> ## 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 Zombie Population Settings for Your Server

> Project Zomboid zombie population settings: Zombie population, population multipliers, peak day, respawn time, speed and strength. Set them in Game settings.

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.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel page |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 5 minutes | Every FREAKHOSTING Project Zomboid server | **Game settings** |

## 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.

## Zombie population settings explained

| Setting | What it does |
| - | - |
| Zombie population | Overall number of zombies (World rules). |
| Zombie distribution | Urban focused puts most zombies in towns; uniform spreads them out. |
| Population multiplier | Multiplies the population. |
| Starting population multiplier | Share of the population at the start. |
| Peak population multiplier | Share of the population at its peak. |
| Population peak day | In-game day the population reaches its peak. |
| Zombie respawn time | Hours before zombies respawn in cleared areas; `0` never. |

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`.

## Zombie behaviour settings

| Setting | What it changes |
| - | - |
| Zombie speed | Shamblers, fast shamblers or sprinters. |
| Zombie strength / toughness | Damage they deal and how hard they are to kill. |
| Infection | How the zombie infection spreads. |
| Zombie intelligence | For example, whether zombies open doors. |
| Zombie memory | How long they keep chasing. |
| Zombie sight / hearing | How well they notice players. |

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

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) before you test on an existing one.

### Can I spawn a horde as admin?

Yes. Type `/createhorde 150 "PlayerName"` in chat. See [admin commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/admin-commands-and-invisible-mode.md).

### 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](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/optimizing-ram-allocation.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)**
>
> All world rules.

> **[Loot respawn](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/project-zomboid-loot-respawn-settings.md)**
>
> Loot amounts and respawn.

> **[Stress and panic](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/project-zomboid/managing-panic-and-stress.md)**
>
> How zombies affect your character.

***

> [!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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