Free browser tool
Project Zomboid sandbox settings generator
Edit every Build 42 sandbox setting, then download a ready SandboxVars.lua for your dedicated server. Start from an official preset or paste the file you already have.
Built from the files a Build 42 dedicated server writes itself: all 269 settings, their defaults, ranges and the four official presets.
Build 42 dedicated server
Your SandboxVars.lua
1 Start from
The standard Project Zomboid rules and the dedicated server default.
2 Get your file
The file is named after the server: servertest unless you launch with -servername. GHosting servers use gh.
servertest_SandboxVars.luaPreview the file
Compared with the server defaults
Changed settings
Every setting is at the Apocalypse default.
Everything runs locally in your browser. Your file is not uploaded.
269 Build 42 settings
Edit settings
How to use the file on a dedicated server
Stop the server first, because it can rewrite its settings on shutdown. Put the downloaded file in the Server folder of the Zomboid data directory, replacing the old one, and start the server again. The name has to match the server: servertest_SandboxVars.lua by default, or <name>_SandboxVars.lua if you launch with -servername.
Most settings apply on the next start. A few only matter when the world creates something, such as the start date, the first zombie population and loot in rooms players have already opened. Set those before the first start of a new world, and keep a backup of the world and the old file before a big balance change.
Need the whole setup first? Read the Build 42 server guide or the ports and connection guide.
Run it on a managed Project Zomboid server
GHosting installs the current Build 42 server, opens all its ports, and gives you Workshop mods, a live console and full file access. Upload this file to data/Server/gh_SandboxVars.lua in the Files tab and restart.
SandboxVars.lua questions
Where does SandboxVars.lua go on a dedicated server?
In the Server folder of the Zomboid data directory, named after the server: servertest_SandboxVars.lua for the default server name. On Linux that is usually ~/Zomboid/Server/, and on Windows C:\Users\<you>\Zomboid\Server\. On a GHosting server it is data/Server/gh_SandboxVars.lua in the Files tab.
Do changes apply to an existing world?
Stop the server, replace the file, and start it again. Most settings take effect on that start. Some only shape what the world creates, such as the start date, zombies that have already spawned, and loot in places players have already opened, so set those before the first start of a new world.
Will this remove my mod settings?
No. Mods add their own tables to SandboxVars.lua. When you paste a file, anything this tool does not know is kept and written back unchanged, with a note telling you how many settings were kept.
Does it work with Build 41 files?
It targets Build 42, which is now the stable branch. A Build 41 file loads, and every setting that still exists is kept, but Build 41 worlds do not carry over to Build 42 and several options changed meaning. Start a new world with a Build 42 file.
Is my file uploaded anywhere?
No. Reading, editing and writing the file all happen in your browser. Your settings only leave the page if you copy a share link, which stores the changed settings in the link itself.
This is an independent community tool. Project Zomboid is a trademark of The Indie Stone.