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Project Zomboid Cryogenic Winter is a Steam Workshop mod (id 2210760610) that turns the world into a long, deadly winter; its Workshop title says it supports Build 41 and Build 42, single-player and multiplayer. On a FREAKHOSTING server you add it in Game settings > Mods and map. Without mods, you can get close to the game’s Winter is Coming challenge by setting Start month to December and the sandbox Temperature to very cold.

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What is Winter is Coming?

Winter is Coming is one of Project Zomboid’s built-in challenges and returned, improved, in Build 42.20. You start in deep winter: cold exposure, frozen water and the full winter survival loop from day one. Challenges are started from the game’s own menu, so a dedicated server can’t load one directly. You recreate it with sandbox settings instead.

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How to start your server in winter (no mods)

1

Plan a new world

Start month and start day only apply to a world that hasn’t started yet. Make a backup and use a new world, or set this up before your first start.
2

Set the start date

Open Game settings > World rules (sandbox). Set Start month to December and pick a Start day.
3

Save

Click Review and save and save.
4

Make it colder

Stop the server. Click SandboxVars.lua: open the raw file and set the temperature to very cold:
1 is Very Cold, 3 Normal and 5 Very Warm. Save the file and start the server.

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How to add the Cryogenic Winter mod

1

Check the mod page

Open the Workshop page of Cryogenic Winter (id 2210760610). Note its mod id and check the latest comments for your game version: some players reported problems on recent Build 42 versions.
2

Add it in Mods and map

In Game settings > Mods and map, add 2210760610 under Workshop items and its mod id under Mod ids.
3

Set its options

The mod adds its own sandbox options, including easy and hard modes. Set them as its Workshop page describes. Its author warns that the game’s own eternal-snow sandbox option breaks the mod; use the mod’s permanent-snow option instead.
4

Save and restart

Click Review and save, save and restart. The server downloads the mod when it starts, and players download it when they join.
See install mods for the general steps.

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Tips for a winter server

  • Water and power still shut off on their usual schedule. Players need heat, warm clothing and stored food early.
  • Consider a lower zombie population for new players, since the cold is a second enemy.

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Frequently asked questions

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Can I play the Winter is Coming challenge on a server?

Not as a challenge. Use Start month December and a cold Temperature setting to get a similar start.

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Does Cryogenic Winter work on Build 42 multiplayer?

The mod’s title says Build 41 and Build 42, single-player and multiplayer, but players report mixed results on recent Build 42 versions. Test it on a fresh backup before you rely on it.

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How cold is Project Zomboid winter without mods?

It depends on the Temperature sandbox option (1 Very Cold to 5 Very Warm) and the time of year. Set 1 for the harshest winters.

Project Zomboid guide

Every Project Zomboid page in one place.

Sandbox settings

World rules, zombies and loot.

Install mods

Workshop items and mod ids.

Erosion speed

How fast nature takes over.
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