HypeServ
Project Zomboid

Installing Mods on a HypeServ Project Zomboid Server

Step-by-step instructions for adding Steam Workshop mods to your Project Zomboid server on HypeServ.

This guide walks you through how to add Steam Workshop mods to your HypeServ Project Zomboid server.

Unlike most games, Project Zomboid does not require manually uploading mod files. Instead, you add the Workshop ID and Mod ID of each mod directly to your server's configuration file, and the server downloads them automatically on the next start.

Always back up your server world before installing or updating mods. Some mods alter world data, and removing them after a world has been generated can cause errors or missing content.

Build 42 (Beta) — Important Setup

Build 42 is currently in beta and requires switching to a specific beta branch before installing mods made for it.

Switch to the Build 42 branch

  1. Open your server in the HypeServ panel.
  2. Navigate to the Settings tab and open Advanced / Startup Parameters.
  3. Find the Beta Branch field and set it to:
42.13.1
  1. Save your settings.

Reinstall the server files

After switching the branch, you must reinstall the server files for the change to take effect.

Reinstalling will not delete your world or config files in /serverfiles/. However, it is always a good idea to create a Backup before doing so.

Click the Reinstall button in your server settings. Once the reinstall is complete, your server will be running Build 42 and you can install B42-compatible mods.

Installing Steam Workshop Mods

Stop your server

Before editing the config file, stop your server from the HypeServ panel to prevent your changes being overwritten on the next shutdown.

Find the Workshop ID and Mod ID

Every mod has two different IDs you need:

  • Workshop ID: The numeric ID from the Steam Workshop page URL.
    Example: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2392851551
  • Mod ID: The internal identifier of the mod, found on the mod's Workshop page in the description — usually labelled as Mod ID:.
Most mod authors list the exact Mod ID clearly in their Steam Workshop description. If you can't find it, check the mod's description or comments section.

Edit your .ini config file

Open the Files tab in the HypeServ panel and navigate to:

/serverfiles/Server/

Open your HypeServ.ini file (or whichever name matches your server name).

Find the two fields responsible for mods:

WorkshopItems=
Mods=

Add your mod IDs to each field, separated by semicolons (;).

If your server is on Beta 42, each mod ID in the Mods= field must be prefixed with a backslash (\). Without this prefix, the server will not load the mod correctly.
Example:
WorkshopItems=2392851551;2564478766
Mods=\MyModID;\AnotherModID

Start your server

Save the config file and start your server from the HypeServ panel.

On startup, the server will automatically download all listed Workshop mods. You can watch the progress in the Console tab.

Verify mods are working

Once the server is running, check the Console tab for confirmation that your mods were loaded without errors.

When you join the server in-game, your subscribed mods should appear in the Mods menu on the character select screen. Select them to activate them for your character.

If a mod fails to load, double-check that you have used the correct Workshop ID and Mod ID, and that the mod is compatible with your current Build (e.g., B41 vs. B42).

Updating or Removing Mods

Updating a mod

Steam Workshop mods update automatically when the server restarts. No manual steps are required.

Removing a mod

  1. Stop the server.
  2. Open HypeServ.ini and remove the mod's Workshop ID from WorkshopItems= and its Mod ID from Mods=.
  3. Start the server again.
Removing a mod that was active during world generation may cause errors, missing items, or corrupted map cells. Always back up your world first.

Tips for a Smoothly Running Modded Server

  • Always back up your world before adding, updating, or removing mods.
  • Add one mod at a time and restart between each to isolate potential conflicts.
  • Monitor the console log on each startup to catch errors early.
  • Ensure all players have the same mods installed and activated in their in-game mods menu.

Server Configuration

Learn how to edit your sandbox variables and tune server rules to match your mod setup.

Need help with mods?

If your mods aren't loading or you're unsure about specific IDs, our support team will help you get it sorted.

Server Config & Admin

Learn how to configure your .ini file, manage sandbox variables, add admins, and use commands on your Project Zomboid server.

Troubleshooting

Fix common Project Zomboid server issues like connection failures, "Server has stopped during launch", RAM limits, and mod crashes.