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Hobbies and Preferences - Version 12 vs Version 13
Mar 29, 2026, 06:08 AM
Structural cleanup: convert 5 lists to tables, add 3 images
Apr 4, 2026, 10:39 AM
Add wikilinks to table cells (16 new links)
11How Preferences Work22Every Zoi can have up to 10 preferences total, selected from 7 categories. Each preference can be set to either "Like" (shown as a yellow heart) or "Dislike" (shown as a gray broken heart), and both likes and dislikes count toward the 10-preference limit. So if a Zoi likes Cooking, Painting, and Coffee (3 likes) and dislikes Fast Food and Boxing (2 dislikes), that's 5 of their 10 slots used.44Preferences can be edited anytime through the Zoi Card interface, accessed via the toolbar menu on the bottom right of the gameplay screen. As of the August 2025 update (v0.3.0), newly created Zois no longer have preferences automatically assigned. You set them manually during or after creation.77What Preferences Do99EffectDescriptionAutonomous behaviorWhen Autonomy is on, Zois gravitate toward liked activities and avoid disliked ones. A Zoi who likes Cleaning will tidy the house whenever the opportunity arises.Skill growthLiked activities level up the associated skill faster than neutral ones.Emotional responsesLiked activities produce positive emotions (Tranquil, Concentrated); disliked ones produce negative emotions (Bored, Annoyed).Urge triggersPreferences influence which urges appear. Zois with liked preferences receive more urges related to those activities.Social dynamicsPreferences influence how Zois interact with each other and shape their Desired Lives.1111Preference Discovery1212Through life experiences, Zois can discover new preferences or have existing ones change naturally. This happens organically as they go about their daily lives. A Zoi who keeps getting forced to cook might develop an opinion about it one way or the other. Discovery means a Zoi could gain a new like or dislike without the player explicitly setting it, adding an element of emergent personality development.1414All 33 Preferences1717There are 33 preferences across 7 categories. The table below lists every preference available in the game along with its category and a description of what it affects.1919Fitness (5 Preferences)2121Fitness preferences tie into the Fitness skill and determine which workout activities a Zoi gravitates toward when left on Autonomy.2323PreferenceDescriptionBall SportsAffects interest in basketball, soccer, and other ball-based sports at outdoor courts and parks.BoxingGoverns attraction to punching bags and boxing equipment at gyms.JoggingDetermines whether a Zoi voluntarily goes for runs around the neighborhood or parks.Strength TrainingInfluences use of gym equipment like squat racks, bench presses, free weights, and pull-down machines.YogaControls interest in yoga sessions on mats at home or at locations like the Cahaya temple.2525Food (7 Preferences)2626Food preferences shape which meals a Zoi gravitates toward when eating and how they react emotionally to different foods. See Restaurants and Dining for details on eating out.2828PreferenceDescriptionCakeAffects interest in sweet baked goods, pastries, and dessert items.Carnivorous DietGoverns preference for meat-heavy meals. Zois who like this prefer dishes with meat as the main ingredient.CoffeeDetermines whether a Zoi seeks out coffee from cafes or brews it at home. Related to the Coffee Crafting skill.Fast FoodInfluences attraction to quick-service meals and convenience foods.Spicy FoodControls interest in spicy dishes and hot meals.Street FoodAffects interest in food from street vendors and outdoor food stalls.Vegetarian DietGoverns preference for plant-based meals. Zois who like this prefer dishes without meat.3030Relationship (2 Preferences)3131Relationship preferences determine how a Zoi interacts with animals and plants in the world.3333PreferenceDescriptionAnimalsA Zoi who likes Animals will interact more with cats and other animals in the world, petting and socializing with them more often.PlantsA Zoi who likes Plants will be more attentive to gardening, watering houseplants, and tending to outdoor vegetation.3535Hobby (6 Preferences)3636Hobby preferences map directly to the leisure activities available in the game and influence which creative or entertainment pursuits a Zoi chooses during free time.3838PreferenceDescriptionAppreciating ArtAffects interest in viewing art pieces at the Narim Art Gallery in Dowon or at home.DancingInfluences interest in dance activities, connected to the Idol/Performer career paths.GamingDetermines whether a Zoi voluntarily plays video games on a computer, console, or arcade machine. Related to the Programming skill.PaintingGoverns interest in drawing, doodling, and painting on easels or walls. Levels the Art skill. Paintings can be sold through the Pocket Market.SingingControls interest in singing at home or at karaoke venues like the Coin Booth Karaoke in Dowon. Levels the Performance skill.Taking PhotosAffects interest in photography using a Camera. Levels Media Production. See Photo Mode.4040Reading (4 Preferences)4141Reading preferences determine which types of books a Zoi reaches for. Different book types level different skills when read.4343PreferenceRelated SkillArtReading art books contributes to the Art skill.HealthHealth books boost the Fitness skill.NovelsGeneral