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Download Save Files

Project Zomboid Guide • Updated Jan 6, 2026

Download Save Files

Downloading your Project Zomboid save files is essential for backups, server migration, or local analysis. This comprehensive guide covers downloading world saves, player data, server configurations, and all related files needed for complete server backup or transfer.

💾 Important: Always stop your server before downloading files. Accessing files while the server is running can cause data corruption or incomplete downloads.

Understanding Project Zomboid File Structure

Your Project Zomboid server contains several critical data types:

  • World Save: Main game world, zombies, and items
  • Player Data: Character progression, skills, and inventory
  • Server Configs: Game rules, mods, and server settings
  • Workshop Data: Mod files and workshop content
  • Logs: Server activity and error information

Quick Download Guide

Step 1: Access File Manager

  1. Log into your server control panel
  2. Click on the File Manager icon or tab
  3. Wait for file system to load completely

📁 Essential Downloads

  • Complete Backup: Download entire server directory
  • World Only: Focus on save files
  • Player Data: Backup character progress
  • Configs Only: Server settings and rules

Step 2: Download World Save Files

  1. Navigate to /server-data/Saves/Multiplayer/
  2. Find the pzserver folder (your server world)
  3. Right-click on pzserver folder
  4. Select Download from the context menu
  5. Wait for the zip file to be prepared and download

Step 3: Download Server Configuration

  1. Navigate to /server-data/Server/
  2. Select all files in this directory
  3. Right-click and choose Download
  4. This downloads your server settings and mod configurations

Step 4: Complete Server Backup

  1. Navigate to root /server-data/ directory
  2. Select the entire server-data folder
  3. Right-click and select Download
  4. This provides a complete server backup

Detailed File Breakdown

DirectoryContentsImportance
/Saves/Multiplayer/pzserver/ Main world save and map data 🔴 Critical
/Server/ Server configuration files 🟡 Important
/Zomboid/Logs/ Server logs and error reports 🟢 Optional
/Workshop/ Downloaded workshop mods 🟡 Important
💡 Pro Tip: Large saves (500MB+) may take several minutes to prepare for download. Be patient during the compression process.

Advanced Download Options

Using FTP/SFTP Clients

For large servers or batch operations:

  1. Download FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck
  2. Use your server's FTP/SFTP credentials
  3. Connect to your server file system
  4. Navigate to the directories mentioned above
  5. Drag and drop files to your local computer

Automated Backup Downloads

Set up regular backup downloads:

  • Scheduled Downloads: Use scripts to download saves automatically
  • Cloud Sync: Upload backups to cloud storage
  • Version Control: Keep timestamped backups

Download Management

File Organization

Organize your downloaded files:

  • Date-Based Folders: PZ_Backup_2025-01-06/
  • Type-Based: Separate saves, configs, and logs
  • Server Naming: Include server name in folder names
  • Compression: Keep .zip files for storage efficiency

Storage Planning

Server Size Estimated Backup Size Recommended Storage
Small (1-5 players) 100-500 MB Local SSD
Medium (6-15 players) 500 MB - 2 GB External HDD
Large (16+ players) 2+ GB Cloud Storage

Troubleshooting

Download Fails or Times Out

  • Check server stop status - ensure it's completely stopped
  • Verify available disk space on your local computer
  • Try downloading smaller folders individually
  • Check internet connection stability
  • Contact support if issue persists

Corrupted Download Files

  • Redownload the affected folder
  • Verify file integrity after download
  • Test the backup by loading in singleplayer
  • Consider using FTP for large file transfers

Permission Errors

  • Verify user has file manager access
  • Check if server files are locked by processes
  • Ensure complete server shutdown before access
  • Contact administrator for permission issues

Best Practices

🛡️ Backup Strategy

  • Regular Schedule: Download saves weekly or monthly
  • Multiple Locations: Store backups in different places
  • Verification: Test backup files occasionally
  • Documentation: Record backup dates and contents
  • Version Tracking: Note game version with each backup

Common Use Cases

Server Migration

When moving to new hosting:

  1. Download complete server files
  2. Verify game version compatibility
  3. Upload to new server environment
  4. Test functionality before going live

Local Analysis

For examining world details:

  • Analyze player base locations
  • Review zombie population density
  • Study resource distribution
  • Create map visualizations

Disaster Recovery

In case of server issues:

  • Maintain recent backup history
  • Document all server modifications
  • Keep configuration files separate
  • Plan restore procedures before needed

File Recovery Tools

If you need to extract or repair save files:

  • PZ-Server-Save-Manager: Open-source save management tool
  • PZ Map Tool: Visualize world maps from saves
  • SQLite Browser: Analyze player data files
  • Hex Editors: Advanced file repair and analysis

Related Articles

Keep your Project Zomboid survival story safe with reliable hosting services featuring automatic backups, instant file access, and expert support to protect your zombie apocalypse adventure.

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