Project Zomboid leans toward realism, especially in the way that characters become hurt. For instance, lacerations in the game mean an increased chance of infection, death by bleeding out, or potentially even zombification. So, let’s explore the different ways you can fix lacerations in Project Zomboid and what you'll need.

How to Fix Lacerations in Project Zomboid

Note that lacerations in Project Zomboid aren’t only flesh wounds. Failure to care for these wounds and your character will remain sick, depressed, and at maximum terror. However, it’s not a death sentence, as you can use the following techniques to heal yourself from lacerations.

Using Bandages

You can patch up lacerations by using bandages. Note that different bandages have varying potencies, ranging from the following:

• Bandage: 4 Bandage Power
• Dirty Bandage: 0.5 Bandage Power
• Sterilized Bandage: 4 Bandage Power + Prevents or cures infected wounds

Tip: You can find Bandages in medical buildings and first aid kits. Also, you can obtain a Sterilized Bandage through crafting. You can apply a dirty bandage to the laceration if you're in a pinch for clean cloth, but it can increase the chances of infection. You can, however, clean it with 1x Water to turn it into a regular Bandage. However, the ideal way to cover and cure lacerations is to use Sterilized Bandages. Craft a Sterilized Bandage by using the following items:

• 1x Bandage, and
• 3x Bottle of Disinfectant, 10x Bourbon, 5x Cooking Pot, or 10x Saucepan

Note: You can swap the Bandage for Ripped Sheets to craft a Sterilized Rag, which should work similarly. Over time, the worn Bandage can become dirty. If so, clean it with 1x Water to reduce the risk of infection.

Eat, Drink, and Rest to Speed Up Recovery

Keep an eye on your character’s hunger, thirst, and tiredness. These traits don’t only keep your character healthy but also increase the rate at which lacerations heal. So, eat, drink, and sleep when needed.

Playing it Smart

Avoid explorations when you have lacerations in Project Zomboid if you have sufficient resources to last you in the meantime. That way, it’s less likely zombies will bite, scratch, or hit you, which might otherwise give you another laceration (or worse). Other ways to avoid lacerations in Project Zomboid include:

• Removing glass shards from broken windows before climbing through them
• Driving safely as much as possible and avoiding crashes
• Avoiding jumping over fences if encumbered or when your character has low endurance