reading builds Critical Thinking.Self-Help BooksSelf-help books increase the Rhetoric skill.4545Instrument (3 Preferences)4646Instrument preferences influence which musical instruments a Zoi gravitates toward. Playing instruments levels the Instrument skill and can lead to the Pro Musician ambition.4848PreferenceDescriptionDrumsDrum kits are available at home or at music venues. Children can also access drum kits.GuitarAcoustic and electric guitars can be played at home or used for busking in public.PianoPianos and keyboards can be played at home. Children can access keyboards.5050Activity (6 Preferences)5151Activity preferences cover everyday chores and domestic tasks. A Zoi who likes these will handle them autonomously, which is especially helpful in larger households. These activities level the Housework skill.5353PreferenceDescriptionBathingAffects how readily a Zoi takes baths and showers to maintain their Hygiene need.CleaningGoverns interest in tidying the house, mopping floors, and wiping counters.CookingDetermines whether a Zoi voluntarily prepares meals at home. Related to the Cooking skill.LaundryInfluences willingness to wash, dry, and fold clothes.RepairControls interest in fixing broken objects around the house.Washing CarsAffects whether a Zoi voluntarily washes vehicles parked at home.5555Interaction with Traits and Values5656Traits (based on the Enneagram personality framework) are the primary driver of autonomous behavior, while preferences add a secondary layer of personal taste. A Zoi with the Adventurer trait might naturally seek outdoor activities, but their specific preferences determine whether they gravitate toward Jogging, Ball Sports, or Yoga within that context.5858Values develop dynamically through gameplay and further shape which activities feel rewarding. When a Value reaches 60 or higher, it begins actively influencing decisions alongside traits and preferences. The three systems (traits, values, preferences) work together to create each Zoi's unique behavioral pattern.6161Autonomy and Preferences6363Preferences only affect behavior when Autonomy (Free Will) is enabled. The toggle is per-Zoi; there's no global setting. Press the T key or use the toggle in the bottom UI panel.6565White open cat's eye = Autonomy on (Zoi acts independently based on preferences)Orange closed cat's eye = Autonomy off (Zoi takes no action on their own)6767Be careful with Autonomy off. Without it, a Zoi literally does nothing unless you command them. They can starve or collapse from sleep deprivation if you forget about them.6969Hobby Activities7171Beyond the preference system, here is the full list of leisure activities available in the game:7373Creative7575HobbyDescriptionPaintingDraw or doodle at a table, or paint on easels and walls. Levels the Art skill. Paintings can be sold through the Pocket Market.PhotographyRequires a Camera (599 Meow in Build Mode). Levels Media Production. See Photo Mode.Media ProductionCreate and edit videos on a computer.Appreciating ArtView art pieces at the Narim Art Gallery in Dowon or at home.7777Music and Performance7878ActivityDescriptionPlaying instrumentsGuitar, piano, keyboard, drums. Children can access drum kits and keyboards. See instruments.Singing and karaokeSing at home or visit karaoke venues like the Coin Booth Karaoke in Dowon. Costs 5 Meow per session. Levels the Performance skill.BuskingPerform music in public areas (parks, cafes, plazas, beaches) to earn tips. Crowded spots pay better.Stand-up comedyPerform comedy routines at venues. Levels the Performance skill.DancingConnected to the Idol/Performer career paths in Dowon's entertainment industry.8080Fitness8181ActivityDescriptionGym workoutsSquat racks, bench presses, free weights, pull-down machines, treadmills. See fitness.YogaOn mats at home or at locations like the Cahaya temple.JoggingRun around the neighborhood or parks.BoxingPunching bags at gyms.Ball SportsBasketball and soccer at outdoor courts.SwimmingAvailable at pools and Cahaya beaches. Added in the v0.3.0 Island Getaway DLC.Hula HoopA lighter exercise option.8383Island Getaway Activities8484The v0.3.0 Island Getaway DLC added several new hobby activities exclusive to Cahaya:8686ActivityDescriptionSurfingRide waves at Cahaya's beaches.SnorkelingExplore coral reefs and encounter sea turtles and dolphins in Cahaya's ocean. See Diving and Snorkeling.FishingCast lines at designated spots across all cities. Fish can be kept or sold. Added in v0.3.0.FarmingGrow crops on agricultural land in Cahaya. See Farming.Boat cruisesRent boats and sail between islands.8888Other Activities8989ActivityDescriptionVideo gamesPlay on a computer, console, or arcade machine. Levels the Programming skill.ReadingBooks on a tablet or from a bookshelf. Different genres level different skills.GardeningBuy and maintain plants, water them, harvest crops. See gardening.CookingPrepare meals at home using recipes. Watching cooking shows on TV also helps. See Cooking Skill.Coffee craftingBrew coffee with a grinder and espresso machine. Levels the Coffee Crafting skill.Beach volleyballAt Bliss Bay and Cahaya.ChessPlay on a chessboard (780 Meow in Build Mode).9191All 13 Skills9292For reference, the complete skills list in inZOI: Cooking, Charm, Programming, Gardening, Fitness, Art, Coffee Crafting, Rhetoric, Media Production, Housework, Instrument, Critical Thinking, and Performance.
