Save file management is crucial for server maintenance, backup creation, and game state transfers. This guide will explain the concept of save files, their importance in Project Zomboid, and the step-by-step procedures for uploading and downloading these files for your own server.
What are Save-Files?
A game save file is a data structure that stores the current state of a game, including player progress, world modifications, and other relevant information. In Project Zomboid, save files contain critical data such as character statistics, inventory contents, building constructions, and world changes made by players. These files are essential for preserving game progress and allowing players to resume their gameplay from a specific point. Save files are typically created automatically at predetermined intervals or manually by players, and they serve as snapshots of the game world at a particular moment in time.
Where is the Save-Files located?
To find the Save-Files directory in Project Zomboid:
- Open “Project Zomboid Settings”
- Navigate to the Files section
- Look for a folder named “Zomboid”
- Within “Zomboid”, find the “Saves” folder
- Inside “Saves”, you’ll see subfolders for different game modes:
- Singleplayer
- Multiplayer
- Choose the appropriate subfolder based on your game mode
- Your Save-Files will be located in world-specific folders within these subfolders
The exact path may vary depending on your operating system and installation settings. Project Zomboid Settings provides a reliable way to locate your Save-Files regardless of these variations, ensuring you can always find and manage your game progress.
How to download Save-File?
To download a Save-File from your Project Zomboid Server:
- Access your server’s Control Panel
- Stop the server to ensure data integrity
- Open an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla, WinSCP)
- Connect to your server using FTP credentials
- Navigate to Files > Config Files > Project Zomboid Settings
- Note the World Name from the settings
- Browse to /Zomboid/Saves/Multiplayer/[World Name]
- Locate the “players.db” file – this is your save-file
- Download the “players.db” file to your local machine
- Optionally, download the entire world folder for a complete backup
How to upload Singleplayer Save-File to server?
To upload a Singleplayer Save to your Project Zomboid Server:
- Stop your server via the Control Panel
- Locate your local Singleplayer save folder
- Connect to your server using an FTP client
- Navigate to /Zomboid/Saves/Multiplayer on the server
- Upload your local save folder to this location
- Rename the uploaded folder to match your server’s World Name
- Consider backing up or renaming any existing world folder
- Be aware that direct uploads may require additional steps for compatibility
- Start your server after the upload is complete
- Connect to your server to verify the save has been applied correctly
How do I backup a Save-File?
To backup your Save-File:
- Locate your Save-File using the methods described earlier
- Create a copy of the “players.db” file
- Store this copy in a separate, secure location
- Consider using cloud storage for additional security
- Label backups with dates for easy management
How to Save Save-Files?
Save-Files in Project Zomboid are managed through a combination of automatic and manual processes:
- Automatic Saving: The “Project Zomboid Server” will automatically save every few minutes, ensuring regular updates to your game state.
- Manual Saving:
- In singleplayer, use the in-game save option
- For multiplayer, the server handles saving automatically
- Exiting the Game: Project Zomboid typically saves your progress when you exit properly
For added security, consider implementing regular Server Backups. These can protect against data loss and allow you to restore your game to a previous state if needed. Remember, while automatic saves are convenient, manual backups provide an extra layer of protection for your valuable game progress.