Mods extend Project Zomboid with new items, vehicles, maps and quality‑of‑life tweaks. Wabbanode makes it easy to add mods to your server by editing the world.ini configuration. This tutorial walks you through collecting workshop IDs, enabling map mods and installing the files locally when necessary.
Before You Begin
- Ensure your server is running the latest version of Project Zomboid and is compatible with the mods you want.
- Make a backup of your existing world. Mods can alter game data, restoring from a backup is easier than troubleshooting corrupted saves. You can read our guide on how to do this here.
- Each mod has a Workshop ID (numeric) and a Mod ID (text). You’ll need both values to enable it on your server.
Add Mods Through world.ini
- Navigate to the Wabbanode Control Panel and Stop your server.
- Go to Files and navigate to
Zomboid/Server/<WorldName>and locateworld.ini. This file contains all server variables for your world. - Locate or add the line starting with
WorkshopItems=. Insert the numeric Workshop IDs of all mods you want to use, separated by semicolons.- Example:
WorkshopItems=2685878306;2727218096;2794656264
- Example:
- Find or create the line
Mods=and enter the corresponding Mod IDs (usually found on the mod’s Steam Workshop page) in the same order, separated by semicolons.- Example:
Mods=AutotsarMotorclub;FancyHandwork;WhateverModID
- Example:
- Map Mods often require modifying the
Map=field. Replace or append the new map folder names so they load instead of the default map.- Example:
Map=BedfordFalls;Muldraugh, KY
- Example:
- Save the file and Start your server.
The server will download and enable the specified workshop mods on startup.
Installing Mods Locally (Optional)
Most mods are automatically downloaded by the server. However, if a mod fails to install or if you wish to test it in single‑player first, you can install it locally:
- Subscribe to the mod on the Steam Workshop.
- On your computer, navigate to your Steam workshop folder (usually
steamapps/workshop/content/108600). Each folder inside corresponds to a workshop mod. Copy the entire mod folder. - Navigate to Files on your server, go to
Zomboid/Modsand Upload the copied mod folder. You may need to create theModsfolder if it doesn’t exist. - Verify that the folder structure follows the mod’s instructions. Some mods have additional files that must reside in
Zomboid/Workshopor other subfolders. Refer to the mod’s documentation if needed.
Once uploaded, ensure the Workshop ID and Mod ID are still present in world.ini. Restart the server to apply the changes.
Troubleshooting Mod Issues
When adding multiple mods, keep the order of entries consistent between WorkshopItems and Mods. Mismatched orders or missing IDs can cause connection errors or server crashes.
- Server won’t start: Double‑check that all Workshop IDs and Mod IDs are valid and separated with semicolons. Remove one mod at a time to identify the culprit.
- Players can’t join: Ensure players have the same mods enabled in their client. They can subscribe via the Steam Workshop or copy the mod files to their local
Zomboid/Modsdirectory. - Missing map or textures: Map mods often require being first in the
Map=list. If you still spawn in the default map, confirm the map’s folder name and order.
By editing world.ini and providing the correct Workshop and Mod IDs, you can customise your Project Zomboid server with new vehicles, weapons, maps and gameplay tweaks. Always verify compatibility, back up your saves and keep the mod lists tidy to ensure a smooth experience.
