Project Zomboid: Essential Admin Commands
Managing an active Project Zomboid server requires more than just luck. As a server administrator, you have access to powerful tools that can help maintain order, assist players, and create unique gameplay events. Whether you are troubleshooting a bug or organizing a community challenge, these commands are your best allies.
To run these commands, press Enter to open the chat window and type the command starting with a forward slash (/). Ensure you are logged into an account with admin privileges.
1. Player Management Commands
/teleport [user] [target]
Teleportation is essential for catching cheaters or helping players who have clipped into the environment. If you only specify one username, you will teleport to them. If you specify two, the first player will be moved to the second player's location.
Example: /teleport "Survivor_John"
/godmode [user]
Enabling godmode makes the specified player (or yourself) invincible to all forms of damage, including zombie bites and falls. This is highly useful for building or testing server-wide events without risk.
Example: /godmode "Admin_Alex"
/noclip [user]
Paired with godmode, noclip allows you to walk through walls and solid objects. It is the quickest way to navigate tight spaces or inspect hidden player bases.
2. Server Control & Maintenance
/save
While the server autosaves periodically, running a manual save before an update or a restart is best practice to prevent any data loss.
/showoptions
This command lists all current server settings in the chat. It’s perfect for verifying configuration changes without having to check the .ini files manually.
/servermsg [message]
Broadcast a message to every player currently online. This is the standard way to announce upcoming restarts, events, or rule changes.
3. World & Gameplay Manipulation
/createhorde [count] [username]
Spawns a specific number of zombies near a player. This is a common tool for admins running "zombie rush" events or simply punishing those who have become too comfortable.
/startrain & /stoprain
Control the weather patterns on your server. This can be used to set the mood for a roleplay event or clear up conditions for a building session.
/addvehicle [vehiclename] [username/coordinates]
Spawn any vehicle directly at your feet or at a player's location. This is often used to replace cars lost to physics bugs or to reward players for completing quests.
4. Moderation Tools
/banuser [username] -ip -r "reason"
The primary tool for server security. Adding the -ip flag ensures the player cannot return from a different account, and the -r flag provides a record of the ban reason.
Conclusion
Knowing these commands is just the first step. Responsible administration involves using these powers to enhance the player experience rather than disrupting it. For a full list of over 50 commands, you can type /help in the game console at any time.
For more advanced server management, check out our guide on editing server .ini settings or installing workshop mods.
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