How to restart your Project Zomboid server when a mod updates

When a mod's author publishes an update, your players' Steam clients take it at once. The server only fetches updates as it starts, so players on the new version are refused with a message that the Workshop item version is different from the server's, until the server restarts. The switch Restart when a mod updates on the Workshop tab restarts the server for you.

Turn it on

1. Open the Workshop tab and scroll below the mod lists to Restart when a mod updates.
2. Turn the switch on.

What happens when it is on

The panel checks every ten minutes. When a mod on your list was updated on Steam, the server restarts to install it:

• At once if nobody is online.
• Otherwise after warnings in the game 5 minutes and 1 minute ahead, then a save, then the restart.
• At most once every 30 minutes, and one restart per mod update.

The warnings read "A mod was updated on Steam. The server restarts in 5 minutes to install it." and "The server restarts in 1 minute to install a mod update." The Activity log records each restart.

What happens when it is off

It is off by default. The panel does not restart anything. You get a notification that a mod was updated, and the Activity log says "Steam Workshop update for" followed by the mod names and "Players on the new version cannot join until the server restarts". Restart the server yourself, ideally with a warning: How to send a message to everyone on your Project Zomboid server.

Other ways to keep up

• The task Check Mod Updates asks the server whether a mod has a newer version. The answer is written to the server log. A restart installs the new versions.
• The ready-made schedule Restart with warnings restarts on a timer: How to schedule restarts and backups for your Project Zomboid server.
• To avoid surprises mid-session, stay with the setting off and restart at a time you choose.

If players are refused

Players who see the version message: Players get "Workshop item version is different than the server".