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The Project Zomboid error “Workshop item version is different than the server’s” means a mod was updated on Steam after your server last started: players have the new version, the server still has the old one. Fix it by restarting the server, which downloads the latest Workshop versions when it starts, then let players reconnect. If one player still gets it, they unsubscribe and resubscribe to that mod in Steam.

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How to fix “Workshop item version is different than the server’s”

1

Restart the server

Click Restart. The server downloads the latest versions of its Workshop items when it starts.
2

Players reconnect

Once the server is back online, players join again. Steam has usually already updated their copy.
3

Still failing for one player

That player unsubscribes from the mod named in the error, subscribes again so Steam downloads it fresh, and rejoins.
4

Still failing for everyone

Open Game settings > Mods and map and check that each mod has its Workshop item and its mod id, with no duplicates or old ids. If a mod updated recently, remove it for now, save and restart to confirm it’s the cause.
Mods that update often cause this error again and again. Restarting at a quiet time each day helps: set a nightly restart on the Schedules page. See schedules and tasks.

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Other common mod errors

To see the exact error, watch the Console while the server starts, or open the game’s logs in .cache/Logs in Files. See read server logs.

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Frequently asked questions

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Why does this error happen after every mod update?

The server only downloads new mod versions when it starts. Until it restarts, players with the updated mod don’t match it.

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Do I need to delete the mods folder?

No. A restart downloads the new versions. Only remove a mod if a restart doesn’t fix the error.

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Can I stop mods from updating?

The server always loads the current Workshop version. To avoid surprises, back up before restarting after a big mod update.

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Does Steam Auto Update fix mod errors?

No. Steam Auto Update on the Startup page updates the game itself, not Workshop mods.

Project Zomboid guide

Every Project Zomboid page in one place.

Install mods

Workshop items and mod ids.

Server won't start

Map names, memory and disk space.

Brita's Weapon Pack

Mods with requirements.
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.

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Last Updated: October 2026