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Guide to Exporting Project Zomboid Server Save Data to a Local Computer

This guide contains the procedure for downloading and transferring all save data from the Raznar server to a local computer (PC). This procedure is needed if you want to create an offline backup, cancel the server subscription without losing game history, or continue the adventure with friends through a local Host Co-op session.

Step 1: Stop the Server Service​

  1. Open a browser and log in to the Raznar panel.
  2. Open the Console menu, then click the Stop button.
  3. Make sure the server status is completely inactive (Offline) to ensure database file consistency.

Step 2: Archive the Save Files on the Server​

  1. Go into the Files menu on the Raznar panel.
  2. Go to the .cache directory.
  3. Inside the .cache directory, you will see three main folders containing all server data:
    • Saves/Multiplayer/Pterodactyl/: Contains all world map modifications, bases, containers, and vehicles.
    • Server/: Contains the Pterodactyl.ini and Pterodactyl_SandboxVars.lua configuration files.
    • db/: Contains the player account database Pterodactyl.db.
  4. Select those three folders (or select the Saves, Server, and db folders), then click the Archive button on the panel interface to create a compressed archive file (for example: server_export.zip).

Step 3: Download the Archive File​

  1. In the Files menu, click the options icon (...) next to the server_export.zip file.
  2. Select the Download option and wait for the download process to the local computer to finish.
DOWNLOADING LARGE FILES USING SFTP

If the archive file size is more than 100 MB, it is recommended to use an SFTP application (such as FileZilla or WinSCP):

  1. Open the Settings menu in the Raznar panel to view the SFTP connection details.
  2. Connect the FTP client to the server using your account port and credentials.
  3. Go into the .cache/ folder and download the archive file directly at optimal speed.

SFTP connection details in the Raznar panel

Step 4: Place the Files on the Local Computer​

  1. On the local computer, extract the downloaded server_export.zip file.

    Structure of the extracted server files

  2. Open the Run window by pressing Windows + R, then enter the command:

    %UserProfile%\Zomboid

    (Or go to C:\Users\<Username>\Zomboid\).

    Opening the Zomboid directory through the Run window

  3. Place the extracted files according to the local directory structure:

A. World Save Folder​

  • Move the save folder from Saves/Multiplayer/Pterodactyl/ to the local directory: 
    %UserProfile%\Zomboid\Saves\Multiplayer\servertest\
    (You can rename the Pterodactyl folder to the local server name you want, for example servertest).

Placing the world save folder in the local directory

B. Configuration Files​

  • Copy the Pterodactyl.ini and Pterodactyl_SandboxVars.lua files to the directory: 
    %UserProfile%\Zomboid\Server\
  • Rename the files to match your local server name:
    • servertest.ini
    • servertest_SandboxVars.lua

Placing the configuration files in the Server directory

C. Player Account Database​

  • Copy the Pterodactyl.db file to the directory: 
    %UserProfile%\Zomboid\db\
  • Rename the file to:
    • servertest.db

The Pterodactyl.db database file in the db folder

Step 5: Verify the Save in the Local Game​

  1. Run the Project Zomboid game application on your computer.
  2. Select the Host menu.
  3. Select the server profile you have placed (for example servertest), then click the Start button.
  4. Enter the game world and verify that your base, building structures, vehicles, and character inventory have loaded completely.