Project Zomboid

Foraging in Project Zomboid (Build 42)

Survival5 skill books3 recipes

Foraging is a Survival skill. Taking it from 0 to 10 costs 32,775 XP before multipliers — 5 skill books multiply what you earn on the way; the Fishing Guide occupation starts with 1 level, and it unlocks 3 recipes.

From the Build 42 dedicated server's files (depot manifest of 23 Sept 2026).

XP for each level

Level 10 alone costs 9,000 XP — 27% of the total.

What each zone gives

Every forage icon first rolls a category, weighted by the zone it stands in, then an item inside that category. The table is each category's share of a zone's rolls before season and weather. The biggest share: forest — firewood (25%); deep forest — firewood (24%); vegetation — firewood (15%); farmland — firewood (13%); town — trash (25%); trailer park — trash (25%); roadside & dirt — stones (57%).

CategoryForestDeep forestVegetationFarmlandTownTrailer parkRoadside & dirt
Firewood · 725%24%15%13%5%5%7%
Berries · 119%9%6%5%3%3%0.5%
Mushrooms · 79%9%6%5%3%3%—
Insects · 178%8%8%5%8%8%5%
Bones · 196%6%6%7%0.5%0.5%0.5%
Medicinal plants · 76%9%5%5%———
Wild plants · 206%6%5%5%3%3%—
Animals · 65%5%8%7%3%3%1%
Fruits · 165%5%6%9%3%5%—
Fish bait · 173%3%5%7%3%3%0.5%
Stones · 73%3%9%4%8%8%57%
Vegetables · 213%3%5%5%5%3%—
Wild herbs · 112%3%2%2%0.8%0.8%—
Crops · 62%2%3%9%3%3%—
Crafting materials · 432%2%4%3%11%11%6%
Trash · 5632%2%5%3%25%25%17%
Junk · 6000.9%0.9%0.9%1%4%4%1%
Dead animals · 50.6%0.9%0.6%0.7%0.5%0.5%0.5%
Artifacts · 510.3%0.3%0.3%0.4%0.5%0.5%0.5%
Forest rarities · 180.3%0.3%—————
Junk food · 2510.3%0.3%0.3%1%3%3%0.5%
Junk weapons · 1030.3%0.3%0.3%0.4%2%2%1%
Ammunition · 24————2%2%0.9%
Clothing · 531——0.3%—4%4%0.5%
Medical · 22——0.3%—2%2%0.5%

The number after a category is how many items it holds. Picked-over zones refill a share of their icons each day: deep forest 7%, farmland 5%, roadside & dirt 3%, forest 7%, town 3%, trailer park 3%, vegetation 5%. Build 42's biome map adds birch, organic and other forest types with their own tables — they are in the explorer below. Its 4 mixed forests that blend several zones are left out: the game sets their odds from whichever zone its table walk reaches last, so no fixed number exists.

Forage odds by zone, month and weather

Month, weather and time of day multiply each category and item: a bonus month counts ×1.5, a poor month ×0.5, and an item out of season not at all. Rain raises fish bait, medicinal plants, mushrooms, wild herbs, wild plants; snow lowers medicinal plants, wild herbs, wild plants. Open a category to see its items.

Each share is the category's weight over the zone's total, and each item's share is its weight inside the category. The game walks these tables in an unordered pass, so read them as relative odds, not exact ones.

When wild food is in season

Months each wild food, medicinal plant and bait can be found. In its best months an item counts ×1.5, in its poor months ×0.5.

