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Guide to PvP Configuration and the Faction System on a Project Zomboid Server

This document contains a guide to configuring player-versus-player (PvP) combat mechanics as well as integrating the Faction system on a Project Zomboid server at Raznar. This configuration allows adjusting the server's play style, whether it be a purely cooperative environment (PvE), semi-competitive with friendly fire protection, or a fully competitive environment.

Part 1: PvP Parameter Configuration in Pterodactyl.ini​

  1. Log in to the Raznar panel, open the Files menu, then go into the .cache > Server directory.
  2. Open the Pterodactyl.ini file.

Opening the Pterodactyl.ini file in the Raznar panel

  1. Adjust the following parameters:

1. Determining the Global PvP Status​

PVP=true

PVP parameter in the Pterodactyl.ini file

  • false: Pure PvE mode. The attack mechanic between player characters is completely disabled.
  • true: PvP mode active. Players have the capability to harm each other using melee weapons or firearms.

2. Enabling the Safety System​

If the PVP=true parameter is enabled, it is recommended to enable the Safety System mechanism:

SafetySystem=true
ShowSafety=true

SafetySystem and ShowSafety parameters in Pterodactyl.ini

  • How It Works: This system embeds a safety status indicator button on each player's screen interface.
  • A character with a Green (Safe) indicator status cannot attack or be attacked by another character that is also green.
  • To start an attack, the player must hold the indicator button until it transitions to Red (PvP Active).

3. Setting the Transition Time Threshold (Toggle & Cooldown)​

SafetyToggleTimer=2
SafetyCooldownTimer=3

SafetyToggleTimer and SafetyCooldownTimer parameters in Pterodactyl.ini

  • SafetyToggleTimer: The duration (in seconds) of holding the button required before attack mode activates. This serves to limit sudden attacks without prior indication.
  • SafetyCooldownTimer: The waiting duration (in seconds) after an attack before a player is allowed to return the status to safe mode.

4. Adjusting the Attack Damage Multipliers​

PVPMeleeDamageModifier=30.0
PVPFirearmDamageModifier=50.0

PvP attack damage multiplier parameter settings

  • These parameters determine the amount of damage (damage multiplier) from physical melee attacks (melee) and firearm shots (firearm) against fellow players.

Part 2: Faction System Configuration​

The Faction system facilitates the formation of formal groups with a registered identity name and tag:

Faction=true
FactionDaySurvivedToCreate=0
FactionPlayersRequiredForTag=1

Faction system configuration parameters in Pterodactyl.ini

  • Faction=true: Enables the Faction creation interface in-game.
  • FactionDaySurvivedToCreate: The minimum number of days a character must survive before being allowed to form a Faction. A value of 0 allows immediate creation without a time limit.
  • FactionPlayersRequiredForTag: The minimum number of members required before a faction leader can set the clan tag.
PROTECTION AMONG FACTION MEMBERS

The Project Zomboid system automatically prevents damage from accidental attacks (friendly fire) between players registered in the same Faction.

Creating a Faction In-Game​

  1. On the left side of the game screen interface, click the FACTION icon.
  2. Click the Create Faction button.
  3. Enter the desired Faction name along with the abbreviation Tag.
  4. Determine the Faction's representative color.
  5. Click Add Player to add other currently connected players to the member list.
  6. Faction members can monitor each other's location on the in-game map and are protected from attacks between group members.