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Mini Map Configuration

Project Zomboid Guide • Updated Jan 6, 2026

Mini Map Configuration

The mini map is an essential navigation tool in Project Zomboid that helps players and server communities coordinate, navigate, and survive together. This comprehensive guide covers all minimap-related server settings, how to configure them, troubleshoot issues, and optimize the map experience for your players.

Understanding Project Zomboid Map Settings

Project Zomboid offers two types of map-related settings that control different aspects of the in-game mapping system:

  • Server Settings (pzserver.ini) - Controls multiplayer-specific features like player visibility
  • Sandbox Variables (pzserver_SandboxVars.lua) - Controls core gameplay features including map availability

Both configuration files work together to provide complete control over how maps function on your server.

Configuration File Locations

pzserver.ini File

The server configuration file contains multiplayer-specific settings:

  • Linux Path: /server-data/Server/pzserver.ini
  • Windows Path: C:\Users\YourUsername\Zomboid\Server\pzserver.ini
  • Purpose: Controls server behavior, player interactions, and multiplayer features

pzserver_SandboxVars.lua File

The sandbox variables file contains world-specific gameplay settings:

  • Linux Path: /server-data/Saves/Multiplayer/ServerName/pzserver_SandboxVars.lua
  • Windows Path: C:\Users\YourUsername\Zomboid\Saves\Multiplayer\ServerName\pzserver_SandboxVars.lua
  • Alternative Name: May also be named world_SandboxVars.lua
  • Purpose: Controls gameplay mechanics, difficulty, and feature availability

Server Settings (pzserver.ini)

MapRemotePlayerVisibility

This setting controls what players can see about other players' locations on the map.

How to Configure:

  1. Open pzserver.ini in a text editor
  2. Find the line: MapRemotePlayerVisibility=
  3. Set the value to 1, 2, or 3 based on your preference
  4. Save the file and restart your server

Available Values:

Value Visibility Setting Description Best For
1 Hidden All players are hidden from each other on the map Hardcore PvP, realistic survival servers
2 Friends Only Players can only see friends on the map Semi-cooperative servers, faction gameplay
3 Everyone Visible All players can see everyone on the map Cooperative PvE, community servers, roleplay

Example Configuration:

# Show all players on map (cooperative server)
MapRemotePlayerVisibility=3

# Or hide all players (hardcore survival)
MapRemotePlayerVisibility=1

Important Notes:

  • Players appear only on the big map (M key), not the corner minimap
  • This setting applies to all players globally - cannot be customized per-player
  • Changes require server restart to take effect
  • Dead players are not shown on the map regardless of this setting

Sandbox Variables (pzserver_SandboxVars.lua)

The sandbox variables file contains the core map functionality settings. These settings are typically found in the "Map" section of the file.

AllowMiniMap

Controls whether the corner minimap is enabled for players.

How to Configure:

  1. Open pzserver_SandboxVars.lua in a text editor
  2. Find the line: AllowMiniMap = false, or AllowMiniMap = true,
  3. Change the value to true to enable or false to disable
  4. Save the file and restart your server

Configuration Example:

SandboxVars = {
    Map = {
        AllowMiniMap = true,  -- Enable corner minimap
        ...
    },
    ...
}

What It Does:

  • true: Players can see the small corner minimap showing immediate surroundings
  • false: Corner minimap is completely disabled (more realistic/challenging)

AllowWorldMap

Controls whether the full world map (M key) is available to players.

How to Configure:

  1. Open pzserver_SandboxVars.lua in a text editor
  2. Find the line: AllowWorldMap = false, or AllowWorldMap = true,
  3. Change the value to true to enable or false to disable
  4. Save the file and restart your server

Configuration Example:

SandboxVars = {
    Map = {
        AllowWorldMap = true,  -- Enable full world map
        ...
    },
    ...
}

What It Does:

  • true: Players can open the full world map with M key to view explored areas
  • false: World map is disabled - players must navigate without it

Note: On multiplayer servers, AllowWorldMap is typically disabled by default in hardcore presets like Apocalypse mode.

MapAllKnown

Controls whether the entire map is revealed from the start or requires exploration.