Berries

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Berries (Beauty Berry)0Sep–Mar—Mar
Berries (Berry Black)0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Berries (Berry Blue)0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Berries (Berry Generic 1)may be poisoned0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Berries (Berry Generic 2)may be poisoned0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Berries (Berry Generic 3)may be poisoned0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Berries (Berry Generic 4)may be poisoned0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Berries (Berry Generic 5)may be poisoned0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Berries (Berry Poison Ivy)may be poisoned0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Berries (Holly Berry)poisonous0Sep–Mar—Mar
Berries (Winter Berry)0Sep–Mar—Mar

Mushrooms

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Mushrooms (Mushroom Generic 1)may be poisoned0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Mushrooms (Mushroom Generic 2)may be poisoned0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Mushrooms (Mushroom Generic 3)may be poisoned0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Mushrooms (Mushroom Generic 4)may be poisoned0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Mushrooms (Mushroom Generic 5)may be poisoned0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Mushrooms (Mushroom Generic 6)may be poisoned0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Mushrooms (Mushroom Generic 7)may be poisoned0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr

Fruits

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Apple7May–OctJul–OctMay
Banana9May–OctMay–Oct—
Cherry4Oct–MarJan–MarOct–Nov
Grapefruit8all yearDec–FebMar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Grapes7Jun–DecAug–OctJun, Dec
Lemon6all yearDec–FebMar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Lime6all yearDec–FebMar–Apr, Oct–Nov
Mango7Sep–NovOctNov
Orange5Feb–NovApr–SepFeb, Nov
Peach8Apr–OctJun–AugApr–May, Sep–Oct
Pear8Jul–OctAug–SepJul, Oct
Habanero6Jun–OctJul–SepJun, Oct
Jalapeno6Jun–OctJul–SepJun, Oct
Pineapple10Feb–AugApr–JunFeb, Aug
Strawberries8Jan–NovApr–JunJan–Feb, Oct–Nov
Watermelon10May–OctJul–OctMay

Vegetables

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Avocado8Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Bell Pepper7Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Cauliflower7Mar–NovOctNov
Corn8Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Cucumber7Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Daikon5Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Eggplant8Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Garlic7Mar–NovOctNov
Green Peas7Mar–NovOctNov
Kale7Mar–NovOctNov
Leek2Mar–SepMay–JulMar, Sep
Lettuce7Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Onion3Mar–SepMay–JulMar, Sep
Peanuts7Sep–NovOctNov
Pumpkin7Sep–NovOctNov
Soybeans7Mar–NovOctNov
Spinach7Mar–NovOctNov
Sugar Beet7Mar–NovOctNov
Sweet Potato7Mar–NovOctNov
Turnip7Mar–NovOctNov
Zucchini8Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr

Crops

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Broccoli2May–NovJun–AugMay, Nov
Cabbage2Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Carrots2Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Potato2Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Radish2Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Tomato2Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr

Wild plants

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Acorn0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Barley Sheaf7Mar–NovOctNov
Dandelions0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Hemp Dogbane0all yearSep–Nov—
Flax7Mar–NovOctNov
Ginger Root0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Grape Leaves2Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Hops7Mar–NovOctNov
Marigold0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Nettles0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Poppies0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Poppy Pods0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Rose Hips4May–FebSep–NovMay–Jun
Roses0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Rye Sheaf7Mar–NovOctNov
Sunflower Head0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Thistles0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Tobacco0all year——
Violets0Mar–NovMay–JulMar–Apr
Wheat Sheaf7Mar–NovOctNov

Wild herbs

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Basil0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Chamomile0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Chives0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Cilantro0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Lavender0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Mint0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Oregano0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Parsley0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Rosemary0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Sage0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr
Thyme0Mar–NovAug–OctMar–Apr

Medicinal plants

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Black Sage0Mar–Nov——
Comfrey0Mar–Nov——
Common Mallow0Mar–Nov——
Ginseng0Mar–Nov——
Lemongrass0Mar–Nov——
Plantain0Mar–Nov——
Wild Garlic0Mar–Nov——

Insects

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Caterpillar (American Lady Caterpillar)0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Caterpillar (Banded Wooly Bear Caterpillar)0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Centipede0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Centipede (Centipede 2)0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Cockroach0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Cricket0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Grasshopper0Mar–NovJun–AugMar–Apr
Ladybug0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Leech0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Millipede0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Millipede (Millipede 2)0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Caterpillar (Monarch Caterpillar)0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Pillbug0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Caterpillar (Sawfly Larva)0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Caterpillar (Silk Moth Caterpillar)0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Caterpillar (Swallowtail Caterpillar)0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Termites0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr

Fish bait

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Worm0Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr

Animals

ItemLvlSeasonBestPoor
Egg8Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Frog7Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Slug3Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Slug (Slug 2)3Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Snail3Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr
Wild Eggs8Mar–Nov—Mar–Apr

“Level” is the Foraging level the game needs before you can spot the item. Poison follows the game's roll: the item's own chance + 3% for each level under 10; holly berries are always poisoned.

