Become a Server Admin

Learn how to become an admin on your Project Zomboid server with different access levels for managing players and server settings.

Becoming an admin on your Project Zomboid server lets you manage players, spawn items, control weather, and maintain the server environment. This guide covers how to set up admin access.

Set Admin via In-Game Command

If someone is already an admin on the server, they can promote other players:

Connect to the server

Join your server and have the player you want to promote connect as well.

Open chat

Press T to open the chat window.

Set the access level

Type the following command:

/setaccesslevel "YourUsername" admin

Replace YourUsername with the exact in-game name.

Set Admin via Server Files

If no one has admin access yet, you can set it through the server files.

Open the server database

On XGamingServer, go to Files in your panel. Navigate to:

Zomboid/db/[servername].db

Edit via console

Alternatively, use the Console in your panel. When the server starts, you can type:

setaccesslevel "YourUsername" admin

Restart if needed

Some changes require a server restart from the Dashboard.

Access Levels Explained

Project Zomboid has five access levels, each with different permissions:

LevelPermissions
AdminFull access — all commands, server management, player management
ModeratorKick/ban players, teleport, send server messages
OverseerLimited moderation — view player info, basic management
GM (Game Master)Spawn items, create hordes, manage gameplay elements
ObserverInvisibility, spectate players, view-only access

Change or Remove Access

To change someone's access level:

/setaccesslevel "Username" moderator

To remove admin access entirely:

/setaccesslevel "Username" none

Best Practices

  • Don't give everyone admin — use moderator or GM for most helpers
  • Keep a record of who has elevated access
  • Use observer mode to investigate reports without being seen
  • Always have at least two admins in case one loses access

See also: Admin Commands | Ban and Unban Players | Set a Password

If you need help, join our Discord.

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