How to Install and Manage Mods on Your Project Zomboid Server

Project Zomboid has a huge library of community-made mods available through the Steam Workshop. Adding mods to your server lets you and your players enjoy new items, maps, mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements on top of the base game.

The RiverHosting panel includes a built-in Workshop Mods page that makes adding and managing mods straightforward. You do not need to edit any config files by hand or find mod IDs yourself for most mods.

Before you start

• You need an active Project Zomboid server on RiverHosting. Log in to the panel at panel.riverhosting.com and select your server.
• Your server should be stopped before making changes to mods. Changing mods while the server is running can cause unexpected behaviour.
• Make sure the mods you want to install are compatible with your current version of Project Zomboid. Check the mod page on the Steam Workshop for version notes.
• It is a good idea to create a backup before making large changes to your mod list. You can do this from the Backups tab in the panel.

1. How to install Workshop mods from the panel

The Workshop Mods page in the RiverHosting panel is the easiest way to add mods to your Project Zomboid server. Here is how to use it.

1. Log in to the panel at panel.riverhosting.com and open your Project Zomboid server.
2. Stop your server using the Stop button at the top of the page if it is currently running.
3. In the left-hand menu, click Workshop Mods.
4. You will see a list of any mods already installed, plus an option to add new ones.
5. Search for the mod you want to add by name. The panel pulls information directly from the Steam Workshop.
6. Click the mod you want, then confirm the installation.
7. Repeat for each additional mod you want to add.
8. Once you are happy with your mod list, start your server again using the Start button.

Your server will download and apply the selected mods the next time it starts. Players connecting to the server will be prompted to subscribe to the same mods on their own Steam client if they have not already done so.

2. How to remove a mod from your server

If a mod is causing problems or you simply no longer want it, you can remove it just as easily.

1. Stop your server from the top of the server page.
2. Go to Workshop Mods in the left-hand menu.
3. Find the mod you want to remove in your installed mod list.
4. Click the remove or uninstall option next to that mod.
5. Start your server again once the mod has been removed.

3. How to check and adjust your World Settings after adding mods

Some mods require specific world settings to work properly. For example, a mod might need a particular sandbox option enabled, or a custom spawn point configured. You can review and change these from the World Settings page.

1. In the left-hand menu, click World Settings.
2. Review the available options and adjust any settings recommended by the mod's Workshop page.
3. Save your changes.
4. Restart your server for the changes to take effect.

Troubleshooting

• The server fails to start after adding a mod. Check the Console tab for error messages. A mod may be conflicting with another mod or may be outdated. Try removing the most recently added mod and starting again.
• Players cannot connect after a mod update. If a mod was updated and the server and client versions no longer match, players may be kicked. Make sure all players have updated the mod on their Steam client.
• A mod does not appear to be working in-game. Confirm the mod is listed and enabled on the Workshop Mods page, and that your server was fully restarted after the mod was added. Some mods also require a fresh world to activate properly.
• Mods are installed but the server is running slowly. Too many mods, especially large map mods, can increase the load on your server. Try disabling mods one at a time to find which one is causing the slowdown.
• I cannot find the mod I want in the panel search. If a mod does not appear in the search results, you may need to add it manually using its Workshop ID. You can find the Workshop ID in the mod's Steam Workshop URL. Use the File Manager to add it to the correct config file if the panel search does not return a result.

Need help?

If you run into an issue that is not covered here, the RiverHosting support team is happy to help you get your Project Zomboid server running the way you want it.