Repair
Repair is a maintenance mechanic in inZOI that allows Zois to fix broken household objects. Appliances, electronics, plumbing fixtures, and other items degrade over time with use and can break down entirely, requiring either manual repair or a professional service call. Repairing objects is one of the activities that levels the Housework skill, but it also carries real risks, including electrocution and fire.
How Repair Works
When an object breaks, it stops functioning and displays a broken state. To repair it, click on the broken object and select the Repair interaction from the menu. The Zoi will attempt to fix the item on the spot. If the repair succeeds, the object returns to working condition. If it fails, the Zoi may need to attempt the repair again or the object may need to be replaced.
Some players have found that examining the broken object first (using the Examine interaction) before attempting repair improves the success rate. While this adds time, it can prevent repeated failures and reduce risk.
What Breaks
Objects that Zois use regularly deteriorate faster than decorative items. The most commonly reported breakdowns include:
Object Type | Break Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Televisions | Very frequent | One of the most commonly reported breakdowns; multiple TVs can break in the same week |
Computers | Frequent | Players report needing to replace or repair them often |
Kitchen appliances | Moderate | Stoves, ovens, and refrigerators can malfunction |
Plumbing fixtures | Moderate | Sinks, toilets, and bathtubs can break and cause leaks |
Electronic devices | Moderate | General electronics used daily by the household |
The breakdown rate can feel aggressive in the early game. Some players report having to deal with three or more broken TVs within the first few in-game days. The Appliance Durability city setting (see below) can be adjusted to reduce this frequency.
Risks
Repairing broken objects is not without danger, especially for Zois with low Housework skill. Two specific hazards can occur:
Electrocution
Repairing electronic or electrical items carries a risk of electrocution. If the repair goes wrong, the Zoi may receive an electric shock. In severe cases, electrocution can be fatal. The risk is highest when a low-skill Zoi attempts to repair complex electronics. Higher Housework skill reduces the chance of electrocution during repairs.
Fire
Broken appliances that are left unattended can cause fires. A fire may occur within a Zoi's house due to a kitchen accident or broken appliances left unrepaired. If a fire starts, all Zois remaining inside the house are at risk of death. During a fire, Build Mode is inaccessible until the fire is put out. Repairing broken appliances promptly reduces fire risk.
Professional Repair Service
As an alternative to manual repair, players can hire a professional technician through the Pocket Market on the Zoi's Smartphone. The service costs 100 Meow per repair call. The professional fixes the broken object instantly with no risk of electrocution or fire.
While the professional service is safer, it does not grant any Housework skill experience. For Zois trying to level Housework, manual repairs are the better choice despite the risks. For valuable or dangerous electronics, the 100-Meow service can be worth the cost to avoid a potential death.
Repair vs. Refurbish
inZOI distinguishes between repairing broken objects and refurbishing worn furniture. These are different mechanics:
Aspect | Repair | Refurbish |
|---|---|---|
What it fixes | Broken objects that no longer function | Worn furniture that looks degraded but still works |
Trigger | Object stops working entirely | Object shows visible wear and deterioration |
Housework Level Required | Level 0 (available immediately) | Level 2 (unlocked) |
Cost | Free (manual) or 100 Meow (professional) | Variable Meow cost depending on item and damage |
Risk | Electrocution, fire | None |
What it covers | Electronics, appliances, plumbing | Couches, sofas, and other soft furniture |
Refurbishing is unlocked at Housework Level 2. To refurbish, click on a worn furniture item and scroll down to the Refurbish interaction. The Zoi will pay a variable Meow cost to restore the item. Refurbishing applies primarily to soft furniture items like couches and sofas. Electronics and hard surfaces cannot be refurbished; those must be repaired when they break.
Furniture deteriorates over time with use. The refurbish prompt may take up to two in-game weeks to appear on kitchen cabinets and other items. Some objects (upper kitchen cabinets, refrigerators, picture frames) cannot be refurbished at all and must be replaced through Build Mode if they look worn.
Appliance Durability Setting
The City Management Settings include an Appliance Durability slider that controls how often household objects break down. This is a 9-level scale from Lowest to Highest:
Setting | Description |
|---|---|
Highest | Appliances almost never break. Very little repair needed. |
Medium | Default setting. Moderate breakdown frequency. |
Lowest | Appliances break constantly. Maximum repair activity. |
Players who find the default breakdown rate too aggressive can increase the Appliance Durability slider to reduce repair frequency. Conversely, players who want to level Housework quickly through repairs can lower the slider for more breakdowns.
Housework Skill Connection
Repairing broken objects grants Housework skill experience. Along with cleaning, doing laundry, refurbishing furniture, and crafting at the Furniture Workbench, repair is one of the core activities that levels this skill. Higher Housework skill reduces repair failure rates and associated hazards.
The Zoi must be in a comfortable mood to gain Housework experience effectively. If the Zoi is hungry, uncomfortable, or in a negative emotional state, skill progression will be slower. Address basic needs before embarking on a repair session.
Tips
Examine a broken object before repairing it. This reportedly improves the success rate of the repair attempt.
At low Housework skill, use the 100-Meow professional repair service for electronics to avoid electrocution risk.
Do not leave broken appliances unattended. They can cause fires that endanger all Zois in the house.
Adjust the Appliance Durability slider in City Management Settings if objects break too frequently for your taste.
Manual repairs grant Housework XP while professional repairs do not. If you want to level the skill, fix things yourself.
Refurbishing (Level 2+) is completely safe, unlike repairing. Use it freely on worn furniture to gain easy Housework experience.
Save your game before attempting repairs on expensive electronics at low skill levels. A failed repair can lead to electrocution death.
Keep fire safety in mind. If a fire starts, all Zois inside are at risk and Build Mode becomes inaccessible until the fire is extinguished.