# How to Configure XP and Skill Multipliers on Your Project Zomboid Server (/docs/project-zomboid/xp-multiplier)



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 [#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 [#common-configurations]

Fast Progression (Casual) [#fast-progression-casual]

```lua title="SandboxVars.lua"
XPMultiplier = 3.0,
```

Players level up 3x faster. Good for servers where you want players to reach higher skills quickly.

Slow Progression (Hardcore) [#slow-progression-hardcore]

```lua title="SandboxVars.lua"
XPMultiplier = 0.5,
```

Half the normal XP rate. Skills take much longer to level, making each point feel more valuable.

Balanced with Head Start [#balanced-with-head-start]

```lua title="SandboxVars.lua"
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 [#max-progression]

```lua title="SandboxVars.lua"
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 [#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-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 start
* `5+` = 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 [#related-guides]

See also: [Sandbox Settings](/docs/project-zomboid/sandbox-settings) | [Configure Your Server](/docs/project-zomboid/server-config)

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