How to Configure:

  1. Open pzserver_SandboxVars.lua in a text editor
  2. Find the line: MapAllKnown = false, or MapAllKnown = true,
  3. Change the value to true to reveal all or false to require exploration
  4. Save the file and restart your server

Configuration Example:

SandboxVars = {
    Map = {
        MapAllKnown = false,  -- Require exploration
        ...
    },
    ...
}

What It Does:

  • true: All map areas are revealed immediately, even unexplored regions
  • false: Players must explore areas to reveal them on the map (default, more realistic)

Use Cases:

  • MapAllKnown = true: Good for roleplay servers, creative building, or when map knowledge isn't a gameplay challenge
  • MapAllKnown = false: Best for survival servers where exploration and discovery are important

Complete Configuration Example

Here's a complete example showing recommended settings for different server types:

Cooperative PvE Server (Recommended for Most Servers)

pzserver.ini:

MapRemotePlayerVisibility=3  # Everyone can see each other

pzserver_SandboxVars.lua:

SandboxVars = {
    Map = {
        AllowMiniMap = true,      # Enable minimap
        AllowWorldMap = true,     # Enable world map
        MapAllKnown = false,      # Require exploration
    },
}

Hardcore Survival Server

pzserver.ini:

MapRemotePlayerVisibility=1  # Players hidden from each other

pzserver_SandboxVars.lua:

SandboxVars = {
    Map = {
        AllowMiniMap = false,     # Disable minimap (hardcore)
        AllowWorldMap = true,     # Allow world map but...
        MapAllKnown = false,      # Must explore to reveal
    },
}

Roleplay/Creative Server

pzserver.ini:

MapRemotePlayerVisibility=3  # Everyone visible for coordination

pzserver_SandboxVars.lua:

SandboxVars = {
    Map = {
        AllowMiniMap = true,      # Enable minimap
        AllowWorldMap = true,     # Enable world map
        MapAllKnown = true,       # All areas revealed (for building/roleplay)
    },
}

Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

Method 1: Using File Manager (Recommended)

  1. Access Your Server Files
    • Log into your server control panel
    • Navigate to File Manager or use FTP client
  2. Configure Server Settings (pzserver.ini)
    • Open /server-data/Server/pzserver.ini
    • Find MapRemotePlayerVisibility=
    • Set value to 1, 2, or 3 based on your preference
    • Save the file
  3. Configure Sandbox Variables (pzserver_SandboxVars.lua)
    • Navigate to /server-data/Saves/Multiplayer/YourServerName/
    • Open pzserver_SandboxVars.lua
    • Locate the "Map" section
    • Set AllowMiniMap, AllowWorldMap, and MapAllKnown as desired
    • Save the file
  4. Restart Your Server
    • Stop the server completely
    • Wait 10-15 seconds
    • Start the server again
    • Changes will now be active
  5. Verify Settings
    • Join your server
    • Press V to toggle HUD visibility
    • Press M to open world map
    • Check if minimap appears in corner
    • Verify player visibility matches your MapRemotePlayerVisibility setting

Method 2: Using Admin Panel (If Available)

Some server control panels offer graphical interfaces for editing sandbox variables:

  1. Log into your server control panel
  2. Navigate to "Sandbox Settings" or "Game Configuration"
  3. Find the "Map" section
  4. Toggle settings using checkboxes or dropdowns
  5. Save changes and restart server

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Minimap Not Showing Up

If players report the minimap is not visible, try these solutions in order:

Solution 1: Check Sandbox Settings

  1. Verify AllowMiniMap = true in pzserver_SandboxVars.lua
  2. Ensure server has been restarted after making changes
  3. Check that you're not using Apocalypse preset (has minimap disabled by default)

Solution 2: Toggle HUD Visibility

  1. Press V key to toggle HUD visibility
  2. Check if minimap reappears in the corner
  3. Click the map icon in top-left corner to manually enable

Solution 3: Reset layout.ini (Client-Side Fix)

  1. Close Project Zomboid completely
  2. Navigate to C:\Users\YourUsername\Zomboid\Lua\ (Windows) or equivalent
  3. Find layout.ini file
  4. Open it and find the Minimap section
  5. Change visible=false to visible=true
  6. Save and restart the game

