Server Configuration Reference
Project Zomboid servers are configured via an .ini file. Here's every option explained.
Most settings are available directly in ZomboidHost.
Go to your server's Settings tab on the manage page to change common options (players, password, PvP, mods, etc.) without touching any config files. Sub users with access to your server can do this too - no Pterodactyl account needed.
Settings tab overrides the .ini.
When the Apply config override toggle is enabled (default), ZomboidHost writes these settings to the .ini on every save and before every start. Any manual changes you make in the .ini for the covered options will be overwritten. Disable the toggle in the Settings tab if you want full manual control of the file.
Some settings are always forced by ZomboidHost regardless of the override toggle:
UPnP=false - UPnP port mapping doesn't work on our infrastructure; ports are pre-assigned and opened on the firewall automatically.
BackupsOnStart=false / BackupsOnVersionChange=false - Startup backups have been known to corrupt save data on our setup and are not supported.
For advanced options not on the Settings tab, your config is stored at:
/home/container/Zomboid/Server/YOURSERVERNAME.ini
Access it via the Files tab on the manage page.
General Settings
| Option | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
PublicName | your server name | Name shown in the server browser and in-game. |
PublicDescription | (empty) | Description shown in the server browser. |
MaxPlayers | 32 | Maximum simultaneous connections (PZ supports up to 100). Lower = less RAM needed. |
PauseEmpty | true | Pause game time when server is empty. Recommended: true. |
Public | false | Set to true to appear in the public server browser. |
Password | (empty) | Password players must know to join. Leave empty for open server. |
Open | true | Allow new players to join. Set false to lock the server. |
Zombie Population
| Option | Values | Description |
|---|---|---|
ZombieConfig | 0-5 | Overall zombie preset. 0=None, 1=Apocalypse, 2=Survivor, 3=Classic, 4=Beginner, 5=Custom. |
Population | 0-4 | Zombie density. 0=None, 1=Low, 2=Normal, 3=High, 4=Very High. |
ZombieSpeed | 1-4 | 1=Shambler, 2=Slow Shamblers, 3=Fast Shamblers, 4=Sprinters. |
ZombieStrength | 1-3 | 1=Weak, 2=Normal, 3=Tough. |
ZombieTransmission | 1-4 | Infection source: 1=Blood+Saliva, 2=Saliva Only, 3=Everyone's Infected, 4=No Transmission. |
ZombieMortality | 1-4 | 1=Instant, 2=1-2 days, 3=2-3 days, 4=1-2 weeks. |
Loot Settings
| Option | Values | Description |
|---|---|---|
LootRarity | 1-5 | 1=Insane, 2=Rare, 3=Normal, 4=Abundant, 5=Insane Abundance. |
LootRespawn | 0-8 | Days before loot respawns. 0=None, 1=Every Day, ', 7=Every Year, 8=EveryYear. |
SeenHoursPreventLootRespawn | 0-2160 | Hours a zone must be unvisited before loot respawns. |
World / Map Settings
| Option | Values | Description |
|---|---|---|
Map | string | Map(s) to load. E.g. Muldraugh, KY or comma-separated for multimap mods. |
HoursForLootRespawn | 0-2160 | Alternative to LootRespawn in hours mode. |
SaveWorldEveryMinutes | 0-60 | World auto-save interval. 0=Disabled. Recommended: 10. |
TimeBeforeSpawnPlayer | number | Delay in seconds before a new player spawns. |
MaxAccountsPerUser | number | max Steam accounts per IP. 0=unlimited. |
PvP Settings
| Option | Values | Description |
|---|---|---|
PVP | true/false | Enable or disable player-vs-player damage. |
SafetySystem | true/false | Allow players to toggle PvP safety on themselves. |
ShowSafety | true/false | Show safety indicator above other players' heads. |
SafetyToggleTimer | number | Cooldown (seconds) after toggling safety mode. |
Communication Settings
| Option | Values | Description |
|---|---|---|
VoiceEnable | true/false | Enable built-in proximity Voice chat. |
VoiceMinDistance | number | Min distance for voice (full volume). |
VoiceMaxDistance | number | Max distance voice can be heard. |
GlobalChat | true/false | Allow /all global chat (vs. local only). |
Restart required: Most config changes require a full server restart to take effect. Use Stop then Start from your dashboard.
Editing Settings
Easy way - Settings tab (recommended)
- On the manage page, click the Settings tab.
- Adjust any options and click Save Changes.
- Restart the server for changes to take effect.
Sub users added via the Sub Users tab can also manage settings here - no Pterodactyl or panel access required.
Advanced way - directly editing the .ini
- Stop your server.
- Click the Files tab on the manage page.
- Navigate to
Zomboid/Server/YOURSERVERNAME.ini. - Edit the values you want to change and save.
- Start the server.