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How to play Build 41 on a Project Zomboid server (switching the game version)

SERVER SETTINGS

Project Zomboid servers allow you to choose between the latest stable version (Build 42) and the legacy version Build 41. You can switch between them simply by entering values in the game panel and reinstalling. Please note the important considerations regarding world handling, which are explained below.

v1.0 (Created October 2026) BESTNET LLC Reading time: approx. 6 min

Revision History

v1.0
October 2026 — Initial version created

Selectable Versions

Specify in [SYSTEM] Game Version (Steam Branch) on the Startup tab.
Value to EnterVersionゲームの版 (Game version) in Console
Leave blankLatest stable version (Build 42). Recommended / Defaultpublic
legacy41Build 41 (legacy version)legacy41
Worlds played in Build 42 cannot be opened in Build 41. When switching versions, please use separate worlds (this will be explained in the procedure).

Switching to Build 41

  1. Press Stop in the Console tab and wait until it stops.
  2. Take a backup in the Backups tab (backing up after stopping will capture your progress up to the last point you played).
  3. Enter legacy41 in the [SYSTEM] Game Version (Steam Branch) field on the Startup tab.
  4. Change the [WORLD] Save Name on the same tab to a new name (e.g., World41. Alphanumeric characters, _, and - only).
    Worlds played on Build 42 cannot be opened in Build 41, so you will start with a separate world for Build 41. Your original world will not be deleted.
  5. Execute "Reinstall Server" in the Settings tab. Always switch versions by reinstalling.
  6. Once reinstallation is complete, start the server and verify that the ゲームの版 (Game version) in the console shows legacy41.

Reverting to Build 42

  1. On the Console tab, click Stop and wait until it stops.
  2. On the Backups tab, create a backup.
  3. On the Startup tab, leave [SYSTEM] Game Version (Steam Branch) blank.
  4. Change [WORLD] Save Name back to the name of the world you were playing on Build 42.
  5. On the Settings tab, execute "Reinstall Server".
  6. Start the server and verify that ゲームの版 (Game version) in the console shows public.

Players Must Use the Same Version

When you change the server version, all players joining must also match their game to the same version.In Steam's library, right-click Project Zomboid → Properties → select the same version in the version selection screen (Game Versions & Betas in English).
Players cannot join if versions do not match. When changing the server to Build 41, make sure to notify everyone you play with.

Important Notes

World Compatibility

If you try to open a world that was played on Build 42 with Build 41, the server will stop during startup. The console will display the following:
The server savefile appears to be from a newer version of the game and cannot be loaded.
In this case, change [WORLD] Save Name to a new name or revert to Build 42.

Always Back Up Before Switching

Stop the server before taking a backup. Backups taken while the server is running will contain the state as of the last SAVE.
To Game Panel → If you need assistance, please contact us via support ticket. © BESTNET LLC. All rights reserved. — Project Zomboid is a trademark of The Indie Stone.
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