A Guide to Metalworking

A comprehensive guide on metalworking in Project Zomboid

Introduction

Metalworking is a core component of Project Zomboid and is relatively mid-late game. The skill itself determines the range of crafting and barricading that you can do with it. This guide will list all of the different things you can do with this useful skill.

I'll refer to metalworking as MW to avoid repetitiveness.

Precursor and Leveling

While creating your character, you can start with the following occupation:

• Occupations:

Metalworker: Costs 6 points, but provides 3 metalworking. This is the only occupation that gives a starting boost to MW. Metalworker honestly isn't worth it considering other occupations, though it can be a good role to fill in if you're playing with friends or strictly want to use metalworking.

There are currently no traits that give a boost to MW.

Leveling metalworking is very simple, paired with the MW books, I-V. The best source of XP comes from dismantling car wrecks in congestions (as seen in the image below) and dumpsters found in urban areas.

The following is the list of objects that can be dismantled for MW XP:
Car Wreck - Varies on car type.
Dumpster - 5 XP
Large Metal Shelf - 5 XP
Bath - 5 XP
Fridge - 3.75 XP
Vending Machine - 3.75 XP
Big Locker - 2.5 XP
Bin - 2.5 XP
File Cabinet - 2.5 XP
Metal Door - 2.5 XP
Large Locker - 2.5 XP
Oven - 2.5 XP
Steel Counter - 2.5 XP
Road Sign - 2.5 XP
Clothing Dryer - 2.5 XP
Washing Machine - 2.5 XP
Chest Freezer - 2.5 XP
Charcoal BBQ - 1.25 XP
Small Locker - 1.25 XP
Microwave - 1.25 XP
Shower - 1.25 XP
Sink - 1.25 XP
Toilet - 1.25 XP
Metal Chair - 1.25 XP

Image Source - https://www.reddit.com/r/projectzomboid/comments/tmmixd/pz_car_physics_at_their_finest/

Materials

Before we can get started, there are quite a few items and magazines. we need to start our metalworking.

• Propane torch

Propane torches are found in industrial buildings, garages, and storage units everywhere in Knox County. A good place to look for one is in the many factories and warehouses that are scattered everywhere. A propane torch is needed for almost any crafting and barricading involving metalworking, and are also used for dismantling metal objects. Propane torches run on a unit system, which means that whenever you use them, fuel is consumed from the torch. Most recipes will use 5-10 fuel, but some larger ones will use up to 20. Fuel can be obtained from propane tanks, which are quite rare (more later.)

• Welding rods

Welding rods are required for most MW crafting, but not for barricading. They are found wherever propane torches can be found, and have a limited use, though they are not very uncommon. Welding rods can run out quick, so be sure to stockpile them while you can.

• Welding Mask

The welding mask is used for MW crafting, but not for barricading. Welding masks can be found in any industrial area, like factories and warehouses. Mostly, you will find them wherever other MW materials are found, like torches and rods. They can sometimes be found on zombies. Outside of MW, they provide a very good amount of face protection, with 50 scratch defense and 30 bite defense. (sorry for small mask lol)

• Metal Sheets (Small and large)

Metal sheets are used for both crafting and barricading (only metal sheets, not small). They are usually found in industrial zones and garages/sheds, and are sometimes found with other MW materials. You can obtain metal sheets from dismantling metal objects and doors, though this depends on what your level of MW is at. High MW = better dismantling.

• Magazines

There are 4 metalworking magazines, and can be found at any library or wherever magazine stands are (gas stations, convenience stores, etc).
First issue: Recipe for metal walls and roof
Second issue: Recipe for metal containers
Third issue: Recipe for metal fences
Fourth issue: Recipe for metal sheets and small metal sheets

• Propane Tanks:

Propane tanks are used to refill propane torches. They can be found in warehouses, factories, and BBQ stands. They are quite rare and heavy. One full tank will fill two empty torches.

Others:

• Scrap Metal:

Obtained by dismantling metal objects. Used in all recipes besides metal walls and pole fences.

• Metal Pipes:

Can be found industrial areas, garages, and trunks of some vehicles. Used in almost all MW recipes.

• Wire:

Found in sheds, garages and warehouses. Used for fencing.

• Metal Bars:

Located in sheds and industrial areas. Used for barricading and metal wall frames.

