Project Zomboid Admin Command Toolbox: Mastering Multiplayer Servers (Build 41 & 42)

Project Zomboid Admin Command Toolbox: Mastering Multiplayer Servers (Build 41 & 42)

Project Zomboid Admin Command Toolbox

Mastering Multiplayer Servers (Build 41 & 42)

📋 Quick Navigation

⚡ Instant Answer (For the Impatient)

If you're already in-game and need an answer right now: Press T to open chat and type /help. This will display all available admin commands in Project Zomboid. From giving items (/additem), teleporting players (/teleport), toggling god mode (/godmode), to kicking out trolls (/kickuser), the /help list is your quick reference.

🚀 Quick-Start Guide for New Server Admins

So, you've started a Project Zomboid server and want to wield those admin powers ASAP? This section gets you up and running in minutes:

  1. Gain Admin Access: By default, a new server has an "admin" user. If you're hosting, use the username admin and the admin password you set in the server config (or provided by your server host) to log in. If you're already in-game as a regular player, an existing admin can promote you. Have them type /setaccesslevel "YourUsername" admin in chat. You'll get a message confirmation and your name will have [Admin] next to it.
  2. Open the Admin Panel: In the in-game HUD, you should now see an "Admin" icon or a new menu (often on the left side, appearing as a little admin person icon). Click it to reveal admin options like creative mode, item list, etc. In newer versions, this might be called Server Toolbox (which can show server info and give access to some tools).
  3. Use Chat Commands: The bread-and-butter of admin control is via chat commands. Press T to open the chat box. You can chat normally, but to issue a command, start with a forward slash /. For example, to teleport to a player named Casey, type /teleport "YourName" "Casey" and hit Enter. To broadcast a server-wide message, do /servermsg "Hello survivors!".
  4. Try Basic Commands First: A few essential commands to test out:
    • /players – Lists all online players (to get exact spellings of names, useful for other commands).
    • /noclip – Toggles no-clip mode (walk through walls) for you. Great for quickly reaching areas.
    • /godmode – Toggles invincibility for you (or another player if you specify their name). Excellent for doing risky admin stuff without dying.
    • /additem "YourName" "Base.Axe" 1 – Spawns 1 Axe in your inventory.
  5. Learn on the Go with /help: Can't remember a command? Type /help in chat. The game will list all commands with a short description. You can scroll up in the chat log (use PageUp key or scrollwheel) to review them.
💬
[ADMIN] MyName: /help
=== List of server commands ===
/addalltowhitelist - Add all current users to the whitelist
/additem "username" "module.item" [count] - Give an item to a player
/adduser "username" "pwd" - Add a user and their password
/addvehicle "script" ["user"|x,y,z] - Spawn a vehicle
/addusertowhitelist "username" - Add a connected user to the whitelist
/banid SteamID - Ban a SteamID
/banuser "username" [-ip] [-r "reason"] - Ban a user
/changeoption OptionName "value" - Change a server option
...

👑 Becoming an Admin (Setup & Access Levels)

Before you can use any admin command, the game needs to recognize you as an admin. Here's how administration works in PZ:

  • Default Admin Account: Every server has a built-in admin user. If you're hosting the server (through the Host menu or dedicated server), you should set an admin password. In a hosted server, this is often done in the control panel or the ServerSettings.ini. For example, in a config file you might see AdminPassword=YourChosenPassword. Enter the game with username admin and that password to assume admin rights.
  • Promoting a Player to Admin: Already have a character on the server and don't want to rejoin as "admin"? No problem. If you can access the server console (or RCON), run grantadmin "YourUsername". If you're in-game and there's another admin online (or you logged in with the admin account on a second instance), use /setaccesslevel "YourUsername" admin. This instantly grants your player full admin status.
  • Access Level Hierarchy: Not everyone needs full admin powers. PZ supports multiple access levels:
    • Admin: Full control.
    • Moderator: Can handle basic moderation (kick/ban) and possibly some creative functions but not server settings.
    • Game Master (GM): Typically for creative control (spawning items, teleporting) without authority to alter server config or ban players.
    • Observer/Overseer: Likely limited to spectating or minimal commands.

    To assign these, use /setaccesslevel "PlayerName" <role> (for example, /setaccesslevel "Alice" moderator).

  • Verifying Admin Status: You'll know you're admin if:
    • You have the [Admin] prefix in chat.
    • You can see the Admin Panel button on the HUD.
    • The /players list shows "(admin)" next to your name.
    • Try a benign command like /noclip on yourself—if it works (and you can walk through walls), you're definitely an admin!

💡 Tip – Use a Secondary Admin Account

Some server owners prefer to keep the admin account separate from their playing character. They'll have a normal survivor character for everyday play (so they experience the game without temptation to cheat) and only log in as admin when something needs doing. This also hides the [Admin] tag during normal play.

