Project Real Limbs - Reactive Zombie and NPC Physics for Project Zomboid

Project Real Limbs replaces preset hit reactions with physics inspired by Euphoria from GTA IV and Red Dead. Zombies react to the location and force of an impact, stumble, try to regain their balance and get back up dynamically.

Hit damage remains unchanged. The mod changes how bodies respond to attacks, rather than increasing weapon damage.

Bodies that react to their surroundings

Zombies collide with walls, fences, stairs, roofs and other bodies. Fatal headshots drop them immediately, while other deaths may include a brief stagger or a reaction to the wound. Corpses remain where they fall.

Physics also supports Project A-Life and Bandits NPCs alongside their usual behavior. Neither NPC mod is required for zombie physics.

In single-player, Numpad + kicks the target in front of you, using roughly as much stamina as a shove. Rebind it under Options > Mods > Project Real Limbs.

Requirements and installation

Requires Project Zomboid Build 42.21 or newer and ZombieBuddy with its one-time setup completed.

1. Install and enable ZombieBuddy and Project Real Limbs.
2. Complete ZombieBuddy’s initial setup.
3. Accept the request to load the mod’s Java code when prompted on launch.

A single-player Real Limbs Sandbox map appears under Challenge. It provides tools for spawning zombies, NPCs, weapons and vehicles, testing waves and adjusting the camera. Its special controls work only on that map.

Native Linux setup

Proton uses ZombieBuddy’s normal Windows setup. For native Linux:

1. Open the game folder containing projectzomboid.sh.
2. Copy ZombieBuddy.jar there from steamapps/workshop/content/108600/3619862853/mods/ZombieBuddy/libs.
3. Set Steam launch options to exactly:

-javaagent:ZombieBuddy.jar --

Keep capitalization and the trailing --. Remove -agentlib:zbNative if present, then launch and accept ZombieBuddy’s prompt.

Configure reactions and performance

Open Options > Mods > Project Real Limbs > Open the Real Limbs settings for searchable settings, presets and import/export. Settings survive mod updates.

Each attack category can trigger physics on every hit or killing blows only. Nonfatal hits retain vanilla reactions in the latter mode; kills always use physics. Separate switches cover falls, climbing, crawlers and supported NPCs.

Melee reactions normally follow stamina and strength. Additional controls adjust firearm impacts, stumbling and recovery. A Light PC preset reduces the workload.

Multiplayer and compatibility

Multiplayer is unstable. Everyone needs both mods. The player landing a hit calculates and synchronizes the reaction. Servers can enforce settings through Zomboid/Lua/RealLimbs/server-settings.txt. Kicking and sandbox test controls are unavailable in multiplayer.

Listed integrations include Project A-Life, Bandits, Project Viewpoint, Zomboid VR, PZ Optimization and weapon mods. Do not combine it with other hit-reaction or ragdoll mods.

The mod stores no data in the world and can be removed at any time. Bug reports should include the weapon used and console.txt.