Barricading

Barricading with MW is very simple in project zomboid, and does not require any levels to do so. Note that zombies do more damage to barricades depending on their strength level.

There are two ways to barricade with MW:

• Metal Bars:

Metal bar barricades are a very strong type of barricade. To barricade this way, 3 metal bars and a welding torch are required. Metal bars do not block visibility, so make sure to use sheets alongside them. Metal bar barricades have a hit point level of 5000.

• Metal Sheets:

Metal sheet barricades are the exact same as metal bar barricades but instead use 1 metal sheet. This type of barricade will also block visibility, unlike metal bars.

Metalworking Fences

MW provides a lot of fences that are relatively late game, as they call for materials that can be really costly. They go as following:
(Assuming all MW magazines have been read)

• Metal Roof:

Roofing and flooring. Calls for a torch, weld mask, rods, 1 small sheet and 1 scrap metal. Metal roofing does not consume any units from the torch or rods, and does not require any level of MW.

• Pole Fence:

A weak fence that zombies can climb over. Requires MW level 3. Calls for a torch, weld mask, weld rods, and 3 metal pipes.

• Metal Walls:

Metal walls can be used for either protection or basic construction. A frame calls for a pro. torch, weld rods, weld mask, 3 metal bars, and you must be level 3 MW to make one. They have 120HP.

Metal Wall/Window Level 1:
Level 1 of a metal wall requires 3 metal sheets and level 2 MW. They have 250 HP.

Metal Wall/Window Level 2:
Requires 4 metal sheets and level 8 MW. Has 350 HP.

• Big Pole Fence Calls for a pro. torch, welding mask, weld rods, 5 metal pipes, and 2 scrap metal per gate. This gate will block zombies.
  Pole Fence Gate: Same recipe as fence, but 4 scrap metal and 2 door hinges. Requires level 7 MW.
  Big double fence gate: Calls for 10 pipes instead of 5. Uses 10 propane torch units and 5 weld rod units. Allows for car access. Requires level 8 MW.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Big Wired Fence: Calls for a pro. torch, weld mask, weld rods, 3 metal pipes, 4 scrap metal, and wire. Basic fence that will block out zombies. Requires level 5 MW.
  Big Wired Fence Gate: A gate that allows cars to pass through. Requires torch, mask, rods, 8 metal pipes, 2 scrap metal, and wire. Requires level 7 MW.

Other Metalworking Recipes

Here are some other miscellaneous metalworking recipes:
(considering that all MW magazines have been read)

• Metal Crate:

Requires Level 4 MW. Calls for a pro. torch, weld mask, weld rods, 2 metal pipes, 2 metal sheets, 2 small metal sheets, and 1 scrap metal. Holds 80 pounds.

• Small Locker:

Requires Level 6 MW. Calls for a torch, weld mask, rods, 3 metal pipes, 4 small metal sheets, and 2 door hinges. Holds 40 pounds.

• Large Locker:

Requires Level 9 MW. Calls for a torch, weld mask, rods, 8 metal pipes, 4 small sheets, and 2 door hinges. Holds 50 pounds.

• Metal Counter:

Requires Level 5 MW. Calls for a torch, weld mask, rods, 2 metal pipes, 4 small metal sheets, and 2 door hinges. Holds 50 pounds.

• Metal Shelf:

Requires Level 2 MW. Calls for a torch, mask, rods, 2 metal pipes, 1 small metal sheet, and 1 scrap metal. Holds 30 pounds.

End

Credit to the PZ Wiki for sources and photos.

Thanks for reading! Make sure to thumbs up and share with your fellow survivors if you enjoyed. I plan to make more guides, let me know what I should write about next!

>chad metalworker survivor

[caudillo]

@FINAL_B No, currently you can only build wooden doors.

[FINAL_Bₒₛₛ]

Are there any metal doors to craft for homes or rooms?

[caudillo]

Thanks for the info alulay534, I'll find more things to disassemble.

[alulay534]

I-beams can be disassembled for ~2.5 xp

[cjvcooldude]

What a lifesaver! This took me 473 hours to learn! Thank you :D

[alulay534]

A/C units can also be disassembled

[caudillo]

That would be really interesting, i'l have to test it out.

[Liro Raériyo]

considering traits and professions now influence the likelyhood of finding certain things while foraging, i suspect taking metal worker increases the odds you find metalworking related items and you can find propane torches and welding rods.