👥 Player Management: Whitelisting, Kicks, Bans, and More

Running a server means managing the people in it – whether friends or the public. Project Zomboid gives admins a suite of commands to handle player permissions and discipline:

Whitelisting New Players

/adduser "username" "password"

Adds a new user to the whitelist with the given password. That player will use this password to log in from then on.

/addusertowhitelist "username"

Adds the currently connected user to the whitelist. It basically ties their account to the server so nobody else can impersonate them later.

/addalltowhitelist

Adds all currently online players who have a password set to the whitelist. Useful when you open the server to let a bunch of friends in for the first time.

Kick Users

/kickuser "playername" -r "Optional reason"

Immediately disconnects that player. The -r reason, if given, will show up for them (e.g., "Kicked: AFK too long" or "Please relog to fix issue"). The reason also gets logged on the server.

Ban Users

/banuser "playername" -r "reason"

Bans by username (tied to their account). Optionally ban their IP with -ip if you suspect they'll just make a new account.

/banid SteamID

Bans by the player's SteamID. This is more foolproof if it's a public server, since usernames can be changed.

Voice Chat Blocking

/voiceban "playername" true

Mutes their in-game voice. This is reversible with false. It's like a "shut up" without kicking them out entirely.

Monitoring Players

/players

Simply outputs the list of connected players and their ping. Use this to check who's on or get exact spelling of names for commands.

🌍 World & Environment Management

One of the joys of being an admin is the ability to bend the game world to your will. Want to play zombie god and drop a horde on that over-confident player? You can. Need to clean up a mess or help players in distress? Done.

Teleportation Commands

/teleport "Player1" "Player2"

This will teleport Player1 to the location of Player2. If you omit the first name, it assumes you (the admin) are teleporting to Player2.

/teleportto X,Y,Z

Teleports you to specific map coordinates. This is more for advanced usage or debugging (you can get coordinates from the debug mode or the map).

Spawning Items

/additem "username" "Module.ItemName" [count]

Gives items either to the target player or to yourself if no name is given.

Example: /additem "Bob" "Base.Axe" will give Bob an Axe.

/addxp "player" SkillName=XP

For example, /addxp "Ethan" Woodwork=100 would give Ethan 100 XP in Carpentry.

/addvehicle "VehicleType" "target"

This is one of the coolest commands. It spawns a vehicle of your choice either near a player or at coordinates.

Example: /addvehicle "Base.VanAmbulance" "Alice" spawns an ambulance near Alice.

Summoning Zombies and Meta-Events

/createhorde <count> "player"

Spawns a horde of <count> zombies near the specified player. If used from the server console, you must specify a player; in-game you can omit the name to spawn around you.

Example: /createhorde 50 "Charlie" drops ~50 zombies around Charlie. Surprise!

/alarm

Triggers a house alarm at your location (make sure you're inside a building). This can be used to send zombies swarming to a location without spawning new ones.

/gunshot

Simulates a random gunshot noise near a random player. This draws zombies, akin to the random metagame events.

/chopper

Triggers the helicopter event on a random player.

Toggling Cheats

/godmode

This makes a player invulnerable. Use with a name to toggle on someone else, or on yourself.

/invisible

Zombies won't see you (or target player). You still have collision, but you're effectively a ghost to Zeds.

/noclip

Pass through walls and objects. You can fly with this (use jump/climb controls to go up/down floors).

Weather Control

/startrain

Starts rain immediately. Useful if players are in a drought and need water collection, or for ambiance.

/stoprain

Stops the rain. Tired of that downpour lagging people out? Turn it off.

/startstorm <duration>

Kicks off a thunderstorm for X in-game hours. If duration not given, maybe it defaults or just starts one.

/stopweather

Clears any ongoing weather event.

/lightning

Strikes lightning in your area (it's more of a debug/test thing, but it was added for completeness).

⚙️ Server Administration & Technical Controls

Running the world is one thing, but running the server (the machine and settings behind the world) is another. Admin commands also let you tweak server configurations on the fly, communicate broadly, and utilize remote access.

Changing Server Options Live

/changeoption OptionName "Value"

A powerful command for mid-game adjustments.

Example: /changeoption SleepAllowed true or /changeoption WaterShut 0 (to turn off water shutoff).

Listing Current Settings

/showoptions

Prints out all server settings and their values. This can be a lot of text, but handy if you need to confirm what sandbox or server toggles are active.

Applying Config Changes

/reloadoptions

This forces the server to reload the ini settings and apply them. It also pushes these out to connected clients so their UI updates if needed.

Broadcasting Messages

/servermsg "Your message here"

This prints a big centered message on all players' screens. It's different from normal chat (which might be missed). Use it for important announcements.

Saving and Shutting Down

/save

Forces a save of the current world state. The server periodically saves anyway (and whenever a player disconnects, their data saves). But before you do something big (like spawn 100 zombies) or plan a server restart, it doesn't hurt to /save.

