Project Zomboid Adds Ladders in Latest Update
Developer The Indie Stone has released update 42.22, introducing new traversal mechanics and a faster release schedule.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Gaming
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The Indie Stone has launched Project Zomboid update 42.22, bringing long-awaited features like functional ladders and expanded crowbar utility to the game. This release also debuts a new pre-release testing branch intended to accelerate the delivery of future content to players.
Why it matters
The studio is transitioning to a more efficient update cadence to deliver improvements to the community more quickly. By utilizing a shorter pre-release testing phase, the developers aim to streamline the transition of new features from experimental builds to the stable game version.
Update 42.22 introduces functional ladders and the ability to use crowbars to force open locked windows, doors, and gates. Players can also now push objects while carrying items in both hands and open ammo boxes while walking.
The players
The Indie Stone
The Indie Stone is the independent video game development studio responsible for creating and maintaining the long-running survival game Project Zomboid.
The details
Players can now access the new pre-release branch via the Steam properties menu to test these features, including updated object interaction and improved character behavior regarding environmental smells. The update also addresses previous bugs involving duplicate multiplayer characters and untimely animal deaths.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: The Indie Stone released update 42.22 on the pre-release branch.
At least one week: The minimum duration intended for future updates to remain in the pre-release branch for testing.
Culture Shift
This release marks a strategic shift in the studio's development workflow by adopting the Steam pre-release branch system to replace the previously used unstable branch. This move reflects a broader trend among indie developers to optimize testing cycles for faster content deployment.
Players can immediately access these new features by opting into the pre-release branch through their Steam library settings. This update fundamentally changes navigation in Knox Country by allowing characters to climb ladders and bypass locked doors with the correct tools.
The takeaway
Players utilizing the Burglar trait or high strength stats will see faster results when using crowbars to force entry into locked structures. Those testing the update should note that characters are now sensitive to environmental smells and cannot sleep near sources of odors.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by PCGamesN.
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