Menu
  Log out
 

Edit Sandbox Settings

Project Zomboid Guide • Updated Jan 6, 2026

Project Zomboid: Editing Sandbox Variables

In **Project Zomboid**, the server's behavior is controlled by two main files: the Server.ini (Network/RAM/Public details) and the **SandboxVars.lua** (Gameplay/Zombie Lore/Loot Rarity). While basic settings can be changed in the panel, fine-tuning zombie behavior or loot spawns often requires editing local files.

1. The Difference

Server.ini handles "How the server runs" (Ports, Passwords, RAM). SandboxVars.lua handles "How the game plays" (Zombie speed, XP Multiplier, Loot Rarity).

2. Mid-Game Edits

Changing settings mid-wipe is possible! If you edit the SandboxVars file and restart the server, the new rules will apply to newly generated areas (chunks). Already explored areas may retain old settings.

3. The map_sand.bin Trap

Sometimes, the server caches old settings in a file called map_sand.bin. If your changes aren't applying, deleting this file forces the server to re-read your Lua config.

Method 1: Using the In-Game Admin Panel (Easiest)

If you are already an admin in-game, you can adjust settings on the fly:

  1. Log in as an admin character.
  2. Press Esc and go to the Admin Panel -> Sandbox Options.
  3. Adjust the sliders (e.g., increase XP multiplier to 2.0).
  4. Click Apply.
    Note: Some major changes (like Zombie Population) still require a server restart to take full effect.

Method 2: Manual File Editing (Permanent)

For dedicated servers, editing the file directly is safer:

  1. Stop your server.
  2. Navigate to /server-data/Server/ (or /Zomboid/Server/).
  3. Locate YourServerName_SandboxVars.lua.
  4. Right-click and Edit.
  5. Find the variable you want to change. Example: 
    Zombies = {
    PopulationMultiplier = 4.0,
    StartMultiplier = 1.0,
}
  6. Save the file.
  7. Critical Step: If changing Zombie Lore or Time settings, you may need to delete /Saves/Multiplayer/YourServerName/map_sand.bin to force the update.
  8. Start the server.

Key Variables to Know

  • XpMultiplier: Default is 1.0. Set to 2.0 or 3.0 for faster leveling in casual servers.
  • ZombieLore.Transmission: Set to 1 for Blood + Saliva, or 3 to completely Disable Infection (great for casual play).
  • LootRespawn: 1 = Daily, 2 = Weekly. Essential for long-term servers to prevent the map from emptying out.

Warning: Be careful with PopMultiplier. A value of 4.0 doesn't just mean "4x Zombies." It multiplies with the PeakMultiplier, potentially resulting in 10x-15x zombie counts on high days, which will lag even the strongest servers.

Fine-tune your apocalypse. Host your Project Zomboid server with Supercraft and use our simplified Config Editor UI to change sandbox settings without touching a single line of code.

← Back to Project Zomboid Guides
Top