Project Zomboid: How to Use Generators

Having been in development since 2013, Project Zomboid is a currently booming Early Access zombie survival game. And like most survival games out there, it takes time and knowledge to master this game. One of the most important things all players should be familiar with to withstand Project Zomboid‘s harsh undead-filled world is learning about the Generator. Let’s take a quick course on finding and using a Generator in Project Zomboid.

How to Find Generators in Project Zomboid

Just like in the real world, it is pretty crucial to own a Generator for your Project Zomboid base since it can generate electricity even after the power to your base gets cut out. Unfortunately, though, Generators are not a craftable item and cannot be put into your inventory. This means you don’t just have to locate one somewhere. You also need to carry one back to your base with your own hands. Most of the time, Generators spawn inside warehouses or in tool sheds.

While you will be highly vulnerable when carrying a Generator (gained a speed penalty and can’t fight off any zombie horde), you can drop it somewhere safe and pick it up later if you need to. You can also carry one using a car once you find a vehicle.

How to Use Generators

After you finally find a Generator, you’ll want to put it outside but close enough to your base. A Generator has a range of 20 tiles and 5 floors. Why place it outdoors instead of inside where it’s safe? Well, because of toxic fumes from the exhaust, an active Generator will reduce your character’s health. If you somehow have an issue getting a Generator to work, moving it to the roof may fix any problems you’re having.

To be able to operate a Generator, you must either pick the Electrician occupation or read the How To Use Generators item scattered all over the Project Zomboid world. Then to hook it up with your base, open the Generator context menu and select the Connect Generator option. Once connected, you’ll need to fuel it up with Gas Cans using the Add Fuel option. A Generator’s fuel tank can hold up to 1 1/4 Gas Cans, eats 11% of fuel each day (when powering only light sources and one electronic device), and can only be filled while it is turned off.

Don’t forget to keep in mind the Generator’s durability. It will lose durability every day, and when it reaches 20% durability, it may explode or catch fire. Thankfully, you can quickly repair it with Electronics Scrap via the Repair Generator option; however, how much the durability is restored depends on how high is your Electrical skill.