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How to Configure Project Zomboid Server Sandbox (XP, Zombies, Loot)

Tired of the default Project Zomboid settings being too hard or too easy? You can adjust everything to your liking, from multiplying EXP gain, setting zombies to fast runners (Sprinter), disabling zombie respawns, to configuring the rarity of weapons and food.

In the Raznar panel, all sandbox configuration is neatly stored in the Pterodactyl_SandboxVars.lua file. Check out the full guide below!

Step 1: Open the SandboxVars.lua File​

  1. Open your browser and log in to the Raznar Game Panel.
  2. Go into your Project Zomboid server, then click the "Files" menu.
  3. Enter the .cache folder, then open the Server folder.
  4. Inside that folder, find and click the Pterodactyl_SandboxVars.lua file to open it in the editor.
ATTENTION

This file uses the Lua script format. Make sure you don't delete the equals sign (=) or the comma (,) at the end of each line when changing the numbers!

Step 2: Important Parameters That Are Often Changed​

Here are some of the most popular setting lines you can change to your liking:

1. Skill Leveling Speed (XP Multiplier)​

Find the XPMultiplier line to speed up the skill grinding process:

XPMultiplier = 1.0,
  • Change it to 2.0 for 2x EXP.
  • Change it to 3.0 for 3x EXP.
  • Change it to 5.0 for more relaxed gameplay and faster leveling.

2. Zombie Population & Respawn​

Adjust the density and emergence of new zombies on the map:

Zombies = 3,
  • 1 = Insane (Very dense)
  • 2 = High (Many)
  • 3 = Normal (Game default)
  • 4 = Low (Few)
  • 5 = None (No zombies at all)
RespawnHours = 72.0,
  • Determines how many in-game hours pass before new zombies appear again in an area that has been cleared.
  • Change it to 0.0 if you want zombies that have been killed to never respawn again.

3. Zombie Speed & Infection​

Change the traits and danger level of zombies:

Speed = 2,
  • 1 = Sprinters (Zombies run fast, very challenging!)
  • 2 = Fast Shamblers (Fast walk - standard game default)
  • 3 = Shamblers (Very slow walk)
Transmission = 1,
  • 1 = Blood + Saliva (Bites are 100% infectious, scratches have a chance to infect)
  • 2 = Saliva Only (Only bites cause zombie infection)
  • 3 = None (Immune to the zombie virus)

4. Loot Rarity​

Adjust how easily players find items inside houses or buildings. Value scale:

  • 1 = Extremely Rare
  • 2 = Rare
  • 3 = Normal
  • 4 = Common
  • 5 = Abundant

Example loot setting lines:

FoodLoot = 2,            -- Fresh food
CannedFoodLoot = 2,      -- Long-lasting canned food
WeaponLoot = 2,          -- Sharp & blunt weapons
RangedWeaponLoot = 2,    -- Firearms
AmmoLoot = 2,            -- Bullet ammunition
MedicalLoot = 2,         -- Medicine & bandages
MechanicsLoot = 2,       -- Car spare parts

5. Utilities Shut Off (Electricity & Water)​

Adjust when the tap water and city electricity in Kentucky shut off:

WaterShut = 2,
ElecShut = 2,
  • 1 = 0 - first 30 days
  • 2 = 0 - 2 months
  • 6 = Shut off instantly from the start of the game (Instant)
  • 7 = Never shuts off

6. Starter Kit​

Give players a bag and a small weapon every time they first spawn or die:

StarterKit = false,
  • Change it to StarterKit = true, so every new player automatically gets a Schoolbag, a water bottle, chips, and a hammer/baseball bat.

7. Day Length​

DayLength = 1,
  • 1 = 1 real-world hour per 24 in-game hours (standard).
  • 2 = 2 real-world hours per 24 in-game hours (day and night feel longer).

Step 3: Save and Restart the Server​

  1. After adjusting the numbers above, click the "Save File" button in the bottom right corner of the editor.
  2. Open the Console menu, then click the Restart button.
  3. Your server is now running with the new game rules!
IMPORTANT NOTE

Settings like XPMultiplier take effect immediately for all players. However, for Loot Rarity, changes will only be felt in containers/houses that have not been opened by players before (or after a loot reset/soft-wipe).