head to head
vs
Project ZomboidvsShadows: Awakening
Project Zomboid leans Optimization (Pure Optimization); Shadows: Awakening leans Optimization (Pure Optimization).
Project ZomboidShadows: Awakening
Axis by axis
Execution3 vs 3
Even - both lean on execution about the same.
Reads0 vs 0
Even - both lean on reads about the same.
Variance5 vs 4
Project Zomboid leans harder on variance: Loot spawns and zombie distributions randomized.
Optimization8 vs 7
Project Zomboid leans harder on optimization: Skill grinding, base setup, and routing define survival.
Two games can score the same on an axis and still test it in very different ways - read each rationale, not just the number.