A Project Zomboid server has two main config files: one with the server settings (name, access, PvP) and one with the world settings (zombies, loot, seasons). Both are in the Zomboid/Server/ folder.
Stop the server
The server overwrites the files when it shuts down, so always edit them while the server is stopped (Console → Stop).
pzserver.ini - server settings
File: Zomboid/Server/pzserver.ini (the Files tab). The most important options:
PublicName=[EU] Crew Zomboid PublicDescription=PvE server, Discord: discord.gg/yourcode Public=true Password= Open=true PVP=false PauseEmpty=true GlobalChat=true SafetySystem=true SpawnPoint=0,0,0
PublicName,PublicDescription- the name and description in the server list.Public- whether the server is visible in the public list.Open-true: anyone can create an account when joining;false: only players added by an admin (whitelist).PVP- whether players can attack each other.PauseEmpty- stops in-game time when nobody is online. Worth enabling on small servers so the world does not "age" while players are away.SafetySystem- players toggle PvP mode with a key.
The player limit comes from your plan.
pzserver_SandboxVars.lua - world and zombies
File: Zomboid/Server/pzserver_SandboxVars.lua. This is where you set up the gameplay:
Zombies = 3, Distribution = 1, DayLength = 3, StartMonth = 7, WaterShutModifier = 14, ElecShutModifier = 14, FoodLoot = 3, WeaponLoot = 3,
Zombies- zombie population: 1 insane, 2 high, 3 normal, 4 low, 5 none.DayLength- the length of an in-game day (3 = one real hour).WaterShutModifier,ElecShutModifier- after how many days water and electricity shut off.FoodLoot,WeaponLoot- the amount of food and weapons (a higher value means more).
The ZombieLore section defines zombie behavior: speed (Speed), strength, senses and how the infection spreads.
The easiest way is to prepare the settings in the game: Host → Manage Settings → Sandbox Options, save them and copy the values to the file on the server.
Changes on an existing world
Some sandbox settings only apply when the world is created (for example the map and spawn point). Changes to zombie population and loot apply to newly visited areas. A full world reset means deleting the save in Zomboid/Saves/Multiplayer/pzserver (make a backup in Backups first).
Game branch
Build 41 and Build 42 are different game versions, and saves and mods are not compatible between them. You set the branch in the Startup tab (the Steam branch field) - changing it requires reinstalling the server. Players need the same branch.
Admin
The admin account is set in the Startup tab (Admin Username and Admin Password). Log in with it in the game to use admin commands.
EU server in Helsinki, instant setup after payment, backups and full file access.
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Updated: 2026-09-28