Can Zombies Break Fences in Project Zomboid? The Ultimate Guide

The question of whether zombies can break fences in Project Zomboid is a common one, and for good reason. Fences are a crucial element in your survival strategy, forming the first line of defense against the undead hordes. The short answer? Zombies cannot break through fences that were not placed by the player. However, the nuances of zombie behavior and fence types require a deeper understanding to effectively utilize them in your survival strategy.

Understanding Fence Dynamics in Project Zomboid

In Project Zomboid, not all fences are created equal. There are crucial distinctions that affect how zombies interact with them, based on whether they were part of the pre-existing world or placed by the player.

Pre-Existing Fences: A Solid Defense

Pre-existing fences, those already present in the world when you spawn, are largely indestructible to zombies. These include the tall, often wire-mesh fences that surround industrial areas and backyards of residential buildings. The zombies will not attempt to break these. Instead, they will try to path around them if they detect you. This makes these fences invaluable for creating secure areas and funnelling zombies into manageable locations.

Player-Placed Fences: Vulnerable to Destruction

Conversely, any fence placed by the player is destructible. This includes wooden fences, wire fences, and any other type of fencing that you build yourself. These player-placed structures are treated by the game as if they were player-made walls, and zombies can and will break them down if they detect you and determine it’s necessary for them to reach you. The speed at which they are destroyed depends on the number of zombies and the construction material of your fence.

Why This Distinction Matters

This difference between pre-existing and player-placed fences is crucial for planning your defenses. Relying solely on player-built fences is a recipe for disaster, especially when dealing with large hordes. Instead, focus on utilizing the existing world’s infrastructure to your advantage, supplementing them with player-built structures when absolutely necessary.

Fence Types and Zombie Interaction

While the key distinction is pre-existing vs. player-placed, different types of fences also exhibit unique interactions:

• Wooden Fences: These are player-placed structures that zombies will attempt to break down. They are fairly easy to construct and relatively sturdy to start with, but also relatively easy for zombies to break through.
• Wire Fences: Like wooden fences, these can be player placed and are also susceptible to zombie destruction if player placed. They can be seen through, allowing for a better sense of enemy positions.
• High Fences: These are pre-existing and are unbreakable by zombies. They represent a crucial defensive resource for players. Zombies will try to path around them to get to you.
• Small Fences: These are pre-existing fences that may exist within a location. Zombies can climb over them.

FAQs: Fences and Zombies in Project Zomboid

To further clarify the intricacies of zombie and fence interactions in Project Zomboid, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. Can zombies climb over all fences?

No, zombies cannot climb over high pre-existing fences. They can climb over player-placed fences, as well as any of the small, pre-existing fences that exist in the world.

2. Can zombies break down gates?

Yes, zombies can break down gates, and doors, regardless of who placed them. Gates and doors should never be used as the primary point of defense. Always have a fallback.

3. Can zombies see through fences?

Yes, zombies can see through fences, which allows them to identify your location even if you’re behind one. Pre-existing fences will not prevent them from coming to your location.

4. Can zombies break down walls?

Zombies cannot break down walls that are pre-existing, but they can break down player-placed walls.

5. Can zombies break furniture placed as barricades?

Yes, zombies can break furniture used as barricades with enough time and numbers. Furniture is not an effective long-term defense.

6. Can zombies destroy sheet ropes?

No, zombies cannot break sheet ropes. This makes them excellent for accessing otherwise inaccessible areas or creating alternative escape routes.

7. Can zombies climb over sheet ropes?

No, zombies cannot climb sheet ropes.

8. Can zombies break through barricaded doors?

Yes, zombies can eventually break through barricaded doors. However, barricading them will significantly increase the time and effort it takes for them to do so. Doors that are barricaded with more than two planks, or metal sheets, cannot be seen through.

9. Do lights attract zombies through fences?

Light itself doesn’t attract zombies, but turning lights on does. Zombies can detect the light being activated even through walls, curtains, and even fences. They may become alerted and wander towards it.

10. How does zombie visibility affect fence utilization?

Since zombies can see through fences, you cannot hide behind them for long. They may path to a location where they can get to you, even through a building, if a fence is between you and them.

11. What is the best way to secure an area against zombies?

Utilize pre-existing fences and walls to the fullest extent possible. Supplement these with player-placed structures and always have an escape plan. Focus on using sheet ropes for entry where possible, and utilize multiple exit points.

12. Can zombies go under cars?

Yes, zombies can crawl under cars, rendering vehicles ineffective as a primary defense line against large hordes.

13. How many planks should you use for barricades?

Barricading with three or four planks makes it difficult for zombies to breach, and also blocks visibility. With two or less planks, you can still see through the barricade.

14. Can zombies climb over small fences?

Yes, zombies can climb over small fences that are pre-existing in the world.

15. What is the best starting location for new players to learn fence mechanics?

Rosewood is generally considered the best starting location for new players. Its lower zombie population will give you plenty of time to learn the game’s mechanics, including fence management.

Conclusion

Fences play a vital role in your survival in Project Zomboid, but understanding their limitations is critical. The key takeaway is that pre-existing, non-player placed fences are your best defense. Player-placed structures should be used strategically, knowing that they will eventually be broken down. By leveraging your knowledge of the world’s structure and the zombie’s behaviors, you will be able to improve your odds of survival and thrive in the post-apocalyptic world of Project Zomboid.