Configure Loot Respawn
Set up loot respawn timing, abundance, and behavior on your Project Zomboid server.
Loot respawn controls whether and how often items regenerate in containers across the map. Configuring this correctly keeps your server's economy balanced.
Loot Respawn Settings
Edit your sandbox settings file at:
Zomboid/Server/[servername]_SandboxVars.luaKey Settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
HoursForLootRespawn | 0 | Hours before loot respawns (0 = disabled) |
MaxItemsForLootRespawn | 4 | Max items in a container for respawn to occur |
SeenHoursPreventLootRespawn | 0 | Hours an area must be unseen for loot to respawn |
ItemRemovalListBlacklistToggle | false | Toggle for item removal blacklist |
Enable Loot Respawn
By default, loot doesn't respawn. To enable it:
HoursForLootRespawn = 168,
MaxItemsForLootRespawn = 4,
SeenHoursPreventLootRespawn = 24,This configuration:
- Respawns loot every 7 days (168 hours)
- Only in containers with 4 or fewer items
- Only if no player has visited the area in 24 hours
Disable Loot Respawn
HoursForLootRespawn = 0,Setting to 0 disables respawning entirely. Players must explore further for loot.
Loot Abundance
Separate from respawn, you can control how much loot spawns initially:
| Setting | Values | Description |
|---|---|---|
LootRespawn | 1–5 | 1=Extremely Rare, 2=Rare, 3=Normal, 4=Common, 5=Abundant |
💡 Tip: On long-running servers, combine moderate loot abundance (3) with slow respawn (336–720 hours) to keep exploration rewarding without making supplies unlimited.
Recommended Presets
Hardcore Survival (No Respawn)
HoursForLootRespawn = 0,
LootRespawn = 2,Loot never respawns. Initial spawns are rare. Players must scavenge carefully.
Balanced Community Server
HoursForLootRespawn = 168,
MaxItemsForLootRespawn = 4,
SeenHoursPreventLootRespawn = 48,
LootRespawn = 3,Weekly respawn in unvisited areas. Normal abundance.
Casual / Action Server
HoursForLootRespawn = 24,
MaxItemsForLootRespawn = 6,
SeenHoursPreventLootRespawn = 6,
LootRespawn = 5,Daily respawn with abundant loot.
Related Guides
See also: Zombie Settings | Sandbox Settings | Configure Your Server
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