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Top 20 Beginner Tips for Starting Your Life in inZOI

Stepping into the hyper-realistic world of inZOI can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. With deep simulation mechanics, extensive customization, and vibrant cities to explore, where do you begin? Fear not! This guide compiles the top 20 essential tips to help new players navigate the initial stages of the game, manage their Zois effectively, and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Choose Your Trait Wisely (It's Permanent!)​

During character creation, the Trait you select for your Zoi is permanent. It heavily influences personality, needs decay, and frequent moods. Read the descriptions carefully and pick one that fits the story you want to tell. Desired Life, however, can be changed later.

2. Keep an Eye on Zoi Needs​

Your Zoi's survival and mood depend on managing their eight Needs (Hunger, Sleep, Hygiene, Bathroom, Fun, Social, Recognition, Energy). Keep an eye on the Needs Panel near their portrait. Yellow bars are a warning, red bars are critical!

3. Use Autonomy Strategically (Toggle with [T])​

Zois will try to care for themselves with Autonomy ON (default). This is great for basic needs. However, turn it OFF ([T] key or eye icon) when you need precise control for specific tasks (work, skill building, timed events) to prevent them from wandering off. Crucially, remember to manage their needs manually when Autonomy is OFF, or they might perish! See Autonomy Guide.

4. Earn Meow Early and Often​

Meow makes the world go round. Get your Zoi a job quickly via the Smartphone Career app – even a part-time one helps. Supplement income by selling simple creations like early paintings, basic programs, or shaped bonsai. Fishing and selling the catch (or junk!) is also viable. See Early Game Money Tips.

5. Familiarize Yourself with Controls​

Learn essential movement ([W][A][S][D] for direct control, Left-Click for point-and-click), camera manipulation (Mouse Drag), and key hotkeys: [P] (Phone), [O] (Zoi Card), [I] (Build Mode), [M] (Map/Edit City), [R] (Relationships). See Controls Guide.

6. Master the Zoi Card ([O]) and Smartphone ([P])​

These are your central information and action hubs. The Zoi Card reveals personality details (Traits, Values, Ambitions, Skills, Preferences, Karma) and allows editing some elements (like Desired Life, Preferences). The Smartphone is vital for careers, scheduling events, online shopping, calling services, and texting other Zois.

7. Start with Simple Builds​

Don't feel pressured to create a sprawling mansion right away. Begin with a smaller, functional house focusing on essential rooms (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen/living area). This helps you learn the Build Mode tools without getting overwhelmed. See Building Your First Home Guide.

8. Check Accessibility While Building​

When laying out walls and placing large furniture, periodically switch back to Live Mode and direct your Zoi to walk through the space. Ensure doorways aren't blocked and furniture placement allows interaction. Use [Home] / [End] in Build Mode to toggle wall visibility for easier interior placement.

9. Use the Alt Key for Free Placement​

In Build Mode, holding [Alt] while placing furniture or objects overrides grid snapping. This is essential for precise placement, angling items naturally, and creating more detailed, less blocky decorations.

10. Save Your Game Often!​

While Autosave is helpful (check its frequency in options), cultivate the habit of manually saving your game via the [Esc] menu frequently, especially after significant progress like completing a build, achieving a goal, or before potentially risky events.

11. Check System Requirements Before Playing​

inZOI's realistic graphics are demanding. Verify that your PC meets at least the minimum System Requirements before purchasing or playing to avoid performance problems, crashes, or errors like "Out of Video Memory".

12. Keep Graphics Drivers Updated​

Performance issues, visual glitches, and crashes can often be traced back to outdated graphics drivers. Regularly check the NVIDIA or AMD websites for the latest drivers compatible with your graphics card.

13. Know the Four Relationship Types​

Interactions affect different relationship tracks: Family, Romance, Friendship, and Business. Progress is tracked separately. Check the Relationships tab ([R]) to see how your Zoi gets along with others in each category. See Relationships Explained.

14. Initiate Conversations to Build Relationships​

Don't wait for others! To make friends or find romance, have your Zoi initiate conversations with the Zois they meet around town. Simple greetings and friendly chats are the first step.

15. Level Up Skills Through Practice​

The primary way to improve Skills (like Cooking, Art, Fitness) is by having your Zoi repeatedly perform related actions. Passive learning via books or TV is sometimes available but usually slower.

16. Good Moods Boost Skill Learning​

Zois gain skills significantly faster when they are in positive or focused Moods like Concentrated, Confident, or Inspired. Trying to learn while Bored, Sad, or Uncomfortable drastically slows progress. Keep needs met and engage in liked activities before skill-building sessions.

17. Mind Your Zoi's Karma​

Actions marked with blue (🔵 Good) or red (🔴 Bad) icons influence your Zoi's Karma. This moral score affects social interactions, luck, and whether they become a Ghost upon death.

18. Control the Flow of Time​

Use the time controls effectively. Pause ([0]) when you need to think or queue up actions. Use faster speeds ([2], [3], [4]) during sleep, work, or long, passive activities. Remember to slow down for important interactions or events.

19. Download and Share on the Canvas​

Explore the inZOI Canvas ('C' icon or website) to download incredible community-made Zois, houses, outfits, and furniture. It's a fantastic resource for inspiration or quickly populating your world. Don't forget to share your own creations too! (Requires KRAFTON ID).

20. Embrace Emergent Storytelling​

Life simulation is about the unexpected! Zois might make autonomous choices you didn't plan, random events can occur, and sometimes things just go hilariously wrong (especially during Early Access). Embrace these moments – they often lead to the most memorable stories.

By keeping these beginner tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to navigating the rich and complex world of inZOI, creating fascinating characters, and telling unforgettable life stories. Enjoy the journey!