Project Zomboid Server FAQ: Quick Answers

Short answers, each with the guide that has the steps.

Joining

How do my friends join?

They go to Main menu, Join, Favorites, and enter the IP and port from the Play with friends card. How to join your Project Zomboid server

How do I send everything in one message?

Click Copy invite message on that card. How to invite friends to your Project Zomboid server

Where do I set the join password?

In Settings, Server Settings, group Listing and joining, as Join password. How to set a join password

Who can join: GOG, consoles?

PC players on Steam can join. There is no console version, and we have not tested GOG. Which platforms can join your Project Zomboid server

How many players can join?

Your plan sets the limit. Lower it with Edit slots. How to change player slots

Which ports do players use?

Only the Port on the card. Project Zomboid server ports and address explained

Players cannot join. What do I check?

Online, IP and port, build, mods, password. Players cannot join your Project Zomboid server

My server is not in the list

Turn on Show in the in-game server list, or join with Favorites. Your Project Zomboid server does not show in the server list

Builds and updates

Which build does my server run?

Build 42 unless you change Beta Branch. How to choose Build 41 or Build 42

Does a Build 41 world load on Build 42?

No, and the other way round. How to keep a Build 41 world and a Build 42 world on one server

How do I update the server?

Steam Auto Update installs a new build at each start. With it off, use Update now. How to update your Project Zomboid server

Players are refused after a game update

The server and the players must be on the same build. Players cannot join after a game update

Mods

How do I add mods?

On the Workshop tab: the item goes in Workshop items, the name in Enabled mods. How to add mods to your Project Zomboid server

My mods download but do nothing

Downloading does not switch a mod on. Your Project Zomboid mods do nothing

What is a Mod ID?

The short name a mod uses, not its title or number. How to find the Mod ID

Do old mods work on Build 42?

Mods not updated since 17 December 2024 usually do not. Project Zomboid mods and Build 42

How do I add a map mod?

Use the three lists, including Map folders. How to add a map mod

Players see "Workshop item version is different"

A mod updated: restart the server. Players get "Workshop item version is different than the server"

Admin

How do I become admin?

Join with the Admin Username and Admin Password from Game Settings. How to become admin

How do I change the admin password?

Type setpassword "admin" "NewPassword" in the Console. How to change your admin password or username

How do I kick or ban someone?

From the Active players card. How to kick, ban and whitelist players

How do I make a helper moderator?

Set access level… on the card. How to set access levels

How do I allow only my friends?

Turn off Anyone can make an account and use the whitelist. How to run a whitelist-only Project Zomboid server

Which commands work?

The game's own list, typed without a slash in the Console. Project Zomboid admin commands that work

Settings and difficulty

Where are the zombie settings?

Speed and strength in Sandbox Settings. The count in Game Settings. How to change the difficulty

Are there presets?

Yes: Apocalypse, Outbreak, Rising and Extinction. How to choose a sandbox preset

How do I turn PvP off?

Flip PVP in Game Settings. How to turn PvP on or off

My setting changed back after a restart

The panel writes some values at every start. Your Project Zomboid settings keep changing back

The editor will not let me save

Stop the server first. Your Project Zomboid settings will not save

Worlds and backups

Can I bring my own world?

Yes, a multiplayer world: upload the folder and match Server Name. How to upload your own Project Zomboid world

Where is my world?

In .cache/Saves/Multiplayer/<Server Name>/ under Files. How to back up and restore your Project Zomboid world

What happens if I change Server Name?

A new world starts and the old one stays on disk. How to switch between Project Zomboid worlds

How do I start fresh?

Use a new Server Name, or World Wipe, which deletes every world and account. How to delete a Project Zomboid world or start fresh

How do I restart on a schedule?

Add Restart with warnings in Quick Tasks. How to schedule restarts and backups

Server health

How long does the first start take?

Usually a minute or two after the install. What happens the first time you start your Project Zomboid server

Why are there so many ERROR lines?

Most are normal. Project Zomboid console lines that look like errors but are normal

How much RAM do I need?

It depends on players and mods. Watch the Usage card. How much RAM does a Project Zomboid server need

The server lags

Why is my Project Zomboid server lagging

Can I change the server type?

Project Zomboid has one server type. The build is a Beta Branch setting. How to choose Build 41 or Build 42

All problems in one list: Project Zomboid server problems and fixes.