Solution 4: Delete layout.ini

  1. If editing doesn't work, delete layout.ini completely
  2. The game will regenerate it with default settings on next launch

Minimap Off-Screen or Misplaced

If the minimap is rendering off-screen:

  1. Set game resolution to very low (640×480) in windowed mode
  2. This forces all UI elements to cluster on screen
  3. Locate and drag the minimap window back to a visible area
  4. Return to your normal resolution
  5. The minimap position should now be saved correctly

Players Can't See Each Other on Map

Check These Settings:

  • Verify MapRemotePlayerVisibility is set to 2 or 3 in pzserver.ini
  • Ensure AllowWorldMap = true in sandbox variables
  • Remember: Players appear on world map (M key), not the corner minimap
  • Players must be alive - dead players don't show on map
  • For value 2 (Friends Only), players must have each other added as friends

Map Changes Not Taking Effect

If your configuration changes aren't working:

  1. Verify File Syntax - Make sure there are no typos or syntax errors in Lua file
  2. Check File Paths - Ensure you're editing the correct server instance's files
  3. Restart Server Properly - Stop completely, wait 15 seconds, then start
  4. Clear Cache - Some changes may require clearing server cache
  5. Backup and Restore - If all else fails, restore from backup and reconfigure

World Map Won't Open

If pressing M doesn't open the world map:

  1. Check AllowWorldMap = true in pzserver_SandboxVars.lua
  2. Verify keybindings - M is default but may be rebound
  3. Try right-clicking and selecting "World Map" from context menu
  4. Ensure you're not in a vehicle (can't open map while driving)

Best Practices and Recommendations

Backup Before Editing

Always create backups before modifying configuration files:

  1. Copy pzserver.ini to pzserver.ini.backup
  2. Copy pzserver_SandboxVars.lua to pzserver_SandboxVars.lua.backup
  3. Store backups in a separate folder or download them locally
  4. This allows easy restoration if something goes wrong

Server Type Recommendations

New/Casual Server:

  • MapRemotePlayerVisibility = 3 (everyone visible)
  • AllowMiniMap = true
  • AllowWorldMap = true
  • MapAllKnown = false (keeps exploration interesting)

Experienced/Challenge Server:

  • MapRemotePlayerVisibility = 1 or 2
  • AllowMiniMap = false (increased difficulty)
  • AllowWorldMap = true
  • MapAllKnown = false

Roleplay Server:

  • MapRemotePlayerVisibility = 3
  • AllowMiniMap = true
  • AllowWorldMap = true
  • MapAllKnown = true (focus on story, not exploration)

Testing Configuration Changes

After making changes:

  1. Restart server and wait for full initialization
  2. Join with a test character
  3. Verify minimap appears (if enabled)
  4. Press M and check world map opens
  5. If MapRemotePlayerVisibility = 3, join with second client and verify player markers appear
  6. Document what works for future reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can individual players disable their own minimap?

A: Yes, players can toggle their HUD (including minimap) with the V key, regardless of server settings. They can also click the map icon in the top-left corner to hide it.

Q: Does MapAllKnown = true reveal buildings and loot?

A: No, it only reveals the map terrain. Buildings, items, and zombies must still be discovered by exploring.

Q: Can I change map settings mid-game?

A: Yes, but you must restart the server for changes to take effect. Existing player map data will remain.

Q: Do players keep explored map data after death?

A: This depends on your death penalty settings. By default, players lose map knowledge on death and must re-explore.

Q: Will mods affect minimap settings?

A: Some mods may override or extend minimap functionality. Check mod descriptions for compatibility notes.

Q: Can I see other players on the corner minimap?

A: No, MapRemotePlayerVisibility only affects the world map (M key). The corner minimap shows only your immediate surroundings.

Q: What's the difference between AllowMiniMap and AllowWorldMap?

A: AllowMiniMap controls the small corner map showing immediate surroundings. AllowWorldMap controls the large map (M key) showing the entire game world.

Q: Do I need to restart for pzserver.ini changes?

A: Yes, all configuration file changes require a server restart to take effect.

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