# How to Manage Mod Load Order on Your Project Zomboid Server (/docs/project-zomboid/mod-load-order)



When running multiple mods on your server, load order matters. Incorrect ordering can cause crashes, missing items, or broken features. This guide covers how to manage mods effectively.

How Mod Loading Works [#how-mod-loading-works]

Project Zomboid loads mods in the order they're listed in your server config. Mods loaded later can override content from mods loaded earlier. This means:

* **Map mods** should load before mods that add items to those maps
* **Framework mods** should load before mods that depend on them
* **Overhaul mods** should generally load last

Configure Mod Load Order [#configure-mod-load-order]

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Open your server config [#1-open-your-server-config]

    On XGamingServer, go to **Files** and open:

    ```
    Zomboid/Server/[servername].ini
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Find the mod entries [#2-find-the-mod-entries]

    Look for these two lines:

    ```ini title="[servername].ini"
    Mods=mod1;mod2;mod3
    WorkshopItems=id1;id2;id3
    ```

    * `Mods` — mod IDs (names), separated by semicolons
    * `WorkshopItems` — Workshop numeric IDs, separated by semicolons
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Reorder the mods [#3-reorder-the-mods]

    Rearrange the mod IDs in both lines. Keep `Mods` and `WorkshopItems` in the same order — the first mod ID should correspond to the first Workshop ID.

    ```ini title="[servername].ini"
    Mods=framework_mod;map_mod;content_mod;overhaul_mod
    WorkshopItems=111111;222222;333333;444444
    ```
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Restart your server [#4-restart-your-server]
  </div>
</div>

Recommended Load Order [#recommended-load-order]

Follow this general ordering:

1. **Libraries/Frameworks** — mods that other mods depend on (e.g., ModOptions, TIS\_weather)
2. **Map mods** — custom maps like Raven Creek, Cherbourg
3. **Vehicle mods** — new vehicles and vehicle modifications
4. **Weapon/item mods** — Arsenal, Brita's, Firearms
5. **Building/crafting mods** — carpentry, base building additions
6. **UI mods** — minimaps, inventory management
7. **Overhaul mods** — large mods that change core gameplay

Common Mod Conflicts [#common-mod-conflicts]

Map Overlap [#map-overlap]

Two map mods that modify the same area will conflict. Check mod descriptions for compatibility notes.

**Fix:** Only use one map mod per area, or find compatibility patches on the Workshop.

Item ID Conflicts [#item-id-conflicts]

Mods that add items with the same internal ID will conflict.

**Symptoms:**

* Items appear as blank/missing icons
* Picking up items crashes the game
* Wrong item appears when crafting

**Fix:** Check the mod's Workshop page for known conflicts. Some mod authors provide compatibility patches.

Outdated Mods [#outdated-mods]

Mods not updated for the current game version can cause issues.

**Symptoms:**

* Server crashes on startup
* Error messages mentioning the mod name in the console
* Features from the mod don't work

**Fix:** Check the mod's Workshop page for the last update date. Remove mods that haven't been updated for the current game version.

Troubleshooting Mod Issues [#troubleshooting-mod-issues]

Find the Problem Mod [#find-the-problem-mod]

If your server crashes after adding mods:

<div className="fd-steps">
  <div className="fd-step">
    Check the server log [#1-check-the-server-log]

    On XGamingServer, go to **Console** or check the log files at:

    ```
    Zomboid/Logs/
    ```

    Look for error messages that mention a specific mod name.
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Binary search for the culprit [#2-binary-search-for-the-culprit]

    If the log isn't clear:

    1. Remove half your mods
    2. Start the server
    3. If it works, the problem is in the removed half
    4. Repeat until you find the specific mod
  </div>

  <div className="fd-step">
    Check mod dependencies [#3-check-mod-dependencies]

    Some mods require other mods to work. Check the Workshop page for required dependencies and make sure they're all installed.
  </div>
</div>

Reset After a Bad Mod [#reset-after-a-bad-mod]

If a mod corrupted your world:

1. Remove the problematic mod from `Mods` and `WorkshopItems`
2. If the world won't load, you may need to restore from a backup
3. See [Back Up and Restore](/docs/project-zomboid/backups) for restoration steps

> ⚠️ **Warning:** Removing a mod that added items or map changes to your world can cause issues. Always back up before adding or removing mods.

Mod Configuration Files [#mod-configuration-files]

Many mods create config files at:

```
Zomboid/Server/[servername]_SandboxVars.lua
```

Or in mod-specific folders:

```
Zomboid/Lua/
Zomboid/mods/
```

Check the mod's Workshop page for configuration instructions.

Related Guides [#related-guides]

See also: [Install Mods](/docs/project-zomboid/mod-setup) | [Performance Guide](/docs/project-zomboid/performance-guide) | [Back Up and Restore](/docs/project-zomboid/backups)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).