Revision 1

when swimming was added

Swimming was not available at the Early Access launch on March 28, 2025. The developers said they weren't satisfied with the swimming mechanics' quality yet. The feature arrived in the v0.3.0 update on August 20, 2025, alongside the Island Getaway DLC.

where to swim

• Pools — either at home (built in Build Mode) or at public pool locations.

• Ocean — walk into the water at any beach and swimming starts automatically. Available in Bliss Bay and Cahaya.

building a pool

In Build Mode, go to Buildings > Exteriors > Swimming Pool. You can pick a preset or draw custom pool walls from scratch. Adjust the height and steepness, then make sure all wall lines connect so the pool holds water. Pools can be built outdoors or indoors.

Customization options include lighting, paint, pool floaties (4 types), and pool lamps (4 types). Ladders give Zois an easy way in and out. Without a ladder, they jump in.

swimming controls

Click a pool and select "Go" to get in. Once swimming, use point-and-click to send the Zoi to a spot, or take direct control with WASD. Hold Shift to switch to freestyle for faster strokes.

pool activities

• Practice Holding Breath

• Dance in Water

• Float on a tube (place a pool tube in Build Mode first)

swimming skill

Swimming is its own skill added alongside the feature. Higher levels mean more efficient swimming and reduced danger from ocean threats like sharks. Young Zois develop an "Aquatic Ability" skill instead, which prepares them for the adult Swimming skill.

energy drain and drowning

Swimming eats through energy fast. After about 3 in-game hours in the water, a Zoi can drown. As energy depletes, their swimming speed drops, making it harder to get back to the edge. Floating on a tube in a pool does not drain energy, so it's the safe option for relaxing.

Ocean swimming is riskier. Venturing too far from shore with low energy puts the Zoi in a dangerous spot with no easy way back.