Choosing the best occupation to start with in Project Zomboid can make a big difference in your early game experience and set the tone for your survival journey. For example, occupations like Veteran, Fire Officer, or Police Officer offer combat-related perks like weapon proficiency, strength, or fitness. Carpenter, Electrician, and Mechanic provide skills for constructing and maintaining your base or repairing vehicles. Doctor, Farmer, and Fisherman offer self-sufficiency through healing, food production, and fishing. Burglar, Unemployed (with allocated points), and Park Ranger excel at sneaking, lockpicking, and finding resources. The best starting job for you depends on how you intend to play the game, and we’ve made a case for our favorites below.
What occupation should I start with in Project Zomboid?
The best occupation to start with in Project Zomboid ultimately depends on the type of survival experience you’re aiming for. Here are a few recommendations based on different approaches:
- Carpenter
- Skills: +3 Carpentry, +1 Short Blunt
- Ideal for players who want to focus on base building and fortifying their shelter. With high Carpentry skills, you can board up windows, create storage, and build structures for better defense.
- Veteran
- Skills: +2 Aiming, +2 Reloading
- The Veteran is a solid choice for a more combat-oriented playstyle. Desensitization helps with panic. Additionally, the bonus in Aiming and Reloading makes you effective with firearms.
- Burglar
- Skills: +2 Lightfooted, +2 Nimble, +2 Sneaking
- Perfect for players who want to avoid direct attacks from zombies. The Burglar is good at sneaking, making it easier to move quietly and avoid detection. They can even hotwire vehicles without the required skill.
- Park Ranger
- Skills: +1 Axe, +1 Carpentry, +2 Foraging, +2 Trapping
- Suited for players who prefer a nomadic lifestyle and survival. Park Rangers start with skills that help with axe usage, crafting, and foraging, making them self-sufficient and resourceful in the wild.
- Mechanic
- Skills: +3 Mechanics, +1 Short Blunt
- The Mechanic is a great choice for players who rely on vehicles for transportation and scavenging. Mechanics can repair and modify vehicles with ease.
- Lumberjack
- Skills: +2 Axe, +1 Strength
- Lumberjacks offers a balanced start with proficiency in using axes for both combat and resource gathering. The bonus in strength allows you to carry more items and deal more damage.
Remember, these suggestions are just starting points, and your character can develop various skills over time in the game. Additionally, your choice of traits and negative skills will also impact your character’s abilities. Experiment with different occupations to find the one that aligns best with your preferred Project Zomboid experience.
