How To Configure Your Project Zomboid Server
Learn how to change game settings, sandbox settings, and configure your Project Zomboid dedicated server.
Project Zomboid offers extensive server customization, from basic settings like passwords and server names to granular sandbox options controlling zombie behavior, loot spawns, weather, and more. This guide covers all the ways to configure your server.
Basic Server Configuration
The simplest way to adjust common settings is through the panel's Startup page, which provides a user-friendly interface for the most important options.
Stop Your Server
Log in to the XGamingServer Panel and stop your Project Zomboid server.
Open Startup Settings
In the sidebar, go to Startup.
Edit Your Settings
Adjust whichever settings you need, such as server name, password, or max players.
Start Your Server
Start your server to apply the changes.
Using the Configuration File
For settings not available in the Startup page, you can edit the server configuration file directly.
Stop Your Server
Log in to the XGamingServer Panel and stop your Project Zomboid server.
Open the Config File
In the sidebar, click Files and navigate to .cache/Server/pzserver.ini.
Make Your Changes
Edit the settings you need, save the file, then start your server.
💡 Tip: Settings defined in
Startupwill override values in the configuration file. If a setting exists in both places, the Startup page value takes priority.
Configuring Sandbox Settings
Sandbox settings control the core gameplay mechanics of your server, including loot spawns, zombie behavior, zombie population, player stats, weather, and much more. These settings let you create anything from a casual survival experience to an extreme hardcore challenge.
Stop Your Server
Log in to the XGamingServer Panel and stop your Project Zomboid server.
Open the Sandbox File
In the sidebar, click Files and navigate to .cache/Server/pzserver_SandboxVars.lua.
Edit and Save
Edit the settings you want to change. Each setting includes comments listing valid values and their effects. Save the file when finished.
Start Your Server
Start your server to apply the new sandbox settings.
💡 Tip: Always create a backup of your
pzserver_SandboxVars.luafile before making changes so you can easily revert if something goes wrong. Use theBackupspage in the sidebar to create server backups.
📝 Note: Some sandbox changes only take full effect after a complete server restart, not just a save-and-reload.
Troubleshooting Sandbox Settings
If your sandbox changes are not applying, check the following:
- Invalid Values — Double-check that your values are formatted correctly. Refer to the comments in the sandbox file for the accepted format and valid options for each setting.
- Corrupted Save Data — Your save's sandbox cache may be stale. Stop your server, go to
Files, and delete the file at.cache/Saves/Multiplayer/pzserver/map_sand.bin, then restart. - Mod Conflicts — Some mods override specific sandbox settings. If you suspect a conflict, temporarily disable your mods and test again.
- Full Reset — If nothing else works, follow our Reset Server guide to start completely fresh.
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