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Project Zomboid zombie population settings decide how many zombies your world has and how that number changes over time. On a FREAKHOSTING server, set Zombie population under World rules (sandbox) and the details under Zombies in Game settings: Population multiplier, Starting population multiplier, Peak population multiplier, Population peak day and Zombie respawn time (hours, 0 never). Speed, strength and senses are in the same section.

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How to change zombie population

1

Open Game settings

Open your server and click Game settings under GAME SETTINGS.
2

Set the overall population

In World rules (sandbox), set Zombie population and Zombie distribution (urban focused or uniform).
3

Fine-tune in Zombies

Open Zombies and set the multipliers, peak day and respawn time.
4

Review, save and restart

Click Review and save, save and restart.

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Zombie population settings explained

The population grows from the starting multiplier to the peak multiplier by the peak day. To keep a cleared area clear, set Zombie respawn time to 0.

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Zombie behaviour settings

For a quick change, use Presets: Hardcore gives more and faster zombies, Relaxed gives slow zombies.

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Frequently asked questions

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How do I get fewer zombies on my server?

Lower Zombie population and Population multiplier, and set Zombie respawn time to 0 so cleared areas stay clear.

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Do population changes affect an existing world?

The world rules section notes that some options only apply to a world that has not started yet. Population changes are most predictable on a new world; make a backup before you test on an existing one.

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Can I spawn a horde as admin?

Yes. Type /createhorde 150 "PlayerName" in chat. See admin commands.

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Do more zombies use more server resources?

More zombies mean more for the server to track. Watch the Statistics page after big increases; see RAM allocation.

Project Zomboid guide

Every Project Zomboid page in one place.

Sandbox settings

All world rules.

Loot respawn

Loot amounts and respawn.

Stress and panic

How zombies affect your character.
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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Need Extra Help?

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

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Last Updated: October 2026