Companion Dogs [ALPHA]

Find Your Loyal Companion in Project Zomboid

The zombie apocalypse is a lonely, dangerous existence. But what if you didn’t have to face the endless hordes alone? The Companion Dogs mod for Project Zomboid introduces a new layer of depth and companionship to your survival experience. This alpha release brings a handful of canine breeds into the game, ready to become your most trusted allies. Remember, these are not simple tools; they are living beings with needs and personalities, and their presence is a responsibility as much as a boon.

Taming and Trust

Discovering and taming a stray dog is the first step to forging a powerful bond. Different breeds have unique spawning conditions: you might find a classic Caramelo roaming the streets, a determined German Shepherd near law enforcement or military locations, or a friendly Golden Retriever in a residential area. Earning their trust requires patience and a few treats. Once tamed, your dog becomes a loyal companion, ready to follow your commands.

Your Canine Ally’s Capabilities

This mod offers a rich set of features that make your dog an invaluable asset:

• Command and Control: Direct your dog with an intuitive radial menu or right-click options to Follow, Stay, or Guard.
• Tactical Support: Your dog can fight alongside you, with breeds like the German Shepherd capable of taking down threats independently, while others like the Caramelo can help control crowds. They are not invincible and can become stressed or retreat when overwhelmed, adding a realistic challenge.
• Enhanced Awareness: Dogs can sense zombies before you do, providing warnings through growls or barks, with adjustable alert modes for stealth or safety.
• Convenient Travel: Dogs can ride safely in vehicles with you, ensuring they are always by your side.
• Hunting and Foraging Assistance: Activate Hunt mode for your dog to chase down small game or hold larger prey at bay, and even enhance your own foraging radius.
• Cargo Hauling: Equip your dog with saddlebags to carry additional loot, scaling with its strength.
• Needs and Loyalty: Dogs require food, water, and attention to maintain their loyalty and effectiveness. Neglect them, and they may disobey or worse.
• Companion Moodles: Benefit from passive buffs like increased courage or improved foraging skills depending on the dog breed.

A True Partnership

The Companion Dogs mod emphasizes realism. Barking can attract unwanted attention, and a neglected dog can meet a permanent end. This mod is designed for Build 42 and is safe to add to existing saves, working seamlessly in singleplayer, co-op, and dedicated servers. While still in alpha, it offers a robust and engaging experience, with more breeds, veterinary care, and other features planned for future updates.