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How to Add Mods to Your Project Zomboid Steam Dedicated Server

Adding mods to your Project Zomboid dedicated server can significantly enhance gameplay, introducing new items, mechanics, challenges, and even entirely new maps. The process, while initially seeming daunting, is straightforward once you understand the key steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started.

The Direct Answer: Adding Mods to Your Dedicated Server

To add mods to your Project Zomboid Steam dedicated server, you generally need to follow these key steps:

Identify the Mods: Browse the Steam Workshop for Project Zomboid and choose the mods you want to add to your server. Note down the Workshop ID (a unique numerical identifier for each mod) and the Mod ID (the name assigned to the mod by its creator, often different from the workshop title).
Access Your Server Files: Connect to your server files using an FTP client like FileZilla or through your server provider’s file manager.
Locate and Edit Configuration Files: Find the server configuration file, usually named servertest.ini or something similar, located within the server’s directory, usually within a “Config” folder. This is where you’ll modify the settings related to mod loading.
Modify WorkshopItems= and Mods= Lines:
- Locate the line beginning with WorkshopItems=. Enter the Workshop IDs of the mods you wish to add, separated by semicolons (;). For example: WorkshopItems=12345678;87654321;98765432.
- Find the line beginning with Mods=. Enter the Mod IDs of the mods you wish to add, also separated by semicolons (;). For example: Mods=ModA;ModB;ModC.
Upload Mod Files (Sometimes): In certain cases, you may need to manually upload the actual mod files to a “mods” folder in the server’s directory. This isn’t always necessary if using the Workshop ID, but certain mods may need manual file uploads. Check the mod’s description on Steam Workshop. You’ll often find these files by navigating to your local Steam Workshop folder on your PC, typically located within Steamsteamappsworkshopcontent108600 (108600 is the app ID for Project Zomboid).
Save Changes and Restart Server: Save the changes made to the configuration file. Then, restart your dedicated server for the modifications to take effect.

That’s the essential process. Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to enhance your understanding further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Workshop IDs and Mod IDs, and why do I need both?

The Workshop ID is a numerical identifier assigned by Steam to a mod when it’s uploaded to the Steam Workshop. It’s used by Steam to download the mod.
The Mod ID is the name the mod creator assigned the mod, typically found within the mod’s info file and used by the game’s internal system to load the mod.
You often need both IDs to ensure that the server can both download the mod and correctly activate it in game.

2. How do I find the Workshop ID of a Project Zomboid mod?

Navigate to the mod’s page on the Steam Workshop.
The Workshop ID is part of the URL of that page, typically at the end of the address following ?id=. For instance, a URL like https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=12345678 means the Workshop ID is 12345678.

3. How do I find the Mod ID of a Project Zomboid mod?

The mod ID is usually found within a file named mod.info inside the mod’s folder. This file can be located in your local Steam Workshop folder, typically in the directory: Steamsteamappsworkshopcontent108600.
Open the mod.info file with a text editor like Notepad. You will usually find a line like id=ModName, where ModName is the actual mod ID.

4. Can I add mods to an already existing Project Zomboid save?

Yes, generally you can, but there are limitations.
Adding new items or map expansions won’t affect areas you have already explored on existing saves. New items won’t appear in those areas, and new map areas won’t generate where you have already been.
Adding or removing mods can sometimes cause issues or instability to an existing save, so backup your save files before making major mod changes.

5. How do I manually upload mod files to my server?

Connect to your server using an FTP client.
Navigate to the “mods” folder within your server directory. If the folder doesn’t exist, you can create one.
Locate the mod folder on your local machine within your Steam Workshop folder (mentioned earlier).
Upload the entire mod folder into the server’s “mods” folder.

6. What if the “mods” folder doesn’t exist on my server?

If the “mods” folder doesn’t exist, simply create it in the main server directory where servertest.ini is found.
Also, make sure you’ve at least tried to run your server once with mods enabled, the server may create it automatically

7. How do I use a mod collection on my server?

Mod collections are simply a curated set of mods bundled together on Steam Workshop.
You need to get the Workshop IDs of all the individual mods in that collection and add them to the WorkshopItems= line in your server’s servertest.ini file, separating each ID with a semicolon.
Remember to also add all of the individual mod IDs to the Mods= line.

8. What are common mod-related problems and how to troubleshoot them?

Mod conflicts: Some mods might not be compatible with each other. Test mods in smaller groups first and always backup saves.
Incorrect ID entries: Check and double-check that Workshop IDs and Mod IDs are entered correctly.
Missing files: Ensure all necessary mod files are uploaded to the “mods” folder on your server, if required.
Outdated mods: Make sure the mods you are using are compatible with the current version of Project Zomboid.
Incorrect File Path: Mods must be in the correct file path, look for Zomboidmods when using a local server.

9. Do all players on the server need to have the same mods?

Yes, all players connecting to a modded server must have the same mods installed and enabled on their local game clients.
Any mismatch between client and server mods can result in errors, crashes, or an inability to join the server.

10. Can I change mods on my server while it’s running?

No, you cannot change the mods on your server while it is running.
You must first stop the server, make your changes, save the configuration file, and then restart the server for the new mods to load correctly.

11. Is there a mod manager for Project Zomboid dedicated servers?

There are third-party tools that aim to manage mods for servers, but they are not officially supported.
Most server hosts don’t include them in their control panel.
These tools can sometimes simplify the process, but may also be buggy or unreliable so you should practice extreme caution when using them.

12. Can I edit the configuration of individual mods on my server?

Yes, many mods will have their own configuration files. These files are often located within the mod’s folder, both locally and on your server.
You can usually edit these files to customize the mod’s behavior.
Be sure to read the mod’s descriptions thoroughly to understand what settings can be changed.

13. Why aren’t the cars from car mods spawning on my existing server?

Car mods often don’t retroactively add cars to places you have already explored on the map, or that were previously loaded before the mod was installed.
Vehicles spawn according to a random roll as you approach an area, so areas you’ve been will have already triggered these spawns, and the new modded cars won’t be added.
You would need to explore new areas to find vehicles spawned by mods on an existing save.

14. Will modded content from one save transfer to another save?

No. Each save game is handled separately.
The mods active for one save will not apply to another save unless you manually go and enable them.
Each saved game will have its own mod configuration list.

15. How do I backup my Project Zomboid dedicated server files?

Regularly backing up your server files is crucial.
You can do this using your FTP client or your server provider’s backup feature.
To manually back up via FTP, simply download the entire server directory to your local computer.
Make backups before adding or removing mods, that way if something goes wrong, you can easily revert to a working server.

By following these steps and considering these FAQs, you’ll be well on your way to customizing your Project Zomboid dedicated server with a variety of engaging mods. Remember to stay updated with mod releases and always read the descriptions of the mods you are adding. Happy surviving!

How do I add mods to my project zomboid Steam dedicated server?