Project Zomboid Server Modding Guide

This guide explains the recommended and most reliable method for installing Project Zomboid mods on a multiplayer server using the Steam Workshop.

This guide only covers Steam Workshop mods. Manual mod installations are not supported.

Overview

Project Zomboid server mods are configured using a server .ini file.
The easiest way to ensure correct Mod IDs and Workshop IDs is by configuring the mods locally first, then copying the generated values to your server.

Some players may be unable to join modded servers due to Lua checksum mismatches.

To prevent this:

  1. In your server .ini file, find: DoLuaChecksum=true

  2. Change it to: DoLuaChecksum=false

  3. Save the file and restart the server

Quick Mod Installation (Manual IDs)

This method is faster and more hands-on, but does not automatically handle mod dependencies. It is best suited for experienced server owners who are comfortable troubleshooting missing mods.

This method may cause mods to load incorrectly if required dependencies are missing.

Steps

  1. Browse the Project Zomboid Steam Workshop and find the mods you want to install
    https://steamcommunity.com/app/108600/workshop/

  2. On each mod’s Workshop page, locate and copy:
    • Workshop ID
    • Mod ID

  3. Log in to the ApexNode panel and select your Project Zomboid server

  4. Open the Files tab and navigate to: .cache/Server

  5. Open the server .ini file your server is using
    • You can confirm the file name in the Startup tab under the Server Name parameter
  6. Add the copied IDs to the appropriate lines:
    • Append Mod IDs to the Mods= line
    • Append Workshop IDs to the WorkshopItems= line

    Separate multiple entries with semicolons (;)

  7. Save the file and restart your server

Important Notes

  • Dependencies must be added manually
  • Mods may appear as [Not Found] if IDs are missing or incorrect
  • Always double-check spelling and separators
  • Server restart is required for changes to take effect

The ‘slow’ yet recommended way of adding mods.

Step 1: Subscribe to Mods on Steam

  1. Open the Project Zomboid Steam Workshop:
    https://steamcommunity.com/app/108600/workshop/

  2. Find the mod(s) you want to install and subscribe to them

  3. Make sure to also subscribe to all required dependencies listed on the mod’s Workshop page

Step 2: Launch Project Zomboid Locally

  1. Launch Project Zomboid through Steam

  2. (Optional but recommended)
    Install Better Server Settings to simplify mod configuration:
    https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2756434288

  3. At the main menu, click Host

  4. Click Create New Settings

    • We recommend naming it servertest

Step 3: Configure Mods in Host Settings

  1. Open the Mods tab
  2. Select all mods you want to use on the server
  • If using Better Server Settings, the Steam Workshop tab should auto-populate
  • If not, manually add the Workshop IDs for each mod
  1. Once all mods are added, click Save

Step 4: Copy Mod Configuration File

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Navigate to: C:\Users\Zomboid\Server

  3. Open the file: servertest.ini

  4. Keep this file open — you’ll be copying values from it shortly

Step 5: Apply Mods to Your Server

  1. Log in to the ApexNode panel:
    https://panel.apexnode.host

  2. Select your Project Zomboid server

  3. Open the Files tab

  4. Navigate to: .cache/Server

  5. Open the .ini file your server is using

    • You can confirm the correct file name in the Startup tab under the Server Name parameter

Step 6: Copy Required Lines

From your local servertest.ini file:

  1. Copy the entire line starting with: Mods=

  2. Paste it into the server .ini, replacing the existing Mods= line

  3. Copy the entire line starting with: WorkshopItems=

  4. Paste it into the server .ini, replacing the existing WorkshopItems= line

  5. Save the file

Step 7: Restart the Server

Restart your Project Zomboid server.

During startup, you should see Steam Workshop mods downloading in the server console. Once startup completes, the mods will be active.

Final Notes

  • Always restart the server after changing mods
  • Double-check mod dependencies if a mod fails to load
  • If a mod shows as [Not Found], verify:
    • Workshop ID
    • Mod ID
    • Dependency mods are installed