Project Zomboid 42.21 Stable: Zombie and XXL Tree Fixes
The Indie Stone released Build 42.21 to Stable on September 28, 2026, with fixes for zombie duplication and visibility issues, improved XXL tree cutaways, and Lua methods re-enabled.
Project Zomboid Build 42.21 reached Stable on September 28, 2026, after a period in the Unstable beta. The Indie Stone highlighted fixes for zombie duplication and visibility, changes to XXL trees, and the return of two Lua methods. The developers said some zombie issues remain on their radar for a future update.
Zombie issues are reduced, but not fully resolved
The update tackles prominent cases of zombie duplication in multiplayer and zombies disappearing after a player leaves and re-enters a world chunk in both single-player and multiplayer. The developers said these problems were especially noticeable in games with larger zombie populations, impacting many hardcore players.
The Indie Stone expects gameplay to improve, while noting that some instances of the issues remain and are planned for attention in the next update. The announcement describes these as targeted fixes, not a complete resolution.
XXL trees should obstruct less
Build 42.21 adjusts how XXL trees become transparent, or “cut away.” They now cut away better when players are in vehicles, no longer hide houses and furniture they overhang, and have adjusted transparency for improved visibility. The developers called the work a work in progress, with further improvements planned.
Two Lua methods are re-enabled
The loadstring and loadstream Lua methods, disabled in Build 42.20.4 as part of an effort to address security vulnerabilities, have been re-enabled. The developers said this followed further investigation into the security issue and apologized for the disruption to modders and server administrators.
Frequently asked questions
Does Build 42.21 completely fix zombie duplication and disappearing zombies?
No. The update tackles prominent cases, but The Indie Stone said some instances remain on its radar for a future update.
What changed about XXL trees?
They cut away better for players in vehicles, no longer hide houses and furniture they overhang, and have adjusted transparency to improve visibility. The developers said this work is ongoing.
Which Lua methods were re-enabled?
Build 42.21 re-enabled loadstring and loadstream, which had been disabled in Build 42.20.4 as part of an effort to address security vulnerabilities.
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