A generator keeps refrigerators, lights and other electrical equipment running after the power grid fails in Project Zomboid. It can also poison you, attract zombies and eventually catch fire if neglected. The generator giveth, the generator taketh.
Here’s everything you need for using generators in Project Zomboid Build 42.
What you need
Before connecting a generator, gather:
– A portable generator
– Petrol in a suitable container
– Generator knowledge
– Scrap Electronics for later repairs
It feels like generators are quite prevalent in Build 42. We would recommend you hunt through garages; grab your crowbar to bash down any fences. Or, just use the side window.
In Build 42, generator knowledge can come from reading How to Use Generators, starting as an Electrician or reaching Electrical level 3. You can find How to Use Generators in most places books spawn, but we would suggest either a library (school or otherwise), electrical store, or hardware store.
How to connect and start a generator
This is the part where people trip up:
– Carry the generator to the building you want to power.
– Place it outside, close to the property.
– Right-click it and choose Connect Generator.
– Add petrol while the generator is switched off.
– Select Turn On or Start Generator.
– Use Generator Info to check fuel use, condition and connected appliances.
The generator powers compatible objects within its range rather than plugging into one appliance. Switch off unnecessary lights, ovens and other equipment to reduce consumption. You won’t need the TV on all the time once stations stop broadcasting.
Actual fuel use depends on the connected load and your Sandbox settings, so the information panel is more trustworthy than an old spreadsheet from Build 41.
Can you run a generator indoors?
No. Well, you can. But you will die.
Generator fumes damage characters inside the building and can make the property unsafe while the machine runs. Place it outdoors, not in a bedroom, garage or enclosed shed.
Generators also make noise. Clear the surrounding area before starting one and avoid treating a flimsy ground-floor window as the complete security plan.
How to maintain a generator
Turn the generator off before refuelling or repairing it to prevent it from potentially catching fire. Repairs consume Scrap Electronics, which can most easily be found from disassembling things like TV remotes and alarms etc.
Keep spare fuel away from the running machine and store a fire extinguisher nearby. You do not need to run the generator continuously if only a few appliances matter. Keep the essentials running and you can go for a few weeks without needing to top it up.
Build 42 altered generator fuel consumption and added more variation, though. If a long-running save drains fuel much faster than expected, inspect its Generator Fuel Consumption Sandbox value rather than assuming every generator has developed a personal grudge.
READ NEXT: Project Zomboid Build 42: How To Attach & Climb Sheet Ropes
Some of the coverage you find on Cultured Vultures contains affiliate links, which provide us with small commissions based on purchases made from visiting our site.
