> ## 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.

# Project Zomboid Loot Respawn Settings for Your Server

> Turn on Project Zomboid loot respawn: set Loot respawns after (hours) in Game settings, limit it with No respawn above, and tune the 21 loot amount settings.

Project Zomboid loot respawn is off by default (`0`). To turn it on, open **Game settings** > **Loot respawn and world** and set **Loot respawns after** to a number of in-game hours, such as `168` for once a week. **No respawn above** stops a container from refilling while it still holds more than that many items (default `5`). How much loot appears is set per type under **Loot amounts**, from `0` (none) to `4`.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 3 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Project Zomboid server | **Game settings** |

## How to turn on loot respawn

**1. Open Game settings**

Open your server and click **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS**.

**2. Set Loot respawns after**

Open **Loot respawn and world** and enter the number of in-game hours, for example `72` (3 days) or `168` (7 days). `0` turns respawn off.

**3. Set the limits**

Set **No respawn above** and the other options in the table below.

**4. Review, save and restart**

Click **Review and save**, save and restart.

## Loot respawn settings explained

| Setting | Game option | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| Loot respawns after | `HoursForLootRespawn` | In-game hours before loot can respawn. `0` is off. |
| No respawn above | `MaxItemsForLootRespawn` | A container with more items than this doesn't respawn loot. Default `5`. |
| Built-in buildings do not respawn loot | `ConstructionPreventsLootRespawn` | Buildings players have built in or barricaded don't respawn loot, so bases don't refill. |
| Items per container | — | Most items a container can hold; `0` is no limit. |

## Loot amounts

**Loot amounts** in **Game settings** sets how much of each type spawns, from `0` (none) to `4`:

Food, Canned food, Books and magazines, Survival gear, Medical supplies, Melee weapons, Guns, Ammunition, Vehicle parts, Other loot, Clothing, Bags and containers, Keys, Movies and music, Mementos, Cookware, Building materials, Farming supplies, Tools, Skill books and Recipe resources.

For a quick change, use **Presets**: **Hardcore** makes loot scarce and **Relaxed** gives plenty of loot.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does loot respawn in Project Zomboid by default?

No. In the standard presets **Loot respawns after** is `0`, so containers never refill.

### Why isn't loot respawning on my server?

Check that **Loot respawns after** is above `0`, enough in-game hours have passed, the container holds fewer items than **No respawn above**, and it isn't in a building players have built in. Restart after saving.

### Do loot amount changes affect containers that already spawned?

Loot amounts apply when loot is generated, so containers opened before the change keep what they had. New areas and respawned loot use the new amounts.

### Should I soft reset to refill loot?

No. Use loot respawn instead. See [soft reset](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/soft-resetting-a-project-zomboid-server.md).

## Related guides

> **[Project Zomboid guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-server-hosting-guide.md)**
>
> Every Project Zomboid page in one place.

> **[Sandbox settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/how-to-configure-sandbox-variables-in-project-zomboid.md)**
>
> World rules, zombies and loot.

> **[Zombie population](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-zombie-population-settings.md)**
>
> Zombie numbers and respawn.

> **[Safehouse settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/setting-up-safehouses-and-factions.md)**
>
> Protect bases from looters.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on 30 October 2026 (Project Zomboid Build 42 on our Game Panel). Steps may differ slightly if the game or its mods change.

> [!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)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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