{"id":25979,"date":"2026-10-28T13:17:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T13:17:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/igamemag.com\/?p=25979"},"modified":"2026-10-28T13:18:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T13:18:01","slug":"project-zomboid-build-42-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/igamemag.com\/en-gb\/project-zomboid-build-42-22\/","title":{"rendered":"Project Zomboid 42.22 Adds Ladders and Crowbars: How to Play the New Pre-Release Branch and Everything That Changes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"A<\/p>

Project Zomboid 42.22<\/strong> is out for testing now, and it finally lets you climb ladders<\/strong> and force doors open with a crowbar<\/strong>. The Indie Stone released it on 27 October on a brand-new Pre-Release<\/strong> branch, which replaces the old Unstable branch. It also fixes the multiplayer clone bug, moves PvP damage to the server and saves your rabbits from starving.<\/p>\n

Most players don’t need to do anything: the default Stable branch stays on 42.21 while 42.22 is tested for at least a week. Here’s what’s in it and how to try it early.<\/p>\n

Project Zomboid 42.22 at a glance<\/h2>\n\n
Released<\/strong><\/td>27 October 2026, on the Pre-Release branch<\/td><\/tr>\n
Current Stable<\/strong><\/td>42.21<\/td><\/tr>\n
Headline features<\/strong><\/td>Climbable ladders, crowbars that force doors, windows and gates<\/td><\/tr>\n
Multiplayer<\/strong><\/td>Character duplication fix, server-side PvP damage, trailer and stability fixes<\/td><\/tr>\n
Goes to Stable<\/strong><\/td>After at least one week of Pre-Release testing<\/td><\/tr>\n
Price<\/strong><\/td>\u00a322.49 \/ $24.99 \/ \u20ac25.49 on Steam<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table>\n

What is the Project Zomboid Pre-Release branch?<\/h2>\n

It’s the new name for early testing. The Indie Stone renamed the Unstable branch to Pre-Release<\/strong> because the old name “was causing some confusion among players”. From now on, new updates go to Pre-Release first, are tested for at least one week<\/strong>, then move to Stable. Urgent hotfixes may still go straight to Stable.<\/p>\n

The studio says that for the average player this changes “absolutely nothing”. It’s aimed at modders, multiplayer server admins and players who like testing things before everyone else.<\/p>\n

How do you play Project Zomboid 42.22 now?<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Back up<\/strong> any saves you want to keep.<\/li>\n
  2. Right-click Project Zomboid<\/strong> in your Steam Library.<\/li>\n
  3. Select Properties<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  4. Under Game Versions & Betas<\/strong>, choose Pre-Release<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Indie Stone strongly warns against moving a long-term single-player save to Pre-Release without a backup: it “cannot guarantee” the save will work, or that you can use it in the final release.<\/p>\n

    \"A<\/p>\n

    How do ladders work in Project Zomboid 42.22?<\/h2>\n

    You can now interact with ladders placed on the map<\/strong> using the E key<\/strong>. The Indie Stone calls it the “first rung” of ladder support, so expect more later. Two examples from the developers: you’ll be less stuck in empty swimming pools, and you can finally reach the top floor of the Rosewood Fire Station. With ladders all over Knox Country, the team is asking Pre-Release players to climb every one and report any that don’t work.<\/p>\n

    How do you use a crowbar to open doors in Project Zomboid?<\/h2>\n

    In 42.22, right-click with a crowbar to force open locked windows, doors, garage doors and gates<\/strong>. A few things to know:<\/p>\n