however. When you run using either of the two quicker speed options your character will make a lot more noise, making it easier for zombies to find you. Another thing to consider is your character’s health.
Using the sprint mechanic will tire out your character faster than anything else in the game. When running your character will gain fitness at an increase rate but to begin with they won’t be fit enough to run a marathon. Try to only sprint when it is absolutely necessary as getting caught out in a group of enemies when extremely exerted is one of the quickest way you can end this character’s journey.
Another negative thing about sprinting using the ALT key is that you character can actually sustain injuries if you aren’t careful enough. If you sprint your character into a wall, or sprint around a dense forest they are likely to fall over and sustain an injury. If you run full speed at a wall the results are basically as you would expect. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
Speed Up Time When Moving Around
One thing you may have noticed during your time playing Project Zomboid is that you can speed up and pause the time whenever you wish. There are controls at the top right of the UI with 5 different settings for adjusting the game speed. You can click these speed settings or use the hotkeys designated for speeding up or slowing down time. By default the keybindings for time controls are:
- Pause: F2
- Normal Speed: F3
- Fast Forward x1: F4
- Fast Forward x2: F5
- Fast Forward x3: F6
These controls can be changed by accessing the pause menu and going to the key bindings settings.
When you try to speed up time whilst moving around you will see that the game will, by default, return to normal speed setting whenever you control your character by pressing a button. You can speed up activities like reading and crafting by speeding up the time if you plan on not touching any controls. There is a way that you can speed up the time while you’re moving however.
To walk around the map and speed up the time at the same time, right click an area of the map you would like to walk to. Then, while the character is moving toward a destination by walking, you can speed up the time and have them walk at the same time.
By walking around using the right-click button and selecting an area you can cross large distances on the map in a shorter amount of time. Which give you more time for things like fishing and cooking. Using this method of movement you can pick whatever fast forward option you’d like. The best part is, if your character comes into contact with a zombie the game will automatically slow down back to regular time. If you haven’t found a vehicle yet, this one’s for you.
Upgrade Skills to Run Faster
There are many different skills in Project Zomboid for just about every task in the game. Even when you choose to run around in the game your character will be earning experience towards making themselves better!
When you choose to sprint or run in the game, you will gain experience in the Sprinting skill. Having greater levels in this skill will allow your character to run faster and run even further i the game without getting tired. By training these skills, you can create a character who almost never runs out of breath. Not so bad hey?
The more you sprint the more experience you will get in the sprinting skill. Each level you gain in this skill will give your character a greater bonus. Sprinting also gives experience into the fitness skill which will improve your character’s overall fitness level and allow them to perform physical activities for longer without getting exhausted as fast.
Travel By Car
One of the other ways that the player can move around the map quicker in Project Zomboid is to travel around by car. There are many different vehicles across Knox County to find and operate. There is an extensive vehicle customization and operation mechanic built into the game as well. You will not only have to find a car in good enough condition to drive, you will also have to find gas in order to keep the car moving. You will consume fuel as you drive so make sure you find a nice fuel efficient one!
Vehicles make it very easy to travel from city to city across the map. One of the best ways of getting around will be to use a vehicle. Getting one in working order is the hardest part however and finding a key for the car can also be a bit of a hassle! Once you have one locked down though as long as you drive carefully the only maintenance it will need is fuel every now and then. Plus vehicles double as a great storage container.
Read this guide to hot-wiring vehicles in Project Zomboid.
Summary
Figuring out how to move around quick in Project Zomboid is a pain. By foot, you have the option of leveling up your running and fitness skills and jogging around, or you can find a vehicle to travel around quick.
Related: Project Zomboid Cheats | Project Zomboid Build 41 Multiplayer
