Even though Project Zomboid‘s Build 42 is more-or-less on the horizon by now, the odds are good that we still have lots of time before it comes out. This means that anyone who’s on the fence about giving Project Zomboid should start looking for their next base right now.
What I’ve got for you below is a list of the very best headquarters/forward operating base options you’ve got in Project Zomboid. The really notable bit, of course, is that even though Build 42 will massively improve the game’s graphics and overworld, all the key buildings and infrastructure will still be exactly where they are now, in Build 41. This means that any of the base locations I’ve outlined here will still be relevant as we move into B42, and potentially even more so, due to the buildings’ improved visuals, utility, and level access.
The best base-building locations in Project Zomboid
Before I begin, I’d like to note that Project Zomboid‘s flexibility as a survival simulator means that you can set up a base virtually anywhere. No, scratch that: it’s literally anywhere. Sure, there’s a world of difference between fixing a broken window and setting up a massive compound in the middle of a forest in Project Zomboid, but it’s all within the purview of a capable enough survivor.
With that in mind, certain locations found in Knox Country simply lend themselves better to the establishment of a long-term base. Whether due to their character, the nearby amenities, or the sheer potential of the place in question, those are the locations I’ve got to share with you below.
For simplicity’s sake as far as the buildings’ exact locations go, I’m using the awesome interactive web-based Project Zomboid Map Project by Benjamin Schieder, found right here.
#10: Riverside – Sand Lot / Parking – 5820×5410
Here’s a weird one to kick things off with. The Sand Lot is, at a glance, an almost totally useless stretch of land. Sure, there’s a whole host of broken-down vehicles to fiddle around with, and there’s lots of room to expand into, but that’s all there is to it.
The truth is a tad different, however. Due to the way Project Zomboid‘s zombies work, they’re not actually going to be able to destroy pre-existing structures (doors and windows notwithstanding). And, since the Sand Lot is surrounded by a tall fence on all sides, except for two relatively large entryways, you simply need to put down a chain-link double door at each of them, and you’re almost perfectly safe.
This makes the Riverside Sand Lot an absolutely phenomenal choice for characters aiming to focus on Mechanics, as you’ll be able to safely dismantle cars to your heart’s content. Further, since you don’t have to worry too much about the zombies, you can build whatever you want, wherever you want. Nice!
#9: Knox Country – Military Complex – 5560×12470
If you’re feeling up for it, an early raid on the Knox Military Base is basically a best-case scenario for a competent survivor. This highly defensible location only really has two downsides: its obvious remoteness and the absolutely ridiculous glut of zombies that spawn there.
There are very, very many pros to the Military Base’s cons, however. The compound itself is not only surrounded by high fencing on all sides, but it’s also really easy to create mini-quarantines and semi-detached sub-bases within the confines of the complex. After you put down a double gate at the main entrance, you can rest assured that no new zombies will be making their way into your new home.
Better yet, guns and armor come aplenty here, though you obviously do have to come here armed to begin with. Further, since the base is very remote, you’re going to need a reasonably capable vehicle with plenty of fuel to reach it. Expeditions out of this base will be operations unto themselves, for sure, but the amount of resources and weapons you’ll get here will keep you going for a long while.
#8: Louisville – Central Apartment Block – 12840×1470
For those who want a true urban survival experience, some of the apartment blocks found in Louisville suburbs are a perfect choice. The block featured in the screenshot above, specifically, is one of the more easily defensible locations as long as you dutifully plug all the different ingress points between buildings and the streets themselves.
From that point onwards, you’ve secured yourself a massive detachment that’s brimming with loot, and it’s reasonably close to virtually everything you need for a long holdout session in the middle of a zombie horde. Of course, clearing out all the houses one by one is going to be a mission in and of itself, but that’s what you’re signing up for by choosing an urban hideout in this game. Sheet ropes come highly recommended.
This area isn’t recommended for newbie Project Zomboid players due to the sheer number of zombies present. Yet, it’s definitely not without its charm.
#7: West Point – Storage Lots – 12130×7025
While they certainly might seem virtually useless at a glance, the fact of the matter is that the West Point Storage Lots house an extremely potent hideout location if you choose to invest in it. From an overhead view, it should be obvious that there are only two fairly small sections of the lot that feature small, waist-high fencing. Replace that with tall fencing or even walls, and you’ve got yourself a huge zombie-free area that’s loaded with tools and more storage capacity than you ever wanted.
Further, the Storage Lots aren’t far away from important infrastructure, with gas stations and supermarkets just a few minutes’ worth of driving away. And, if you’re looking to really lean into long-term progression, the availability of tools and trucks in this region is bound to help.
It’s not an ideal installation, to be sure, but one of my favorite multiplayer playthroughs used this as a key staging ground for West Point raids, and I can vouch for the Storage Lots’ sheer versatility. As our cozier base, however, we used the following location…
#6: West Point – Lake Community – 9740×6565
The Lake Community, located just off West Point, isn’t far away from the aforementioned Storage Lots, and it’s one of the most easily defensible areas in the game. What you’re getting here is a wombo-combo of three high-grade housing lots with a river and a lake virtually at your doorstep. It’s far enough away from West Point proper that the brunt of the local zombie horde won’t take notice of you, and there’s plenty of room for a full server’s worth of players if that’s what you’re looking for.
