Moving a Project Zomboid world means copying two things, the map folder from Saves/Multiplayer and the matching database file from the db folder, then keeping the same server name and mod list so your world and players load exactly as they were.
What a save is actually made of
A Project Zomboid multiplayer save has two separate parts, and you need both:
- The world itself, the map chunks players have explored and everything built in them. This is the folder Zomboid/Saves/Multiplayer/servertest/, full of map.bin` files.
- The player database, which stores accounts, characters, positions and safehouses. This is the file Zomboid/db/servertest.db.
Copy only the world and everyone loses their characters. Copy only the database and there is no world to spawn into. Move both together and the save comes across whole.
Before you start
- Match the server name. Both parts are named after the server, servertest by default. Your GuavaHost server has its own name, so either rename the incoming files to match it or set your server's name to match the files.
- Match your mods. A save built with mods needs the same mods on the new server, or the world may fail to load. Have your mod list ready.
- Take a snapshot. Use the Backups tab on the new server first, so you can undo if anything goes sideways.
Copy the files across
The Settings tab in your GuavaHost panel shows your SFTP details, the host, port and username. SFTP is a secure way to move files between your computer and your server, and FileZilla is a free client we recommend.
- Stop the destination server from the Console tab.
- Connect with FileZilla using the details on the Settings tab.
- Upload your old Saves/Multiplayer/<name>/ folder into the same path on the new server.
- Upload your old db/<name>.db file into the db folder.
- Make sure both use your GuavaHost server's name.
- Open servertest.ini on the Files tab and copy your old Mods= and WorkshopItems= lines in.
- Start the server and watch the Console log load your world.
A note on game versions
A world made on an older build usually loads on a newer one, but not always the other way around. Try to move to a server running the same or a newer Project Zomboid version, and keep a snapshot until you have confirmed the save loads and your character is intact.
Prefer to let us handle it
You do not have to do any of this yourself. GuavaHost offers staff-assisted migration, so our team can move your existing server across for you, files, save and all. Open a ticket or ask in Discord, tell us where the world is now, and we will take care of the transfer.
Still stuck? Jump into our Discord at discord.gg/GuavaHost and the team will help you out.