Project Zomboid’s Infection Mode? Here’s How to Survive Bite-Free

Sandbox Settings Method (No Mods Required)

Under the Zombie Lore section of sandbox tuning, there are two critical parameters:

• Transmission – controls how the virus spreads (bite, blood, etc.)
  Set to "None" to completely disable zombie virus transmission
• Infection Mortality – controls how deadly the virus is and how quickly it kills
  Set to "Never" to ensure that even if infected, your character never dies from the virus

Editing Config Files (Server & Advanced Users)

If you're running a dedicated server or want to change an existing save's settings, you can edit the sandbox config file directly:

1. Locate the Servertest_SandboxVars.lua file for your server (or the SandboxVars.lua in a save folder).
2. Open it in a text editor and find the lines for Transmission and InfectionMortality.
3. Set their values to the numbers corresponding to None and Never respectively.

Save the file and restart the game/server to apply changes.

💡 Alternative Setting: "Everyone's Infected"

Another preset option is "Everyone's Infected" mode (Transmission = Everyone's Infected), which mirrors The Walking Dead style lore. In that mode, everyone already has the virus, so bites don't cause zombification (no additional infection to catch). You only turn if you die from any cause.

Trade-offs & Gameplay Impact

Be aware that removing zombification does change the game's balance:

• Benefits: No more fear of a single bite ending your run. Better for co-op play and long-term building projects.
• Drawbacks: The game loses some tension. Without the zombie virus threat, survival becomes less challenging.

If you want to keep some danger, consider alternatives like "Bite only infection" (Transmission: Saliva Only) or using mods that add cure mechanics.

Infection Type	How to Disable/Mitigate	Build 42 Changes
Wound Infections	• Set Basic Injury Severity lower in sandbox • Always use sterilized bandages and disinfectant • Use First Aid mods that configure infection chances	Build 42 added antibiotics as a required treatment for serious infected wounds
Food Poisoning	• Set Food Spoilage to "very slow" • Turn Rotten Food Removal on • Stock up on Lemongrass (reduces food poisoning)	B42 made food poisoning less lethal (illness intensity halved)
Tainted Water	• No direct toggle • Always boil or purify water • Consider water filter mods	No major changes in B42
Mod-Added Diseases	• Check mod config for toggles • Disable the specific mod if necessary	Depends on the specific mod

Using Debug Mode

1. On Steam, right-click Project Zomboid > Properties > in Launch Options type -debug and start the game.
2. Once in-game, you'll see a new icon (a little bug or mosquito icon) at the bottom-right. Click it to open the debug menu.
3. Go to General Debuggers > Player or Health and look for the option to "Heal" or toggle God Mode.
4. If you toggle God Mode on your character briefly, it will instantly cure all injuries and illnesses, including the Knox infection.

Note: Using debug does mark your save as "cheated" (you won't get achievements after turning it on).

Using Cheat Menu Mod

If the built-in debug is not user-friendly enough, there's a mod called "Cheat Menu" (and its updated fork "Cheat Menu Rebirth").

1. Install the mod via Steam Workshop.
2. In-game, right-click to access the "Cheat Menu".
3. Look for options like "Heal Whole Body" or "Toggle God Mode".

This mod works in B41 and B42 (and even in multiplayer if you're admin).

Admin Powers on Servers

If you're on a multiplayer server and you're the admin, you can type /god <username> in chat to toggle god mode on a player (if the server allows it).

Some admin panels also have a "heal player" function. Make sure to turn god mode off after (the player might have their weight reset or stop losing/gaining weight while it's on).