Tuning the Apocalypse: Sandbox Vars
“Sandbox Variables” define the core logic of your world: zombie speed, loot rarity, XP multipliers, and water shutoff dates. Because these are stored in a strict Lua table format (SandboxVars.lua), human errors in manual editing often cause the server to fail to boot.
| Reading Time | Difficulty | Last Updated |
|---|
| 6 minutes | Beginner | January 2026 |
The “Gold Standard” Editing Method
Instead of editing raw code, use the game’s built-in UI to generate a valid configuration file.
- Host a Solo Game: Launch Project Zomboid on your PC and select Solo -> Sandbox.
- Configure: Use the visual menus to set your preferred Loot Rarity, XP Multipliers, and Zombie Lore.
- Save Preset: Look for the “Save Preset” box at the bottom. Name it something distinct like
FreakServerVars.
- Locate the File: Navigate to your local PC files:
C:\Users\YourPCName\Zomboid\Sandbox Presets\FreakServerVars.lua
- Upload: Use SFTP to upload this file to your server’s
/Zomboid/Server/ directory.
- Rename: Match your server’s active name (e.g., rename it to
servertest_SandboxVars.lua).
- Restart: Boot the server to apply the new rules.
Common Variables list
| Variable | Description | Recommended |
|---|
XpMultiplier | Global experience boost. | 2.0 - 5.0 |
ZombiesRespawn | If zombies repopulate cleared areas. | False (for realism) |
LootRespawn | If items reappear in containers. | Every 7 Days |
ZombieLore.Speed | 1=Sprinters, 2=Fast Shamblers, 3=Shamblers. | 2 |
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Last Updated: January 2026 | Project Zomboid: Sandbox configured.