How to Light a Campfire in Project Zomboid: 1 Minute to Start Your Campfire Adventure

Lighting a campfire in Project Zomboid is a fundamental survival skill, essential for cooking, warmth, and light when exploring the post-apocalyptic world. Here’s a step-by-step process to get your campfire going safely and efficiently:

1. Gather Supplies: You’ll need a Campfire Kit (crafted from planks and ripped sheets/newspapers), a source of fuel (logs, planks, or branches), and an ignition item (matches, lighter, or a notched wooden plank + sturdy stick).
2. Place the Campfire Kit: Right-click on the desired spot (preferably outside and clear of flammable objects), then select “Place Campfire Kit.”
3. Add Fuel: Right-click on the unlit campfire and choose “Add Fuel.” Choose appropriate fuel based on what you’ve found—branches and logs burn the longest.
4. Ignite the Fire: Right-click the campfire again and select “Light Fire.” You’ll need an ignition item in your inventory. Using matches or a lighter is quickest, but you can also use the friction method with wooden tools.
5. Monitor & Use Safely: Once lit, keep an eye on fuel levels so your fire doesn’t burn out. Use the campfire to cook food, purify water, or stave off the cold during harsh weather.

As an interior designer, safety and spatial planning are always a priority, even in survival scenarios. When picking a spot for your campfire, ensure it's placed far enough from building walls and flammable materials to prevent accidental fires that could threaten your base. If you’re designing a secure camping or safehouse layout, think about a designated fire zone—clear of clutter and ideally set on a non-flammable surface. For those looking to experiment with more immersive survival bases or wish to visualize their outdoor layouts before setting up, leveraging a room planner can be a surprisingly effective way to optimize both function and safety in your safehouse setup.

Tips 1:

Always keep a backup ignition source and spare fuel in your inventory. Rain will extinguish outdoor fires, so consider covering your campfire area or building a simple shelter overhead if you’ll rely on it frequently.

FAQ

Q: Can you light a campfire indoors in Project Zomboid?

A: It’s technically possible, but extremely dangerous—it can burn your structure down. Campfires should always be set up outside.

Q: What happens if it rains while my campfire is burning?

A: Rain will quickly put out an exposed outdoor campfire. Consider building a roof or only lighting fires during clear weather.

Q: What’s the best fuel to use for longer-lasting campfires?

A: Logs and planks last much longer than twigs or branches but are heavier to carry.

Q: Can a campfire attract zombies in Project Zomboid?

A: Yes, the light and sound from a burning campfire can attract zombies, so be cautious and remain alert.

Q: Do I need a high skill level to light a campfire?

A: No, anyone can light a campfire as long as they have the right materials, but higher Firemaking skill increases the chance of success.