Common Issues

As Project Zomboid is still an early access title, errors and bugs can often become a part of life when playing. This is further compounded by the installation of mods from separate creators who all have different development styles and preferred update schedules. We try our absolute best to keep the server online and running error-free, but sometimes you may run into problems requiring a bit of troubleshooting.

If you're having issues joining or playing on the server, refer to this page. Use the navigation pane nearby to quickly browse to relevant information if needed.

## Connection and Modpack Issues

### Issue: Cannot connect/server doesn't appear in browser!

Our server is private and will never appear in the public server list. You'll need to visit Joining the Server for information on how to connect!

If you've been whitelisted by an admin and are sure you're entering our connection details correctly, follow these steps to troubleshoot network issues:

1. Check out #server\_updates and the #support channel on our Discord to see if downtime was planned or if others have reported issues.
2. Double-check your connection settings are correct, refer to the example nearby.
3. Refresh the in-game server browser and try restarting your game.
4. If all this fails, report the issue in #support so that admins can take a look. If the issue proves to be client-side, you may be asked to restart your PC and/or router or inspect firewall settings.

### Error: File doesn't match the one on the server / File doesn't exist on the server

Sometimes the Steam Workshop forgets to play nice with Zomboid mods, or there are conflicts between our mods and ones installed on your machine and you'll be left with the error above.

1. Unsubscribe from all Project Zomboid mods on the workshop.
2. Delete the `108600` folder. Default location is under `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\workshop\content\`.
3. Delete the `appworkshop_108600.acf` file. Default location is under `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\workshop`.
4. Rejoin the server normally and allow the game to download our mods.
5. If this doesn't work, try steps 1-3 again and then verify local file integrity in Steam. Article here on how to do that.

### Error: Failed to established P2P connection with the server

Very occasionally you may run into connection issues with the server. If there are no mentions of an issue in `#server_updates` or a related thread in the `#support` channel, follow these steps:

1. Refresh the server browser and try to join again.
2. If refreshing doesn't work, try closing and reopening Project Zomboid.
3. Open either cmd or PowerShell and run the command `/ipconfig flushdns` once to flush your PC's DNS cache.
4. Double check your internet connection and restart your modem/router and PC.
5. If you've tried the steps above, make a thread in the `#support` channel and wait for an admin to assist.

## Gameplay Quirks

If you've connected successfully but are having an issue in-game check this section out.

### Crafting Menu is blank or incorrect

Press the `0` key to refresh your Crafting Menu. We have a mod that stops the Crafting Menu from automatically updating, relying on a cache to save performance.

**You'll need to refresh** any time you add new items to your inventory or stand near containers which have items you're using for crafting.

### Dolly/Forklift/Etc. Stuck in Trunk

Due to a bug in Hydrocraft, items like dollies and forklifts cannot be removed from trunks once they are placed there. You can reach out to #support to have an admin fix it. This may take time, so remember to be patient.

### Lights are off in my base

Very occasionally certain items like the can turn off after a restart. This is due to the way PZ works and there isn't really a way to fix it. It's thankfully rare after a number of updates and easy to fix, just flip the switch or right-click on a lamp to turn it back on.

### Zombie is stuck in wall

Sometimes zombies will spawn trapped in areas that are not physically reachable without a sledgehammer.

## Other Important Articles

* FAQ and Common Controls
* Rules and Guidelines