Project Zomboid Sandbox Settings Guide

Sandbox Configuration Overview

World rules, zombie lore, and loot rarities are defined in /home/container/Zomboid/Server/<ServerName>_SandboxVars.lua.

Core Sandbox Settings

SandboxVars = {
    Speed = 3, -- 1: Fast Shamblers, 2: Sprinters, 3: Normal
    Zombies = 3, -- 1: Insane, 2: High, 3: Normal, 4: Low, 5: None
    Distribution = 1, -- 1: Urban Focused, 2: Uniform
    Transmission = 1, -- 1: Blood + Saliva, 2: Saliva Only, 3: None
    Mortality = 5, -- Infection death speed (5: 2 to 3 days)
    WaterShut = 2, -- Water shutoff (2: 0 to 30 days)
    ElecShut = 2, -- Electricity shutoff (2: 0 to 30 days)
    LootRespawn = 1, -- 1: None, 2: Daily, 3: Weekly, 4: Monthly
}

Zombie Lore Customization

• Sprinters vs Shamblers: Setting Speed = 2 turns all zombies into sprinting horrors, substantially increasing difficulty and hardware CPU requirements.
• Infection Mechanics: Set Transmission = 2 (Saliva Only) to prevent lethal scratches while maintaining high-risk bites.

Applying Sandbox Changes

Sandbox variables are loaded when a world is created. To update settings on an existing world, edit servertest_SandboxVars.lua in the Warden File Manager while the server is stopped, then restart.

Build 41 vs Build 42 Sandbox Differences

Project Zomboid Build 42 introduces major overhauls to sandbox generation and mechanics:

• MultiplierConfig System: Build 42 migrates multiple linear multiplier values into unified sub-tables, including deep crafting efficiency and stamina scaling.
• Loot Rarity Categories: Build 42 transitions from coarse global rarity tiers (Extremely Rare to Abundant) into granular flat category loot rarities (e.g. separate sliders for canned foods, fresh produce, medical supplies, tools, ammunition, and literature).
• Subterranean Levels & Basements: New underground depth options allow configuring basement frequency, lighting attenuation, and underground zombie migration thresholds.
• Animal Husbandry & Wildlife: Build 42 adds dedicated sandbox variables governing domestic animal gestation rates, wild game spawn frequency, predator aggression, and livestock feeding requirements.

Useful Interactive Tools

• Build and preview sandbox settings with the PZ SandboxVars.lua Builder.
• Calculate zombie population ramp with the PZ Zombie Population Calculator.
• Plan routine wipes and resets with the Server Wipe & Restart Schedule Planner.