> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Install Mods on a Project Zomboid Server

> Master the technical deployment of Workshop content. Learn how to manage WorkshopItems and Mod IDs to customize your Project Zomboid survival experience.

## Technical Modding Infrastructure

Managing modifications on a Project Zomboid (PZ) dedicated server is a rigorous two-stage technical procedure. Unlike simpler engines, PZ requires you to explicitly define both the **Workshop ID** (instructing Steam to retrieve the data) and the **Mod ID** (instructing the game engine to activate specific logic). If these two registries are not perfectly synchronized, the modification will fail to initialize, resulting in connection rejections for your players. This guide walk you through the professional configuration of your server's `.ini` registry on the FREAKHOSTING platform.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Intermediate
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    8 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Step 1: Technical Asset Identification

Before modifying your configuration, you must retrieve the specific identifiers from the Steam Workshop portal.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Locate Workshop ID">
    Identify the 10-digit numeric string found at the base of the mod description or within the browser URL (e.g., `2843606331`).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Retrieve Mod ID">
    Find the alphanumeric technical name provided by the creator (e.g., `BetterSorting`).

    * *Strategic Note:* A single Workshop ID may contain multiple Mod IDs (e.g., separate "Easy" and "Hard" logic modules). Ensure you only authorize the specific variant you intend to use.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Step 2: Configuration & Deployment

Navigate to your server's primary directory path: `/Zomboid/Server/`. Open your active configuration file (typically `servertest.ini`).

### 1. The Download Registry

Locate the **`WorkshopItems=`** variable. Input the numeric identifiers, ensuring every entry is separated by a semicolon (`;`). This instructs the FREAKHOSTING node to synchronize these assets with the Steam network during every boot sequence.

`WorkshopItems=2843606331;123456789;555555555`

### 2. The Logic Activation Registry

Locate the **`Mods=`** variable. Input the alphanumeric Mod IDs in the corresponding sequence.

`Mods=BetterSorting;ModNameA;ModNameB`

***

## Strategic Map Load Order

Implementing custom maps (e.g., **Raven Creek** or **Bedford Falls**) requires an additional configuration step to ensure the world geometry renders correctly.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="The Priority Rule">
    Locate the **`Map=`** variable. You **must** position your custom map identifiers **before** the vanilla world reference (`Muldraugh, KY`).
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Technical Reasoning">
    The PZ engine parses map data from left to right. If the vanilla world is listed first, the engine will prioritize the default geometry, causing your custom monuments and buildings to be overwritten or fail to spawn.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

**Correct Syntax:** `Map=RavenCreek;Muldraugh, KY`

***

<Note>
  ### Managing Mod Updates

  When a mod author publishes an update to the Workshop, your server will automatically detect the change upon its next **Restart**. If players encounter a "Version Mismatch" error, simply trigger a reboot via the Game Panel to force a fresh technical handshake with the Steam API.
</Note>

***

<Note>
  ### Need Extra Help?

  If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

  * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
  * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
  * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
  * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Project Zomboid:** Mods configured.
</div>