Project Zomboid Custom Spawn Point Server Guide

Setting a custom spawn point on your Project Zomboid server lets you control exactly where new characters appear when they first join or respawn. This guide explains how to configure the spawn point using the server’s servertest.ini file, covering both the basic settings and the more advanced sandbox options. You’ll need access to your server’s files, either through a hosting panel or directly on the machine running the server.

What You’ll Need

• Access to your Project Zomboid server’s root directory (usually Zomboid/Server).
• A text editor (Notepad, VS Code, or the built-in editor in your hosting panel).
• The server must be stopped while editing the configuration file.

Step-by-Step

1. Stop the server. Ensure the server is completely shut down before editing any configuration file to avoid overwriting your changes.
2. Locate the server configuration file. In your server folder, find the file named servertest.ini (or server.ini if you renamed it). This is the main settings file.
3. Open the file in a text editor. Use a plain text editor—not a word processor—to avoid adding hidden formatting.
4. Find the spawn settings. Scroll to the section labeled [SpawnPoints]. If it doesn’t exist, you can add it at the end of the file.
5. Set the spawn point. Add or edit the following lines inside the [SpawnPoints] section:

   X=1000
   Y=1000
   Z=0

   Replace 1000 and 1000 with the coordinates you want. X and Y are the map coordinates (in game units), and Z is the floor level (0 for ground floor). You can find coordinates using the in-game debug mode or by using tools like the PZ Map Project online.

6. Adjust spawn radius (optional). To allow players to spawn within a small area around the point, add:

   Radius=10

   This sets a radius of 10 tiles. If you omit it, players spawn exactly at the point.

7. Save the file. Save your changes and close the editor.
8. Restart the server. Start the server again. New players and respawns will now use your custom spawn point.

Common Mistakes

• Editing while the server is running – The server overwrites the config on shutdown, so your changes get lost.
• Using the wrong section name – Make sure the settings are inside [SpawnPoints], not [General] or elsewhere.
• Setting invalid coordinates – Coordinates outside the map bounds (e.g., negative or too large) will cause players to spawn in the void or fall through the world.
• Forgetting to save – A simple oversight, but always double-check that the file is saved before restarting.
• Using commas instead of newlines – Each setting must be on its own line; don’t put them on one line separated by commas.

Tips

• Use known safe coordinates – Pick a location you’ve visited in-game. You can press F2 in debug mode to see your current coordinates, or use the online PZ map to find a spot.
• Set a small radius for realism – A radius of 5–10 tiles prevents players from spawning on top of each other, which is useful for multiplayer.
• Test with a new character – After changing the spawn, create a new character on the server to verify it works before telling your players.
• Back up your config – Keep a copy of the original servertest.ini so you can revert if something goes wrong.

Troubleshooting

Players still spawn at the default location. Double-check that the [SpawnPoints] section is correctly formatted and that the file was saved. Also confirm you’re editing the right file—some servers use server.ini or a different name. If you’re using a hosting panel, ensure you’re editing the file in the correct directory (usually Zomboid/Server).

Players spawn but fall through the world. The coordinates are likely invalid or point to an area that isn’t loaded. Use the in-game map or debug mode to confirm the location is on solid ground. Set Z to 0 for ground floor.

Players spawn inside a building or wall. This happens when the coordinates are inside a structure. Choose an open area or adjust the radius to allow spawning outside the building. You can also set a higher Z value if the building has multiple floors, but ground floor is usually safest.

Changes don’t take effect after restart. Some hosting panels have a separate config file or override settings. Check your panel’s documentation for spawn point settings. Also, ensure the server fully stops before you edit and fully starts after—wait for the console to show “Server started” before connecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set multiple spawn points? No, the standard config only supports one spawn point per server. For multiple spawn points, you’d need a mod like “Spawn Select” or “Choose Your Spawn.”

Does this affect existing players? No, it only affects new characters and respawns after death. Existing characters keep their current location.

What are the default spawn coordinates? The default is usually a random point in the world, often near a town. You can find the exact default by looking in the original servertest.ini before editing.

Can I use this on a single-player world? Yes, the same settings apply to single-player saves, but you’ll edit the servertest.ini in your local Zomboid folder instead of a server folder.

Do I need to install any mods? No, this is a built-in feature. Mods are only needed for multiple spawn points or more advanced spawn control.

Will this work on a dedicated server? Yes, this guide applies to dedicated servers, whether self-hosted or through a provider. The file location may vary slightly, but the settings are the same.

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