How to Set Up a PvP Server in Project Zomboid

GAMEPLAY Last updated: May 2026

ON THIS PAGE

  1. Recommended PvP Server Settings
  2. Recommended Sandbox Settings for PvP
  3. Factions
  4. Balancing Player vs Player Combat
  5. Enable PvP in server.ini
  6. Configure Safehouse Settings for PvP

Setting up a Project Zomboid PvP server involves more than just turning on PVP mode. Here is what to configure for a fair and functional PvP experience.

Recommended PvP Server Settings

These server.ini settings shape how PvP plays on your server:

  • PVP=true: enables PvP globally on the server
  • SafetySystem=true/false: when disabled, players can hurt each other without toggling into PvP mode - all players are always hostile. When enabled (default), each player must manually activate PvP mode using the safety button before they can deal or receive damage from other players.
  • SafehouseAllowTrepass=false: prevent players from entering claimed safehouses
  • SafehouseAllowLoot=false: prevent looting inside claimed safehouses
  • SafehouseAllowFire=false: prevent fire-setting inside claimed safehouses
  • SafehouseAllowRespawn=true: allow players to respawn at their safehouse
  • GlobalChat=true/false: allow players to communicate across the entire map
  • MaxPlayers: keep this realistic for your server RAM - overcrowding causes lag for everyone

Recommended Sandbox Settings for PvP

These sandbox settings are worth adjusting for a PvP-focused server:

  • Set zombie count to Low or Very Low so zombies are not the only threat
  • Set loot respawn to prevent fully depleted maps over time
  • Consider shorter day length for more action during daylight hours

Factions

Project Zomboid has a built-in faction system that players can use to group up. Admins have the same permissions as a faction owner - you can add or remove members and disband factions via the faction window. There is no server-side territory system in PZ; faction territory is purely a social/rules convention you enforce through your server rules.

Balancing Player vs Player Combat

PvP in PZ is melee-heavy early game. A few adjustments that improve balance:

  • Reduce starting stats advantage by using custom character creation settings
  • Set KnockdownStrength lower to prevent instant knockdown kills
  • Use a whitelist or application system to keep griefers out of smaller community servers

PvP servers benefit greatly from clear rules posted in the server description. Define what is allowed, how safehouses work, and what happens on raids to set expectations before players join.

01

Enable PvP in server.ini

Open your server config file at .cache/Server/{servername}.ini and set:

PVP=true

This enables PvP globally. Players can also toggle their own PvP status in-game using the safety button at the top of the screen, but with server-wide PvP on, all players start with PvP enabled.

02

Configure Safehouse Settings for PvP

These safehouse settings in server.ini control how player-claimed safehouses behave in a PvP environment:

  • SafehouseAllowTrepass=false: prevent non-members from entering claimed safehouses
  • SafehouseAllowLoot=false: prevent non-members from taking items inside safehouses
  • SafehouseAllowFire=false: prevent fire damage inside safehouses
  • SafehouseAllowRespawn=true: allow members to respawn at their safehouse after death

Edit these in your server.ini file at .cache/Server/{servername}.ini or via the Config page in the Scourge Panel.