Foraging level, occupations and traits

Each Foraging level adds 0.5 squares to how far you spot icons; with every bonus the search radius never goes past 15 squares. Your level also decides which categories you can name on sight:

  • Firewood level 0
  • Stones level 0
  • Berries level 3
  • Mushrooms level 3
  • Insects level 4
  • Trash level 4
  • Wild herbs level 4
  • Wild plants level 4
  • Animals level 5
  • Crops level 5
  • Medicinal plants level 6
  • Fruits level 7
  • Vegetables level 7

Occupations and traits add search radius, cut the penalty from bad weather and darkness, and make some categories easier to spot:

Occupation / traitRadiusWeatherDarknessSpots more easily
Park Ranger occupation+2−33%−15%Medicinal plants +75%, Wild herbs +50%, Wild plants +50%, Berries +20%, Animals +10%
Veteran occupation+1.75−33%−15%Ammunition +50%, Medicinal plants +20%, Wild herbs +10%, Wild plants +10%, Animals +5%
Farmer occupation+1.5−33%−10%Crops +50%, Wild herbs +15%, Animals +10%, Fruits +10%, Vegetables +10%
Lumberjack occupation+1.25−33%−15%Firewood +50%, Mushrooms +20%, Wild herbs +5%, Wild plants +5%
Fishing Guide occupation+1−40%−10%Fish bait +50%, Insects +50%
Eagle Eyed trait+1———
Former Scout trait+0.7−13%−3%Trash +10%, Medicinal plants +5%
Hiker trait+0.7−13%−3%Berries +3%, Medicinal plants +3%, Mushrooms +3%
Custom Occupation occupation+0.5−10%−5%Junk +10%, Junk food +10%, Trash +10%, Medicinal plants +5%, Wild herbs +5%
Hunter trait+0.5−13%−5%Animals +5%, Berries +3%, Medicinal plants +3%, Mushrooms +3%
Marksman trait+0.5——Ammunition +3%
Gardener trait+0.4−13%—Crops +5%, Fruits +5%, Vegetables +5%, Medicinal plants +3%
Cat's Eyes trait+0.4———
Outdoorsy trait+0.4−13%−5%Animals +5%, Berries +5%, Medicinal plants +5%, Mushrooms +5%, Wild herbs +5%
Bushcrafter trait+0.4−13%−5%Animals +5%, Berries +5%, Firewood +5%, Medicinal plants +5%, Mushrooms +5%
Keen Cook trait+0.2——Animals +5%, Berries +5%, Junk food +5%, Mushrooms +5%, Wild herbs +5%
Herbalist trait+0.2——Medicinal plants +15%, Berries +5%, Crops +5%, Mushrooms +5%, Wild herbs +5%
Nutritionist trait+0.2——Junk food +5%, Medicinal plants +5%, Wild herbs +5%, Wild plants +5%
Burger Flipper occupation0——Junk food +30%, Mushrooms +15%, Animals +5%, Berries +5%, Medicinal plants +5%
Burglar occupation0−5%−15%Ammunition +10%, Junk +10%, Junk weapons +10%, Trash +10%
Carpenter occupation0——Firewood +30%, Junk +10%
Chef occupation0——Mushrooms +50%, Berries +20%, Wild herbs +20%, Junk food +15%, Medicinal plants +15%
Construction Worker occupation0——Junk +10%, Trash +10%
Doctor occupation0——Medical +40%, Medicinal plants +10%
Electrician occupation0——Junk +20%, Trash +20%
Engineer occupation0——Junk +10%, Trash +10%
Firefighter occupation0−5%−10%Firewood +20%, Junk +10%
Fitness Instructor occupation0——Junk food +25%, Medicinal plants +15%, Medical +5%, Wild herbs +5%, Wild plants +5%
Mechanic occupation0——Junk +33%, Trash +33%
Welder occupation0——Junk +10%, Trash +10%
Nurse occupation0——Medical +40%, Medicinal plants +10%
Police Officer occupation0−5%−10%Ammunition +10%, Junk +10%, Junk weapons +10%, Trash +10%
DIY Expert occupation0——Junk +33%, Trash +33%
Security Guard occupation0−5%−10%Ammunition +10%, Junk +10%, Junk weapons +10%, Trash +10%
First Aider trait0——Medical +3%
Angler trait0——Fish bait +5%, Insects +5%
Hearty Appetite trait0——Animals +3%, Berries +3%, Junk food +3%, Mushrooms +3%
Mason trait0——Stones +30%
Whittler trait0——Firewood +30%
Agoraphobic trait-1.5———
Short Sighted trait-2———

