In Project Zomboid, getting your hands on a working vehicle can be a turning point. It opens up new areas, gives you storage, and lets you escape dangerous zones. But sometimes, even if you find the perfect vehicle, the key is missing. That’s when learning how to hotwire becomes vital.
Being able to hotwire a car lets you take control of vehicles, even when the keys are gone. It can save your life during a zombie ambush or allow you to explore farther than you could on foot. Knowing the requirements and steps can make a big difference in your survival strategy and overall gameplay experience.
Requirements to Hotwire a Car in Project Zomboid
To hotwire a car in Project Zomboid, you need two skill levels: at least Level 1 Electrical and Level 2 Mechanics. These can be built up by fixing vehicles, reading manuals, or dismantling electronic items found throughout the world.
However, there’s a shortcut. Choosing the Burglar occupation at character creation lets you skip the skill grind. Burglar characters have the ability to hotwire any vehicle from the start of the game, making them ideal for mobility-focused gameplay.
How to Hotwire a Vehicle Step-by-Step
To begin, find a vehicle and enter the car from the driver seat. You cannot hotwire from the passenger side. Once seated, bring up the radial menu by pressing the “V” key. This menu shows car-related actions and interactions.
If your skills meet the requirement, or you’re playing as a Burglar, you’ll see the hotwire option appear. Click it. Your character will then begin tampering with the ignition wires. If all goes well, you’ll successfully hotwire the vehicle, allowing you to start the engine and drive off safely.
But don’t celebrate too early. A hotwired car still needs to be functional. If it has a dead battery, the engine won’t start until the battery is replaced or recharged. Always check under the hood before putting yourself at risk for nothing.
Does Hotwiring Work on Every Car?
Most vehicles can be hotwired, provided they are not too damaged or stripped. A dead battery, destroyed engine, or missing parts will prevent the car from working, even if it has been successfully hotwired. Before you attempt to hotwire, inspect the condition and choose wisely.
Once a car is hotwired, you won’t need to do it again. Just return to the driver seat and start the engine like normal. From that point on, the car behaves like one with a key and remains usable until broken or abandoned.
FAQ: Hotwiring in Project Zomboid
Only if your character is a Burglar. Otherwise, you must meet the skill requirements.
Yes, noise from starting the engine can attract nearby zombies. Be quick and alert.
Absolutely. You’ll need to replace or charge the battery before the car runs.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to hotwire in Project Zomboid allows for better survival chances. Whether you’ve found a locked ride, are dealing with a dead battery, or just want more control, hotwiring a car puts you in the driver’s seat, literally and strategically. Choose your skills or Burglar occupation wisely and take the road to survival.
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