Primer: Making Weapon Skins for Zombie Survivors

What is a Weapon Skin?

A weapon skin is a cosmetic artwork that changes how a weapon looks in the game without changing how it works. It's like a new coat of paint or a design that makes the weapon feel special, cooler, or themed — but it won't make it shoot faster or deal more damage.

In Zombie Survivors, players use lots of weapons, and having different skins helps them customize their character and show off their style.

Example:

  • A basic pistol might have:
    • A classic metal skin (default)
    • A neon cyberpunk skin
    • A rusty apocalypse skin

They all work the same — only the look changes.

What We Need for Each Weapon Skin

  • Art Asset:
    • A single image file that represents the weapon with the new look.
  • File Format:
    • PNG format (this supports transparent backgrounds).
  • Background:
    • Transparent background — so we can easily place the weapon over different backgrounds inside the game.
  • Size:
    • Exactly 64x64 pixels.
    • This keeps all weapons the same size in the game and avoids stretching or blurry images.
  • General Style Tips:
    • Keep the weapon recognizable (don't cover the entire gun in a way that hides its shape).
    • Use bold shapes and high contrast — small icons can lose detail.
    • Avoid super tiny patterns — at 32x32 pixels, they can get lost.
  • Optional:
    • If the weapon skin has some special shine or glow effect, you can add it inside the PNG — but don't animate it (animations are handled separately in the game).

Quick Checklist Before Submitting

  • Is the image 32x32 px?
  • Is the file saved as .png?
  • Is the background transparent?
  • Can you clearly tell what the weapon is at a glance?
  • Does it look cool and fit the style of Zombie Survivors (post-apocalyptic, a little chaotic, neon, or rusty depending on the theme)?