Skip to main content

Guide and Configuration for Loot Resetting in Project Zomboid

As the game cycle progresses on a Project Zomboid server, the supply of loot at public locations can run thin due to player activity. Administrators can implement a Loot Reset mechanism to refresh the game world's supply without deleting base data, vehicles, or player progress.

Comparison Between Hard Reset and Soft Reset​

CategoryComponents RemovedComponents Preserved
Hard Reset (Full Wipe)All world data, player characters, base status, and vehicles.None (the world returns to its initial initialization state).
Soft ResetPublic map chunk files are refreshed; items in world containers are refilled.Player characters, skill levels, vehicle database (vehicles.db), and safehouse data.

Method 1: Configuring Automatic Loot Respawn​

This method allows the server to periodically respawn new items into containers that meet the criteria without shutting down the server service.

1. Open the SandboxVars.lua File​

  1. Log in to the Raznar panel.
  2. Open the Files menu, then go to the .cache > Server directory.
  3. Open the Pterodactyl_SandboxVars.lua file.

2. Adjusting the Respawn Parameters​

Adjust the following in the script:

HoursForLootRespawn = 168.0,
MaxItemsForLootRespawn = 4,
ConstructionPreventsLootRespawn = true,
SeenHoursPreventLootRespawn = 0.0,
  • HoursForLootRespawn: The in-game time interval before a container undergoes an item respawn cycle.
    • 0.0: The respawn feature is disabled.
    • 168.0: Respawn interval every 168 in-game hours (equivalent to 1 in-game week).
  • MaxItemsForLootRespawn: The threshold for the number of items remaining in a container for the respawn process to be triggered. If the number of remaining items exceeds this value, respawn will not occur until those items are taken.
  • ConstructionPreventsLootRespawn = true: Prevents player-built containers (such as wooden crates) or containers in a safehouse area from being overwritten with loot.
  • SeenHoursPreventLootRespawn: The minimum time threshold (in-game hours) that an area must not be visited by players for respawn to occur. A value of 0.0 ensures respawn still occurs even if the area is frequently passed through.

3. Applying the Configuration​

Save the file changes, then Restart the server through the Console menu.

Method 2: Performing a Manual Map Soft Reset​

This method is used when you need to repair damaged city structures while also refilling every world container without deleting player accounts, vehicles, or character data.

YOU MUST MAKE A BACKUP

Back up your data through the Backups menu in the Raznar panel before deleting map files.

1. Stop the Server Service​

  1. Log in to the Raznar panel.
  2. Open the Console menu, then click the Stop button and make sure the server is fully Offline.

2. Delete the Map Chunk Files​

  1. Open the Files menu, then go to the directory: 
    .cache/Saves/Multiplayer/Pterodactyl/
  2. Delete the following map files:
    • map_*.bin
    • chunkdata_*
  3. IMPORTANT: Do not delete the vehicles.db and players.db files so that vehicle and player character data stays safe.

3. Reload the Server​

  1. Open the Console menu.
  2. Click the Start button. The server will automatically rebuild the public map and refill every world container.