Configure XP and Skill Multipliers
Adjust experience gain rates and skill multipliers on your Project Zomboid server.
Skill progression is a core part of Project Zomboid. You can speed up or slow down XP gain to match your server's playstyle.
XP Settings
Edit Zomboid/Server/[servername]_SandboxVars.lua:
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
XPMultiplier | 1.0 | Global XP gain multiplier |
XPMultiplierAffectsQuests | true | Whether multiplier affects quest XP |
ConstructionBonusPoints | 0 | Bonus starting points for Construction |
CookingBonusPoints | 0 | Bonus starting points for Cooking |
CraftingBonusPoints | 0 | Bonus starting points for Crafting |
FarmingBonusPoints | 0 | Bonus starting points for Farming |
FirstAidBonusPoints | 0 | Bonus starting points for First Aid |
FishingBonusPoints | 0 | Bonus starting points for Fishing |
MetalWeldingBonusPoints | 0 | Bonus starting points for Metalworking |
MechanicsBonusPoints | 0 | Bonus starting points for Mechanics |
ElectricityBonusPoints | 0 | Bonus starting points for Electricity |
Common Configurations
Fast Progression (Casual)
XPMultiplier = 3.0,Players level up 3x faster. Good for servers where you want players to reach higher skills quickly.
Slow Progression (Hardcore)
XPMultiplier = 0.5,Half the normal XP rate. Skills take much longer to level, making each point feel more valuable.
Balanced with Head Start
XPMultiplier = 1.5,
ConstructionBonusPoints = 2,
CookingBonusPoints = 1,
FirstAidBonusPoints = 1,Slightly faster progression with some starting skill levels so new characters aren't completely helpless.
Max Progression
XPMultiplier = 10.0,Extremely fast leveling. Players reach max skills quickly. Good for PVP-focused servers where combat skill matters more than grinding.
Skill Overview
Project Zomboid skills and what they affect:
| Skill | Effect |
|---|---|
| Carpentry | Building, barricading |
| Cooking | Food quality, avoiding food poisoning |
| Farming | Crop yield, plant health |
| First Aid | Bandaging effectiveness, healing speed |
| Fishing | Catch rate, fish quality |
| Foraging | Finding items in nature |
| Mechanics | Vehicle repair, hotwiring |
| Metalworking | Metal structures, welding |
| Electrical | Generator operation, alarms |
| Tailoring | Clothing repair, armor patches |
Bonus Points Explained
Bonus points give all new characters free skill levels at creation. This is separate from the trait and occupation system.
0= No bonus (default)1–3= Small head start5+= Significant advantage from the start
💡 Tip: Bonus points stack with occupation and trait bonuses. A character with Carpenter occupation + 3 bonus Construction points starts very strong.
Related Guides
See also: Sandbox Settings | Configure Your Server
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