Project Zomboid Server Settings Explained (B42)

Project Zomboid has one of the deepest server configuration systems of any survival game. Two separate config files, dozens of settings in each, and Build 42 added more on top. If you have ever opened your server files and wondered what half the options actually do, this guide breaks down the ones that matter.

We will cover the server INI (networking and admin), sandbox settings (zombies, loot, progression), and Build 42 additions like animals, crafting, and the refreshed game modes. If you are still setting up your server, start with our Build 42 setup guide first, then come back here.

Where Settings Live

Project Zomboid splits configuration into two files:

The file names include your server name - if you named it “MyServer” instead of the default, look for MyServer.ini and MyServer_SandboxVars.lua.

How to edit them: On WinterNode, use the File Manager or SFTP to navigate to Zomboid/Server/ and open the files directly. Some settings (server name, admin credentials, beta branch) are also available through the panel’s Server Options tab without needing to edit files. For everything else, stop the server before editing, make your changes, then start it back up.

Server INI Settings

These control how your server behaves at the network and administration level. Most are set-and-forget.

Players and Access

For private groups, leave Public=false and share the IP directly. See our connecting guide for how players join by IP, and the quick start guide for setting up a whitelist and server admins.

PVP and Safety

The Safety System is PZ’s PVP opt-in. Players can individually toggle PVP mode, with a skull icon marking those who are flagged. Good middle ground for servers that want PVP available without it being a constant threat. For pure PVE, set PVP=false. For full PVP, set PVP=true and SafetySystem=false.

Sleep

Sleep in multiplayer requires all online players to be in bed simultaneously before time advances. Works for 2-3 friends. On anything larger, one player staying awake blocks everyone. Most servers leave both at false.

Voice Chat and Safehouses

PZ has built-in proximity voice chat (VoiceEnable=true by default). Most groups use Discord instead, but proximity chat works well for roleplay servers. Key settings: VoiceMinDistance (10 tiles), VoiceMaxDistance (300 tiles), and Voice3D (directional audio).

Safehouses (PlayerSafehouse=false by default) let players claim and protect buildings. Useful for PVP servers. Set SafehouseDaySurvivedToClaim to 3-7 days to prevent new players from instantly locking down the best buildings.

Sandbox Settings - Zombies

This is where PZ’s real depth lives.

Population

The population ramps up over time. Default settings start at normal density and climb to 1.5x by day 28. If you want consistent density from day one, set Start and Peak multipliers to the same value.

Speed, Strength, and Toughness

The most common adjustment is Speed. Fast Shamblers add urgency without the instant-death feel of Sprinters. Random rolls per zombie, so you will occasionally meet a sprinter in a crowd of shamblers.

Infection and Respawn

Zombie respawn is heavily debated. With respawn enabled, clearing an area is temporary. Apocalypse mode in Build 42 now disables respawn by default, making cleared areas stay cleared. For permanent progress, set RespawnHours=0.

Sandbox Settings - Loot and Progression

Loot Rarity

These control initial loot density in containers. Apocalypse mode in Build 42 has been rebalanced with more plentiful firearms to reflect a 1993 Kentucky setting.

Loot respawn is controlled in the INI file (HoursForLootRespawn), not sandbox settings. Default is 0 (no respawn). ConstructionPreventsLootRespawn=true stops loot from respawning in buildings where players have built structures.

Progression

For multiplayer servers, bumping XpMultiplier to 1.5-2.0 is common. Respects players’ time without trivializing progression. Farming speed matters more in Build 42 since crops now have health and need active maintenance.

Build 42 New Settings

Animals and Livestock

Build 42 adds domestic animals (cows, pigs, chickens, sheep) and wild animals (deer, rabbits). Key sandbox settings:

For servers with shorter expected lifespans, speeding up the aging modifier lets your group benefit from animal husbandry before interest fades.

Crafting, Basements, and Darkness

Crafting: Build 42 overhauled crafting with new disciplines (blacksmithing, pottery, stone working, brewing). Multi-stage crafting means the XpMultiplier has a compounding effect on how fast players reach advanced tiers.

Basements: Houses can now spawn with hidden basements and bunkers, controlled by a sandbox frequency option. They are intentionally uncommon by default.

Darkness: Build 42 made nights significantly darker. The Darkness During Night setting ranges from Pitch Black to Bright. If your group finds nights unplayable, bump it up before installing mods.

Build 42 Game Modes

Build 42.15 refreshed the game mode system. Each mode is a sandbox preset you can use as-is or as a starting point.

• Apocalypse - The “lore canon” mode. Zombie respawn disabled. Firearms more plentiful. Tuned for authentic 1993 Kentucky. The intended experience.
• Outbreak - For players with limited time. Faster skill progression, more forgiving farming/animal timelines, adjusted loot density. Still challenging if you overextend.
• Extinction - Veterans only. Sprinters as default zombie speed. Scarce supplies, harder hits. Not recommended for first-time players.
• Rising - The “cozy apocalypse.” More building materials, less combat pressure. Designed for homesteading and base-building.

Quick Presets by Group Type

Casual / New Players: Start with Rising or Outbreak. Shamblers, Normal or Low population, XP at 1.5-2.0, PVP off.

Hardcore Survival: Apocalypse preset. Fast Shamblers or Sprinters, Normal population, XP at 1.0, Rare loot, respawn disabled.

PVP Server: PVP on, SafetySystem off, Safehouses enabled with 3-day claim timer, AnnounceDeath on, XP at 2.0 to offset frequent deaths.

Roleplay: Proximity voice on, GlobalChat off, ShowFirstAndLastName on, DisplayUserName off, Safehouses enabled, Shamblers.

Getting Started

WinterNode gives you full access to both config files through the File Manager and SFTP. Edit servertest.ini and SandboxVars.lua, restart, and your changes take effect. No command line, no SSH.

All Project Zomboid servers run at $1.99/GB with no CPU limits and unmetered storage. Build 42 servers need at least 8GB - see our setup guide for sizing recommendations.

Get your Project Zomboid server →