Edit Server INI Settings

Customizing your Project Zomboid server through INI configuration files gives you complete control over gameplay mechanics, server behavior, and player experience. This comprehensive guide covers three essential methods for editing your server settings, from basic admin panel changes to advanced file editing.

Understanding INI Configuration

Project Zomboid uses several key configuration files:

• pzserver.ini: Main server configuration and gameplay rules
• servertest.ini: Test server settings and experimental features
• admin.txt: Admin user authentication and permissions
• whitelist.txt: Player access control and restrictions

Method 1: In-Game Admin Panel

Quick and easy configuration through the game interface:

Step 1: Access Admin Panel

1. Connect to your server as a player
2. Grant yourself admin privileges if needed
3. Press ESC to access the main menu
4. Click on Admin Panel in the top-left corner

Step 2: Basic Server Settings

1. Select See Server Settings from admin options
2. Browse through available configuration categories
3. Modify settings using the on-screen interface
4. Click Save to apply changes

Step 3: Advanced Server Settings

1. Choose Advanced Server Settings for detailed options
2. Navigate through expanded configuration menus
3. Adjust advanced parameters and gameplay settings
4. Apply changes using the interface controls

Method 2: File Manager Editing

Direct file access for complete control over all settings:

Step 1: Access File Manager

1. Log into your hosting control panel
2. Open the File Manager tool
3. Navigate to server directory: /server-data/Server/

Step 2: Edit Main Configuration

1. Locate pzserver.ini file
2. Right-click on the file and select Edit
3. Modify settings using the text editor interface
4. Save changes to apply them

Step 3: Additional Configuration Files

Important files you may need to edit:

Method 3: External Configuration

Advanced editing using external tools and FTP access:

FTP/SFTP Access

1. Download FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck
2. Use your server's FTP credentials from control panel
3. Connect to your server file system
4. Navigate to /server-data/Server/ directory
5. Download configuration files to edit locally

Local File Editing

• Text Editors: VS Code, Notepad++, Sublime Text
• Syntax Highlighting: Use INI language support
• Validation: Check for formatting errors
• Backup: Keep original files as backup

Key Configuration Sections

Server Basics

# Server Identification
ServerName=My Project Zomboid Server
ServerPassword=
PublicDescription=Welcome to my server!
PublicPort=16261
MaxPlayers=16

# Connection Settings
DefaultPort=16261
UPNP=true
SteamPort1=8766
SteamPort2=8767

Gameplay Mechanics

# Game Rules
PVP=true
PauseEmpty=false
GlobalChat=true
Open=true
AutoCreateUserInWhiteList=false

# Difficulty Settings
NightSpeedModifier=1.0
FoodLoot=4.0
WeaponLoot=2.0
RarityChance=1.0

World Generation

# Map Settings
Map=Muldraugh, KY
Seed=
WorldSize=0
SpawnPoint=10633,9314,0
ResetID=263231328

Performance and Stability

# Server Performance
FramesPerUpdate=40
SleepEmptyServer=true
MaxPlayersPerIP=4
PingFrequency=10
PingLimit=40

# Network Settings
DoLuaChecksum=true
LogLevel=4
ServerPlayerID=263231328

Advanced Configuration

Mod Integration

# Workshop Mods
Mods=
DoLuaChecksum=true
WorkshopDL=

# Custom Content
LuaScripts=
LuaFolder=

Security and Access

# Player Management
SafetySystem=true
ShowSafety=true
SafetyToggleTimer=100
SafetyCooldownTimer=120

# Whitelist Control
WhitelistEnabled=false
WhiteListUsers=

# Admin System
Admins=
RCONPassword=

Troubleshooting

Settings Not Applying

• Verify server restart after file changes
• Check for syntax errors in INI files
• Ensure correct file locations and names
• Validate parameter names and values

Server Fails to Start

• Review recent configuration changes
• Restore from backup files
• Check for conflicting settings
• Verify file permissions and ownership

Performance Issues

• Optimize FramesPerUpdate setting
• Adjust MaxPlayers based on server resources
• Monitor ping limits and network settings
• Consider SleepEmptyServer for idle periods

Best Practices

Common Use Cases

Server Optimization

• Performance Tuning: Adjust FPS and network settings
• Resource Management: Configure player limits and timeouts
• Load Balancing: Optimize for your server hardware

Community Management

• Access Control: Implement whitelist and ban systems
• Safety Features: Enable player protection systems
• Chat Management: Configure global chat and moderation
• Event Configuration: Set up special game modes

Related Articles

• Grant Admin Access - Admin setup guide
• Server Configuration - Complete settings reference
• File Management - Advanced file operations
• Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions

Master your Project Zomboid server configuration with professional hosting services featuring intuitive control panels, instant configuration changes, and expert support to keep your zombie apocalypse running smoothly.