Programming Skill

Overview

Programming is one of the 27 skills available in inZOI. It measures how proficient a Zoi is with computers and digital technology. The skill enables activities ranging from developing software and playing video games to more dubious pursuits like hacking ATMs and running scams. Programming is available from the Teenager life stage through Senior.

Unlike many other skills that require specialized furniture, Programming can be developed on any standard computer or laptop. Playing video games on a computer, console, or arcade machine also contributes to the skill, making it one of the more accessible skills to begin building. Completed software projects can be sold instantly for Meow, providing a solid income stream without needing a formal career. The Programming skill is also a factor in the success rate of certain crime interactions introduced in the December 2025 update.

How to Level Up

There are three primary methods for increasing the Programming skill, each with different efficiency and convenience trade-offs:

Developing Software on a Computer

The fastest and most direct method. Have your Zoi sit at a computer or laptop and select "Develop Software" or "Practice Programming" from the skill actions. Developing software is especially efficient because it simultaneously builds the skill and creates a product you can sell afterward. Make sure your Zoi's basic needs (hunger, comfort, energy) are met before starting a long coding session, since an uncomfortable Zoi will abandon the activity.

Playing Video Games

A more relaxed approach. The longer your Zoi plays games on a computer, console, or arcade machine, the more their Programming skill grows. This method is slower than direct coding but has the advantage of simultaneously fulfilling your Zoi's Fun need. It is an effective way to multitask -- your Zoi relaxes and builds a skill at the same time.

Video games can be played at home on a personal computer or gaming console, or at public lots that have arcade machines. Each session contributes a small amount of Programming experience, which accumulates over time. The genre of game does not matter -- sandbox games, puzzle games, and others all contribute equally.

Reading Programming Books

Select a programming-related book from any bookshelf, such as the "Complete Guide to Beginner Programming" or the "inZoi Gaming Guide". Reading is the slowest method for raising Programming, but it is reliable and can be useful when your Zoi's computer is broken or you want a change of pace.

Software Types by Level

As the Programming skill increases, new types of software become available to develop. Each project takes a set amount of in-game time and produces a digital product that can be sold immediately upon completion:

After finishing any software project, your Zoi can immediately sell it through the computer interface for Meow. The sale price scales with your Programming level and the complexity of the software type. Higher-level Zois produce higher-quality code, which translates directly to better earnings.

Selling Digital Products

Completed software sells instantly from your computer -- there is no need to list items on the Pocket Market the way you would with physical goods like paintings. Simply finish a development project and choose to sell it. The Meow is deposited into your household funds immediately.

Programming offers a reliable income stream that does not require leaving the house. A Zoi with a high Programming skill can develop and sell multiple pieces of software per day, earning a comfortable living from home. This makes it an excellent option for Zois who want to be self-employed or supplement their income from a regular career.

Hacking

The Programming skill enables certain illicit activities, particularly when combined with low karma. These activities were expanded significantly in the v0.5.0 December 2025 update, which introduced a full crime system.

Hacking ATMs

Requires at least Programming Level 1 and Bad karma. Find an ATM on a sidewalk (ATMs inside banks cannot be hacked), interact with it, open the Karma Action menu, and select "Hack." A successful hack earns 250 Meow. However, the success rate is low. If your Zoi fails, they may simply fail silently, but repeated failures increase the chances of getting caught. Getting caught triggers an alert to nearby NPCs and potentially the police, which can result in arrest and jail time until 9 AM the next day. There is also a risk of electrocution, which can potentially kill your Zoi. Because of these dangers, most guides advise saving your game before attempting an ATM hack.

Hacking a Bank

Requires Programming Level 10. Your Zoi uses a computer and selects "Hack into Bank" under Skill Action. After the hacking action finishes, an event pops up asking whether to continue hacking or abort. If you continue and succeed, you earn 1,000 Meow. If you fail, you lose 500 Meow and receive a fine. If you abort, there are no consequences. There is a 3-day cooldown between bank hack attempts. Given the penalties for failure and the cooldown, bank hacking is described as an unreliable way to earn money compared to legitimate software sales.

Scam Interactions

The v0.5.0 update introduced a full scam career path as part of the crime system. Scammer interactions include:

• Gaming Item Fraud (Crime Level 0)

• Second-hand Trade Scams (Crime Level 1)

• Impersonating a Charity Employee / Soliciting Donations (Crime Level 2)

• Bogus Seminars (Crime Level 3)

• False Investment Schemes (Crime Level 4)

• Voice Phishing (Crime Level 5)

The success rates of scammer interactions are influenced by the Rhetoric and Critical Thinking skills rather than Programming directly. However, thief interactions (which include ATM hacking and safe cracking) are influenced by Handiwork, Programming, and Fitness skills. Only Young Adult and older Zois can commit crimes.

Zois can also be victims of scams -- scam messages show up randomly on a Zoi's phone, promising easy wealth before stealing their money. Getting scammed causes debt, despair, and an angry mood. Zois with high Crime Scores may be automatically arrested and face trials.

Career Connections

A high Programming skill gives your Zoi an advantage in technology-related careers. IT and tech jobs benefit from Programming proficiency, and Zois with higher levels perform better at work and are more likely to earn promotions.

The Famous Hacker ambition under the Social Disorder category specifically requires developing the Programming skill and engaging in criminal hacking activities. For players who prefer a criminal hacker playstyle, selecting Video Games as a preference and focusing on Programming is the recommended approach. The crimes associated with the Famous Hacker path are described as more lucrative than the thief path.

Even outside of formal employment or crime, Programming serves as a viable sole income source. Many players build dedicated "home office" setups where their Zoi codes and sells software all day, avoiding the commute and schedule constraints of a traditional job.

Leveling Speed

Community members on the inZOI forums have noted that Programming is one of the slower skills to level compared to Art or Cooking. Be patient and use every opportunity to gain small amounts of experience. Developing software is the fastest route, but supplementing with video game sessions (which also fulfill the Fun need) and book reading helps maintain steady progress.

Tips

• Develop software instead of just practicing coding -- you earn the same skill experience but also get a sellable product at the end.

• Playing video games is a great way to build Programming early on since it also fulfills the Fun need. Use this when your Zoi is stressed or bored.

• Keep a bookshelf with programming books for times when your computer is broken. Repairing electronics requires the Housework skill, so books are a useful backup.

• For maximum income, focus on developing the highest-tier software available at your current level. Finance Apps and Antivirus Programs at Level 6 sell for significantly more than basic Utility Apps.

• If you want to pursue hacking as a gameplay style, you need both bad karma and sufficient Programming levels. The karma requirement means you may need to engage in negative social interactions or experience economic hardship first.

• Bank hacking at Level 10 has a 3-day cooldown and a harsh 500-Meow penalty on failure. Legitimate software sales are safer and more consistent.

• The Famous Hacker ambition under Social Disorder is a dedicated path for criminal programmers. Consider pairing it with the Rulebreaker trait for easier access to crime interactions.

• Consider pairing Programming with the Art skill for a dual creative income strategy -- paint when energy is high, code when your Zoi prefers sitting down.