Foraging XP comes from walking while searching, not from the item: the distance covered × 4, minus 5% for every level you are above the item's own level, and never under 1.

Read from the game's Lua: forageZones.lua, forageCategories.lua, forageSkills.lua and Categories/*.lua, run through forageSystem.lua's own set-up. 1,678 item definitions in all; junk, trash, clothing, junk food and junk weapons are whole item families and are counted, not listed.

XP needed for each level

LevelXP for this levelTotal XP
17575
2150225
3300525
47501,275
51,5002,775
63,0005,775
74,50010,275
86,00016,275
97,50023,775
109,00032,775

What you actually earn is scaled first. Starting with no levels in Foraging cuts every gain to ×0.25; a starting +1 is ×1, +2 ×1.33 and +3 or more ×1.66. Fast Learner adds ×1.3, Slow Learner ×0.7. How the multipliers work.

Foraging skill books

Reading a volume multiplies the Foraging XP you earn while your level is inside its range: every tenth of the book read adds a tenth of the multiplier. The game lets you open a volume from one level below its range, and not once you are past it (ISReadABook.lua).

  • Foraging I: "A Feast in the Forest"

    Levels
    1–2
    Pages
    220
    XP up to
    ×3
    Where it spawns →

  • Foraging II: "Dean's Guide to Sticks & Stones"

    Levels
    3–4
    Pages
    260
    XP up to
    ×5
    Where it spawns →

  • Foraging III: "Finding The Treasure in the Trash"

    Levels
    5–6
    Pages
    300
    XP up to
    ×8
    Where it spawns →

  • Foraging IV: "Survival Foraging: How Nature Can Save Your Life"

    Levels
    7–8
    Pages
    340
    XP up to
    ×12
    Where it spawns →

  • Foraging V: "US Park Service Complete Nature Census - Kentucky"

    Levels
    9–10
    Pages
    380
    XP up to
    ×16
    Where it spawns →

Multipliers from the game's skill-book table (lua/server/XpSystem/XPSystem_SkillBook.lua); “where it spawns” opens the map's item finder on the loot tables.

Start with Foraging

Levels a new character gets in Foraging — and, through them, a faster XP rate (see above):

  • Fishing Guideoccupation · +1
  • Park Rangeroccupation · +1
  • Bushcraftertrait · +1
  • Former Scouttrait · +1
  • Herbalisttrait · +1
  • Herbalistoccupation trait · +1
  • Hikertrait · +1

Foraging from TV and VHS

2 Life and Living shows give 600 XP in Foraging. 2 VHS tapes give 400 XP. Both stop counting once the skill reaches level 3 in the default sandbox settings, and before the multipliers above. Shows and tapes, by name.

Recipes you learn by levelling Foraging

Reaching the level teaches the recipe — no magazine needed.

  • Lv 5Grind Up Comfrey
  • Lv 5Grind Up Plantain
  • Lv 5Grind Up Wild Garlic

More skills

Pictures: item and trait icons and the health-panel figure are The Indie Stone's game art; item renders and shop signs are from PZwiki (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0).

Project Zomboid is a game by The Indie Stone. PinDrop is fan-made and not affiliated with The Indie Stone.