Your uploaded Project Zomboid world did not load

The server loads the world named by Server Name. If you uploaded a world and the server made a new empty one, the name does not match the folder, or the folder is not where the server looks. Check these in order.

1. The name matches, capitals included

File names on the server are case sensitive: MyWorld and myworld are different names. Open Settings, then Game Settings, and compare Server Name with the folder name in .cache/Saves/Multiplayer, letter for letter. Server Name takes letters and digits only, so a world called My World or my_world must be renamed first: How to rename or copy a Project Zomboid world.

2. The folder is at the right level

Open Files, then .cache, Saves, Multiplayer. The world files must be directly inside Multiplayer/<name>/. A common mistake is a zip that unpacks to Multiplayer/<name>/<name>/, one folder too deep. If you see that, move the inner folder up one level with Move folder.

3. The settings files carry the same name

In .cache/Server the files must be <name>.ini and <name>_SandboxVars.lua. A file with another name is ignored. In .cache/db the file must be <name>.db.

4. The build matches

A Build 41 world does not load on Build 42, and a world saved by a newer build does not load on an older one. Check Beta Branch: How to choose Build 41 or Build 42 for your Project Zomboid server. If the server stopped with a notice, see Your Project Zomboid server could not load its world.

5. The upload finished

A big world uploaded in the browser can stop half way. Compare the folder's size with the one on your PC, or upload it again with SFTP: How to connect to your server files with SFTP.

6. Mods and maps

A world that uses map mods needs the map folders on the Workshop tab before it starts: How to add a map mod to your Project Zomboid server.

Read the Console

Search for server name is and Loading WorldDictionary. They show the name and the folder the game opened: How to check which world your Project Zomboid server loaded.

Still stuck

Do not delete anything yet. Your first world is still in Multiplayer. Open a ticket with the folder names you see and the Console lines. The full steps are in How to upload your own Project Zomboid world.