Improve Server Performance

A well-tuned Project Zomboid server provides a much better experience for players. This guide covers the most effective ways to reduce lag and improve performance.

RAM Allocation

The most common cause of server lag is insufficient RAM.

Recommended RAM by Player Count

📝 Note: Mods significantly increase RAM usage. Heavily modded servers may need 2–4 GB more than the above recommendations.

On XGamingServer, you can upgrade your RAM allocation from your panel's billing section.

Reduce Zombie Population

Zombies are the single biggest factor in server performance. Reducing their count can dramatically improve FPS and reduce lag.

Zomboid/Server/[servername]_SandboxVars.lua

ZombieCount = 4,
PopulationMultiplier = 0.5,
PopulationPeakMultiplier = 1.0,

Optimize Sandbox Settings

These settings have the biggest impact on performance:

Reduce Mod Count

Mods add both RAM and CPU overhead. Every active mod increases:

• Memory usage
• Startup time
• Per-tick processing

Tips for Mods

• Remove mods that aren't actively being used
• Avoid multiple mods that do similar things
• Test performance with mods disabled to identify problematic ones
• Keep your mod list under 30 for best performance on moderate hardware

Server Configuration Tweaks

Edit your server config file at Zomboid/Server/[servername].ini:

PauseEmpty

PauseEmpty=true

Pauses the server when no players are connected, saving resources.

Reduce Loot Respawn Frequency

Frequent loot respawning adds CPU load:

HoursForLootRespawn = 720,

Lower Vehicle Spawn Rate

Vehicles are resource-intensive entities:

CarSpawnRate = 2,

Monitor Server Performance

Check Console Output

Use the Console in your panel to monitor:

• Memory usage warnings
• Tick rate drops
• Error messages

Use Admin Commands

In-game, use these commands to check performance:

/showoptions
/players

Signs of Poor Performance

Quick Performance Checklist

1. Ensure adequate RAM for your player count
2. Set PauseEmpty=true
3. Reduce zombie population if lagging
4. Remove unused mods
5. Increase loot respawn hours
6. Reduce vehicle spawn rate
7. Monitor console for errors

Related Guides

See also: Zombie Settings | Configure Your Server | Troubleshooting

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