> ## 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 Server Settings Explained (servertest.ini) > Project Zomboid server settings explained: every section of Game settings and server .ini (servertest.ini), from password and PvP to mods, backups and voice. Project Zomboid server settings are stored in the server `.ini` file, often called `servertest.ini`; on FREAKHOSTING it is named after your **Server Name** startup variable, `.ini`, in `.cache/Server`. You change them on the **Game settings** page: the server name and password, players and PvP, mods and map, loot respawn, safehouses, protection, backups, chat and voice. The sandbox (world rules) is a separate file. Changes apply the next time the server starts. | Item | Detail | | - | - | | Panel page | **Game settings** under **GAME SETTINGS** | | Server file | `.cache/Server/.ini` | | Sandbox file | `.cache/Server/_SandboxVars.lua` | | Raw files | **servertest.ini: open the raw file**, **SandboxVars.lua: open the raw file** | ## The Game settings page ![Project Zomboid server settings page in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel with checks, presets and the Server section](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no/images/games/project-zomboid/pz-game-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=4h1IkXVQmzT6o2no\&q=85\&s=095c8a9210136f450f4f4ad0980832a0) The Project Zomboid Game settings page * **Search settings** finds any setting by name. * **All | Changed** shows every setting or only the ones you changed. * **Presets** fills in several settings: **Peaceful co-op** ("No PvP, no fire, announcements off."), **PvP server** ("PvP on and always on, no personal switch."), **Hardcore** and **Relaxed**. * **Show advanced settings** shows the extra settings in each section. * Checks at the top warn you about problems, such as **Backups on start can fill the temporary space**. * **Discard** throws away unsaved changes; **Review and save** shows the exact change before saving. ## Server | Setting | What it does | | - | - | | Server name | The name in the server list. | | Description | Server list description. Write `\n` for a new line. | | Show in the server list | Lists your server publicly. | | Server password | Password to join. Empty means no password. | | Player slots | Maximum players. Above 32 the map streaming gets poor. | | Anyone can join | Open server: accounts are created on first join. Off: you create accounts yourself. | | Welcome message | Chat message on join. Use `` for a new line. | | Pause the game when empty | Time stops when nobody is online. | | Ping limit | Kicks players above this ping in ms; `0` is off. | | Save the map every | Minutes between saves. | | Automatic port forwarding (UPnP) | Not used on a hosted server; leave it off. | | Admin password | Linked to the **Startup** page. **Change** or **Remove**. | ## Players and PvP | Setting | What it does | | - | - | | Players can hurt each other | PvP on or off. | | PvP is a personal choice | Each player toggles their own PvP. | | Show the PvP skull | Marks players with PvP on. | | Time to switch PvP / PvP switch cooldown | Seconds to switch, and wait before switching again. | | No fire | Stops fire. | | Announce deaths | Chat message when a player dies. | | Allow split-screen | Several players on one PC. | | Players may sleep | Allows sleeping. | | Global chat | Server-wide chat. | | Show names above heads / Show first and last name | Name display. | | Items new players start with | Comma list, e.g. `Base.Axe,Base.Bag_BigHikingBag`. | | Other players on the map | Whether players see each other on the map. | | Allow factions | Lets players create factions. | ## Mods and map **Workshop items** (Workshop links or ids), **Mod ids** (in load order) and **Map**. A wrong map name stops the server from starting; if that happens, put back `Muldraugh, KY`. See [install mods](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/installing-mods-to-a-project-zomboid-server.md). ## Loot respawn and world **Loot respawns after** (hours, `0` off), **No respawn above** (items, default `5`), **Built-in buildings do not respawn loot**, **Items per container** (`0` no limit), **Players can destroy with sledgehammers**, **Sledgehammers only in a safehouse** and **Minutes to read a page**. See [loot respawn](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-loot-respawn-settings.md) and [reading speed](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/skill-book-reading-speed.md). ## Safehouses and factions Claiming, entry, looting, fire, respawn and removal of safehouses. See [safehouse settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/setting-up-safehouses-and-factions.md). ## Protection and limits | Setting | What it does | | - | - | | Check game files | Checks that players' game files match the server's. The panel marks it **CAREFUL**: change it only if you know you need to. | | Accounts per Steam user | `0` means no limit. | | Steam VAC | Valve Anti-Cheat. | | RCON password | Password for remote console tools. | ## Backups "Backups run in the server's temporary space, which is small on a hosted server." Settings: **Backups to keep**, **Backup when the server starts**, **Backup after a game update** and **Backup every** (minutes, `0` off). Leave **Backup when the server starts** off: on a hosted server it fills the temporary space and the server stops starting. Use the panel's **Backups** and **Automatic backups** instead. ## Chat, Discord and voice **Discord chat link** connects game chat to Discord. **Voice chat**, **Voice minimum distance**, **Voice maximum distance** (tiles) and **Directional voice** control in-game voice. ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is servertest.ini on my server? In `.cache/Server`, named after the **Server Name** startup variable. With **Server Name** `servertest` it is `servertest.ini`. ### Do I need to restart after changing settings? Yes. Changes apply the next time the server starts. ### How do I make my server private? Set a **Server password**, switch off **Show in the server list**, and switch off **Anyone can join** if you want to create accounts yourself. ### What's the difference between server settings and sandbox settings? Server settings (the `.ini`) control access, PvP, mods and the server. Sandbox settings shape the world: zombies, loot amounts, time and more. See [sandbox settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/how-to-configure-sandbox-variables-in-project-zomboid.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. > **[Safehouse settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/setting-up-safehouses-and-factions.md)** > > Claims and access. > **[Server won't start](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-server-wont-start.md)** > > Common start-up problems. *** > [!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 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.