Project Zomboid: Changing Usernames & Character Names
In Project Zomboid, player data is stored in an SQLite database file. Unlike simple text files, editing this requires a specific database viewer. Whether you made a typo during character creation or a player wants to change their login name without losing their skills and inventory, you must edit the players.db file directly.
1. The players.db File
This is the heart of your server's player statistics. It contains every player's username, password hash, current coordinates, and their in-game "Display Name."
2. SQLite Browser
To safely modify the database, you need DB Browser for SQLite. This tool allows you to see the database as a spreadsheet rather than raw code.
3. Caution: Backups
One wrong click in an SQLite editor can corrupt the entire player database. Always download a backup copy of players.db before making any changes.
How to Change a Player's Name
- Navigate to your Supercraft Panel and Stop the server.
- Open the File Manager and go to
/Zomboid/Saves/Multiplayer/pzserver/. - Download
players.dbto your computer. - Open the file in DB Browser for SQLite.
- Click on the Browse Data tab.
- In the "Table" dropdown menu, select networkPlayers.
- Find the player's row and locate the columns:
username: The name used to login.name: The name displayed above the character in-game.
- Double-click the cell you want to change, enter the new name, and click **Apply**.
- Click Write Changes at the top of the window and upload the file back to your server.
Database Structure Overview
| Column Name | Description | Safe to Edit? |
|---|---|---|
| username | The login credential. Changing this requires the player to update their "Join" settings. | Yes |
| name | The roleplay name seen by other players. | Yes |
| worldversion | Matches the player to the current map version. | No |
| isGrandAdmin | The binary flag (0/1) for administrator status. | Yes |
Important Note: If you change a Username, the player must also change the username in their Project Zomboid "Join Server" menu. If they try to log in with their old username, the server will treat them as a brand-new player with 0 skills.
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