/quit

This one will actually shut down the server gracefully. It saves and closes. Use it only when you intend to stop the server.

RCON (Remote Console)

RCON is a protocol to control the server remotely without being in-game. Many hosting providers give a web console that uses RCON under the hood. If you self-host, you can enable RCON by adding -enablercon flag when starting the server and setting an RCON port and password in the server JSON config.

💡 Why use RCON?

Suppose your server's full or your own client is crashing, but you need to issue a command – RCON lets you from outside. Or to automate tasks (scheduled announcements).

🚀 Advanced Tips: Admin Mods and Automation

Having covered the vanilla admin capabilities, let's explore how third-party tools can supercharge your admin experience:

Bikinitools & Other Admin Mods

Bikinitools Features:

  • Enhanced Permission System: Create custom roles beyond vanilla's limited options. For instance, make a "Helper" who can teleport but can't spawn items, or an "Event Master" who can trigger hordes but can't ban players.
  • Chat Overhaul: Adds private messaging, multiple channels, and better formatting.
  • Economy System: Introduces currency and player-run shops for trading.
  • Advanced Logging: Tracks admin actions and player events for accountability.
  • Modular Design: You can enable just the parts you want (e.g., only the chat overhaul and tool suite, without the economy, if currency doesn't fit your server).

Discord Webhooks & Bots

If you aren't ready for a full bot integration or B42 isn't stable yet, you can use webhooks to echo server messages to Discord. For example, some servers run a script that tails the server console and whenever a line like "player X was killed by a zombie" appears, it sends it to a Discord channel.

In Build 42, expect native Discord commands – devs plan triggers from Discord to run server-side Lua for events. This means future admin tasks (like starting an airdrop event) could be triggered via Discord, making remote admin easier.

RCON Automation

Suppose you want a daily server restart at 4 AM (to clear memory and apply mod updates). You can set a Windows Scheduled Task or cron job for that time to run a script that does:

  1. Announce "Server restarting in 5 minutes, please get to safety!" via servermsg.
  2. Wait 5 minutes (maybe the script sleeps).
  3. Issue save.
  4. Issue quit.
  5. Perhaps even restart the server application if you script that part.

⚠️ Understanding Limits

PZ servers have limits (zombie count, item count, memory). Admins can break those limits since you can spawn stuff infinitely. Be mindful: spawning 10,000 units of something or a 1000 zombies can cause serious lag or crashes. If you want to push boundaries, do it gradually and see how server responds.

📜 Patch History (Build 41 & 42 Admin Updates) ▼

🏁 Conclusion: Thriving as an Admin

Running a Project Zomboid server is a bit like being the zombie apocalypse dungeon master. You're not just a player; you're the curator of everyone's experience. Some days, you're using your powers to quietly fix problems – like a janitor cleaning up glitches and banning the occasional bad apple. Other days, you're essentially a game god, dropping surprises and making the world more dynamic and fun.

📝 Personal Story

Early on, I hosted a small server for college friends. None of us had made it past two weeks in-game, and we finally had a solid base. One evening, I noticed the tension was dipping – everyone was too safe, a bit bored. So, I put on my "admin hat" and without a word, I spawned a massive horde just outside our fort. Then I hit /servermsg "A scream pierces the night...".

My friends were like "WHAT?! Was that an event?!" – I just played along, "I… I think it's the helicopter or something?!" It turned into one of the most memorable gaming nights we've ever had. We barely survived, the base was a wreck, and afterwards I came clean that I orchestrated it. They weren't even mad – it was an adrenaline rush. From then on, they begged me to run more custom events.

The moral: Good adminning is an art. Use the commands not just to fix issues but to create stories. However, always communicate and be fair – don't abuse powers in competitive contexts, and always ensure players are having fun, not just you.

Now get out there, put on your admin fedora (I imagine all admins wear fedoras, don't ask me why), and lead your server to glory – or at least keep it from burning down. After all, this is how you died, but as admin, you get to decide how and when for everyone, muahaha… (Just kidding – use your powers kindly!).

Happy governing of the zombie apocalypse, and remember: Aim for the head, and keep that banhammer ready!

📋 Quick Command Reference Table

Category Command Description
Player Management /adduser "username" "password" Add player to whitelist with password
/kickuser "name" -r "reason" Kick player with optional reason
/banuser "name" -r "reason" Ban player with optional reason
/setaccesslevel "name" role Set player's admin level (admin, mod, etc.)
World Management /teleport "Player1" "Player2" Teleport Player1 to Player2's location
/additem "user" "Module.Item" [count] Give items to a player
/addvehicle "type" "user" Spawn a vehicle near a player
/createhorde count "user" Spawn zombies near a player
/godmode ["user"] Toggle invulnerability for yourself or a player
Server Control /changeoption Option "Value" Change server settings on the fly
/servermsg "Message" Broadcast message to all players
/save Force save the world state
/quit Save and shut down the server