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Troubleshooting Mod Conflicts (Build 41)

6 min readLast updated: January 25, 2026

Understanding and Resolving Mod Conflicts

When running multiple mods on your Project Zomboid server, conflicts can sometimes occur. This guide will help you identify, diagnose, and resolve common mod conflicts to keep your server running smoothly.

Common Signs of Mod Conflicts

Look for these indicators that suggest mod conflicts on your server:

  • Server crashes during startup or at random intervals
  • Error messages in the server console mentioning specific mods
  • Missing or corrupted items, vehicles, or map elements
  • Unexpected gameplay behavior or mechanics
  • Players unable to connect with "version mismatch" errors
  • Severe performance issues or lag spikes

Step 1: Check Server Logs

The first step in troubleshooting is to examine your server logs:

  1. Log in to your Rivix control panel
  2. Navigate to the "Logs" section
  3. Open the most recent server log file
  4. Look for error messages that mention specific mods
  5. Note any Java exceptions or stack traces

Error messages often point directly to the problematic mod or the nature of the conflict.

Step 2: Identify Common Conflict Types

Most mod conflicts fall into these categories:

Dependency Conflicts

When a mod requires another mod that is either missing or loaded in the wrong order:

  • Check mod descriptions for required dependencies
  • Ensure all required mods are installed
  • Verify that dependency mods load before the mods that require them

Version Incompatibility

When mods are designed for different versions of Project Zomboid:

  • Verify each mod is compatible with Build 41
  • Check for mod updates that support your server version
  • Remove mods that are explicitly designed for other builds

Resource Conflicts

When multiple mods try to modify the same game elements:

  • Identify mods that modify the same systems (e.g., two vehicle overhaul mods)
  • Look for compatibility patches between popular mods
  • Choose one mod from each category that modifies the same system

Script Errors

When mods contain coding errors or incompatible script changes:

  • Check for error messages mentioning Lua scripts
  • Look for updates or fixes for the problematic mod
  • Consider reporting the issue to the mod author

Step 3: Resolve Conflicts Using the Process of Elimination

If you can't immediately identify the conflict source:

  1. Create a backup of your current mod configuration
  2. Disable approximately half of your mods
  3. Restart the server and test if the issue persists
  4. If the problem is gone, the conflict is in the disabled group
  5. If the problem remains, the conflict is in the enabled group
  6. Continue this binary search process, narrowing down the problematic mod(s)

Step 4: Fix Common Mod Conflicts

Fixing Load Order Issues

Many conflicts can be resolved by adjusting load order:

  1. In the Rivix mod manager, arrange mods in this general order:
    • Core framework mods (e.g., ModOptions, Mod Manager)
    • Library mods that other mods depend on
    • Major overhaul mods
    • Map mods
    • Vehicle mods
    • Item/weapon mods
    • UI and quality of life mods
    • Minor tweaks and adjustments
  2. Check mod descriptions for specific load order requirements
  3. Save changes and restart your server

Resolving Missing Dependencies

When mods require other mods to function:

  1. Identify the missing dependency from error logs
  2. Install the required dependency mod
  3. Ensure it loads before the dependent mod
  4. Restart the server

Handling Incompatible Mods

When mods simply cannot work together:

  1. Identify which mod is more important for your server
  2. Remove the less important mod
  3. Look for alternative mods with similar functionality
  4. Check if compatibility patches exist

Step 5: Prevent Future Conflicts

Follow these best practices to minimize mod conflicts:

  • Add mods gradually, testing after each addition
  • Keep a record of your working mod configurations
  • Create regular backups before adding new mods
  • Research mod compatibility before installation
  • Keep mods updated to their latest versions
  • Follow mod authors' recommendations for load order

Need More Help?

If you're still experiencing mod conflicts after trying these steps, please contact our support team through the support ticket system or join our Discord server for assistance.