Weapons and vehicles spawn often here, too. Better yet, the odds of having a big zombie horde spawn here are fairly minor, so you can try to clear this area out even really early on if you’re lucky and/or skilled enough.
I’d also like to highlight that the West Point Lake Community just looks downright lovely. These aren’t your average copy-pasted apartments thrown together willy-nilly: they’re bespoke living arrangements that genuinely feel homely and cozy once you’ve cleared them out. It is one of the best long-term bases you could establish as of B41.
#5: Fallas Lake – Community Center / Church – 7040×8355
Fallas Lake is one of Project Zomboid‘s smaller towns, which makes it an excellent staging ground for the early game. Its church and community center combo, in particular, lends itself remarkably well to Zomboid gameplay due to having a massive parking lot and two substantial buildings to hide inside of. And, since this isn’t a big community to begin with, you won’t have many zombies to contend with.
Of particular note is the small lake right behind the house adjacent to the church, which means you can get both food and water without risking your neck on long city raids.
The biggest problem with this base is the fact that you’ll have to work hard to cordon it off from the rest of the overworld. There’s not much in the way of fencing present here, and this means zombies will be able to approach you from all angles. Still, if you’re handy with a knife or a crowbar, clearing out the area silently shouldn’t be too challenging, so it’s a give and a take.
#4: Louisville – Gated Community – 14150×2640
Easily one of the best headquarters you could possibly choose, the Louisville gated community enjoys many of the boons that the West Point Lake community does. The downside is that there’s no big lake nearby to fish out of, but the upside is that you’re on the outskirts of extremely loot-rich Louisville.
These three plots of land are connected with a lovely little roundabout in the middle, which in turn connects to the side road off of Louisville. The whole thing is cordoned off from the rest of the town with a tall cast iron fence, which makes it impossible for zombies to encroach after you’ve cleared it out. You only need to worry about a single gate at the roadway, and that’s it.
The houses themselves are high-end, to boot. It makes it likely to get solid clothes, food, vehicles, tools, and even weapons as you scour them for loot. For those who want to make fast raids into Louisville without making do far out of the way, this gated community is the place to be.
#3: Rosewood – Fire Department – 8140×11735
If big garages are a must-have for you, look no further than the legendary Rosewood Fire Department: one of the most notable, flexible, and useful hideout options in the entire game. Not only is the majority of the plot secured with the ever-important chain-link fence, but the building itself is also loaded with excellent weapons and tools (e.g., crowbars, shovels, axes), but there’s a bunch of firefighter clothes lying about as well. A solid defensive baseline, for sure.
I cannot overstate just how good the two garage bays are. This means you can work on your vehicles and gear at peace, and the odds are good you won’t even have to go far to get the tools you need to progress pertinent skill trees.
The good news doesn’t stop there, either, as the Rosewood Police Station is literally right across the street, giving you ready access to all the guns and ammo you could wish for. The big downside, though, is that you’ll be sitting smack-dab in the middle of a highly populated area with hordes of zombies roaming nearby.
#2: Muldraugh – MASS-GENFAC Warehouse – 10610×9310
While this warehouse might seem less handy than the fire department featured above, it is one of the most revered base locations in the community. The warehouse itself is an excellent two-floor baseline with big garages at ground level, and the fact that you have ready access to the roof means you can quickly and easily set up barrels to collect rainwater for times to come.
For added security, I highly recommend either fencing off the entire area or destroying the stairway to the second floor. Doing so will make it impossible for the zombies to reach you, and you can always set up sheet ropes for rapid getaways and safe access points. Handy stuff!
The MASS-GENFAC warehouse is also loaded with loot by default, and the parking lot nearby is bound to spawn a few vehicles for you to tinker with. Since Muldraugh is basically at your doorstep, you won’t have to go far for food and other resources. The only real downside is that it’s pretty industrial and drab, though you can definitely make it cozier yourself.
#1: Rosewood – State Prison – 7727×11870
Finally, the ultimate Project Zomboid base is definitely the Rosewood State Penitentiary. The single most heavily fortified area in the game, this fortress is effectively impregnable as long as you have the guts to go room-by-room and clear out all of its former inhabitants. Make no mistake here: the Rosewood State Prison is absolutely one of the most dangerous areas in the game. It is, however, also the perfect base for hardcore players capable of clearing it out.
If Project Zomboid had anything akin to modern games’ dungeons or raids, the Rosewood State Prison would probably be it. This is one of those places that you cannot jump headfirst into and expect to stay alive unless you come loaded with ammo and weaponry. Expect about a hundred or so zeds prowling about, so taking them all down is going to be no mean feat.
Your reward for taking this on is handily the best base in the game, however. This is an immense location with all the amenities you could wish for. A big parking lot, more armories than you could shake a nightstick at, plenty of secure open-air zones to turn into farming spots… It’s a big, big prize. If you can snag it, that is. I recommend giving it a shot in multiplayer, for what it’s worth.
Published: Nov 17, 2024 11:53 am