The life-simulation game inZOI has been steadily growing since launch, and with the release of its Island Getaway DLC (August 20, 2025), more players are jumping in than ever before. If you’re just starting out, it can feel overwhelming with all the mechanics, city choices, and systems layered into the game.
This beginner’s guide will walk you through the core tips and tricks to get settled quickly, avoid early mistakes, and enjoy your Zois’ lives to the fullest.
inZOI Beginner Guide (2025) – Island Getaway DLC Tips
1. Keep Your Game Running Smoothly
Before you even dive into gameplay, make sure your system is ready. Update your graphics drivers (especially if you’re running RTX cards) to avoid memory errors and stuttering. A stable setup ensures smoother simulation and fewer crashes — critical if you’re running large households or heavily decorated builds.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Use the Money Cheat
inZOI has a built-in Money Cheat accessible through the Psycat Guide. One click grants you 100,000 Meow — enough to set up a proper household without endless grinding.
There’s no slider to adjust the amount, but you can repeat it as often as needed. While some players prefer a grind for immersion, using this early on helps you focus on learning mechanics instead of worrying about bills.
3. Learn the Dual Control System
Unlike The Sims, inZOI offers two movement styles:
- Direct Control (WASD + Shift) lets you run your Zoi like in an RPG.
- Click-to-Move (Left Mouse Click) works more like classic life sims.
Switch between the two depending on whether you’re roleplaying or managing multiple Zois at once. Get used to hotkeys early — toggling autonomy (T), switching Zois (Space), and opening your Zoi’s smartphone (P) will save you tons of time.
4. Master Household Management
Families aren’t locked in stone. You can split and merge households directly from the City Map under the “Manage Zois” tab. This lets you move children out, combine roommates, or test different dynamics without restarting. Remember: surnames don’t automatically change, so plan ahead if you’re roleplaying a traditional family.
5. Keep Your Home Clean
Homes naturally accumulate dirt in inZOI, and dirty environments affect mood. Have your Zoi clean regularly to boost their Housework skill. Clothes also get dirty, so buying a washing machine early is highly recommended. Neglecting hygiene leads to unhappy Zois and stalled progress in careers or ambitions.
6. Explore the Karma System
Every action your Zoi takes influences Karma. Good deeds (blue circle) raise it, while mischievous or harmful actions (red circle) lower it. Karma unlocks unique social interactions and can even affect the type of life path your Zoi experiences. Experiment with both sides — being a saint and a troublemaker feels very different.
7. Schedule Social Events
Zois thrive on social interaction, and the Smartphone Events app is your best friend. From dates and house parties to full weddings, you can plan events by filling empty time slots in your Zoi’s weekly schedule. This mechanic gives structure to your playthrough and ensures you don’t just end up fast-forwarding through days.
8. Pick the Right City for Your Style
Currently, you can choose between two base cities:
- Dowon – A Korean-inspired urban setting with modern living vibes.
- Bliss Bay – A sunny, California-style city perfect for a relaxed lifestyle.
With the new Island Getaway DLC, you can also relocate to a tropical environment filled with beach houses and vacation-style lots. It’s a perfect choice if you want a slower pace, plenty of outdoor activities, and unique social events tied to the island life.
9. Manage Food Wisely
A funny quirk in inZOI is that Zois don’t always eat food they’ve just cooked. They might sniff it, admire it, then wander off. To avoid hunger issues, override autonomy and manually instruct them to eat. This keeps their Hunger meter full and prevents unnecessary frustrations.
inZOI blends deep life-sim mechanics with player-driven creativity. By learning controls, managing Karma, using the money cheat smartly, and taking advantage of events, you’ll set up your Zois for long and memorable lives. With the Island Getaway DLC, the game now has even more variety in living spaces and roleplay opportunities, making it the perfect time to dive in.