Project Zomboid's dedicated server offers extensive control through console commands. Mastering these commands is crucial for administrators wanting to fine-tune their server experience, manage players, and troubleshoot issues. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of essential and advanced commands, categorized for easy navigation.
Essential Server Management Commands
These commands are vital for day-to-day server administration.
Player Management:
kill [player name]: Instantly kills the specified player. Use cautiously!kick [player name]: Removes a player from the server.ban [player name]: Bans a player from the server. They will be unable to rejoin unless unbanned.unban [player name]: Removes a ban from a previously banned player.listplayers: Lists all currently connected players and their IDs. Useful for targeting players with other commands.giveitem [playerID] [item name] [quantity]: Gives a specified player a certain number of items. Requires precise item names (e.g.,giveitem 1 Axe 2). Check the game's code for exact item names if unsure.
World Manipulation:
settime [time]: Sets the in-game time. Use a 24-hour format (e.g.,settime 14:00).setweather [weather type]: Changes the current weather. Options include clear, rain, snow, etc. Check the game's code for exact weather types.day: Advances the in-game time by one day.night: Advances the in-game time to nighttime.save: Manually saves the server's world state. Crucial to prevent data loss!reload: Reloads the server configuration file. Useful after making changes to the server settings.
Server Status and Information:
status: Displays the server's current status, including player count, memory usage, and more. This provides valuable insight into server health.help: Displays a list of available console commands, though not always exhaustive.
Advanced Server Commands and Customization
These commands allow for more in-depth control and modification of the server.
Zombie Control:
killallzombies: Removes all zombies from the server's world. Use with caution, as it significantly alters the gameplay experience.setzombiepopulationmultiplier [multiplier]: Adjusts the overall number of zombies in the world. A value greater than 1 increases the zombie population, while less than 1 decreases it.setzombiepopulationcap [number]: Sets a maximum limit on the number of zombies that can spawn.
Item and Resource Management:
givexp [playerID] [amount]: Awards a specified player with experience points.addvehicle [vehicleName] [x] [y]: Spawns a vehicle at the specified coordinates. Requires knowing the precise vehicle name.additem [itemName] [x] [y] [quantity]: Spawns an item at the specified coordinates. Requires the precise item name.
Troubleshooting and Best Practices
- Command Case Sensitivity: Most commands are case-sensitive. Pay attention to capitalization.
- Precise Item and Vehicle Names: Use the exact names as defined in the game's code. Incorrect names will result in errors.
- Regular Backups: Frequently back up your server's save files to prevent data loss.
- Moderation: Use player management commands responsibly and fairly. Maintain a positive and enjoyable gaming experience for all players.
- Consult the Wiki: The official Project Zomboid wiki is an invaluable resource for finding precise item names, vehicle IDs, and more detailed command information.
This guide provides a foundational understanding of Project Zomboid server console commands. Remember to use these powerful tools responsibly and ethically to enhance your server and community. Further research into the game's codebase can unlock even more advanced command possibilities.
