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BUILD 41 MODS

Manual Mod Installation (Build 41)

Learn how to manually install mods for your Project Zomboid Build 41 server

Manual Mod Installation for Build 41

While Steam Workshop provides an easy way to install mods, sometimes you'll need to manually install mods that aren't available on the Workshop or when you need more control over the installation process. This guide covers the step-by-step process for manually installing mods on your Project Zomboid Build 41 server.

Step 1: Finding Mods

Before you can install a mod, you need to find and download it. Here are some common sources for Project Zomboid mods:

Important Note

Always download mods from trusted sources to avoid malware. If possible, verify the mod author and check community feedback before installing.

Step 2: Preparing the Mod Files

Once you've downloaded the mod, you'll need to prepare it for installation:

  1. Extract the mod files - Most mods come as ZIP or RAR archives. Extract them using a tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR.
  2. Verify the mod structure - A proper PZ mod should have a specific structure, typically with a main folder containing:
    • media/ folder
    • mod.info file
    • poster.png (optional)

Example of a correct mod structure:

ModName/ ├── media/ │   ├── lua/ │   ├── textures/ │   └── ... ├── mod.info └── poster.png

Step 3: Uploading to Your Server

Now you need to upload the mod files to your server:

  1. Access your server's file manager - Log in to your control panel and navigate to the file manager.
  2. Navigate to the mods directory - Go to:
    /zomboid/mods/
  3. Upload the mod folder - Upload the entire mod folder (not just the contents) to this directory.

Pro Tip

If you're uploading multiple mods, it's more efficient to zip them all together locally, upload the single zip file, and then extract it on the server.

Step 4: Configuring Your Server

After uploading the mod, you need to configure your server to use it:

  1. Locate your server settings file - Navigate to:
    /zomboid/server/servertest.ini
  2. Edit the Mods line - Find the line that starts with Mods= and add your mod's folder name.

Example Mods line:

Mods=\ModName;\AnotherMod;

Note the backslash before each mod name and the semicolon after each one.

Critical for Build 41

In Build 41, the format for the Mods line is extremely important. Each mod must:

  • Start with a backslash (\)
  • End with a semicolon (;)
  • Have no spaces between entries

Example: Mods=\ModName;\AnotherMod;

Step 5: Restarting Your Server

After configuring your server, you need to restart it for the changes to take effect:

  1. Save all configuration changes
  2. Go to your server control panel
  3. Click "Restart Server" or stop and then start your server

After restarting, check your server console logs for any errors related to mod loading. If there are errors, you may need to adjust your configuration or check the mod files.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Mod Not Loading

  • Double-check the mod folder structure
  • Verify the syntax in the Mods= line (backslashes and semicolons)
  • Check server logs for specific error messages

Server Crashes on Startup

  • The mod might be incompatible with your server version
  • There might be conflicts with other mods
  • Check if the mod requires any dependencies

Players Can't Connect

  • Ensure players have the same mods installed on their clients
  • Check if the mod is client-side, server-side, or both

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