Project Zomboid server hosting on Build 42 (B42) is exciting, but because it’s the unstable branch, getting a modded Project Zomboid Build 42 server running can be a little pickier than Build 41. If Workshop mods aren’t loading, you’re seeing mod mismatch, or everything looks installed but doesn’t show up in-game, it’s usually a small formatting or config issue.

In this guide, we walk you through installing mods on modded Project Zomboid server hosting for Build 42, including how to grab the Workshop URL, enter the correct Workshop ID / Mod ID, apply mod IDs properly so your server loads mods reliably and how to repair an existing setup without reinstalling everything (even if you imported huge Workshop collections).

What’s Different About Modding In Project Zomboid Build 42

If you’ve modded servers on Build 41 before, the process is similar, but Project Zomboid Build 42 introduces a key formatting change that can prevent mods from loading even when they are installed correctly. Here's how that would look in your server config files.

Build 41 commonly uses:

Mods=ModOne;ModTwo

But Build 42 servers require a backslash before each Mod ID in the Mods= line, like:

Mods=\ModOne;\ModTwo

That single formatting difference is behind many “installed but not loaded” issues on B42 multiplayer server hosting.

Before You Start: What You Need For Every Workshop Mod

For every mod you add to your hosted server, you’ll need two values:

  1. Workshop ID (the numeric ID from the Workshop URL). In our panel you can also skip this and use the Steam URL of the workshop page.
  2. Mod ID (the mod’s internal name used by Project Zomboid)

Both are required. If you swap them, you’ll often get mod mismatch errors or “required mod not found” messages when players try to join.

Install Mods From The Pine Hosting Panel (Workshop Tab + Mods Tab)

Step 1: Add The Workshop Item In The Panel

  1. Login To Your Game Panel
  2. Select The Server You Want To Work On
  3. Click The Workshop Tab
  4. Click Install
  5. Paste the Workshop URL or Workshop ID
  6. Click Install to start installation
  7. Click Save

Step 2: Enable The Mod Using The Mod ID

  1. Click The Mods Tab.
  2. Click Add in the top right corner
  3. Enter the Mod ID with a backslash in front.
    Example :     \ModID
  4. Click Save
  5. Head over to Console tab and Restart your server


Video Guide:

Fix Mods Without Reinstalling Everything (No Need To Re-Import Collections)

If you already installed a big set of mods (especially Workshop collections) and only later learned about the B42 backslash requirement, you do not need to reinstall every mod.

You can fix it by editing the mod line directly in Zomboid.ini.

Fast Fix: Add Backslashes In Zomboid.ini (Line 76)

  1. Go to Files → search Zomboid.ini
  2. Open it and jump to line 76 (this is commonly where the mod list is stored on many setups)
  3. Find the line that contains all your mods, usually:

Mods=...

  1. Add a backslash before each Mod ID:

Before (Build 41 Style)

Mods=ModOne;ModTwo;ModThree

After (Build 42 Style)

Mods=\ModOne;\ModTwo;\ModThree

  1. Click Save
  2. Restart the server

If You Have Too Many Mods To Edit Manually

If you’ve imported an entire collection and the Mods= line is massive, the simplest approach is:

  • copy the whole Mods= line into an AI tool or editor,
  • ask it to “add a backslash before each mod name”
  • paste the result back into Zomboid.ini.

That way, you’re automating the formatting fix instead of editing hundreds of entries by hand and ensuring you are not making any syntax errors yourself.

Mod Load Order (Avoid Conflicts And Weird Issues)

Even when everything is “installed,” load order can cause invisible problems like missing tiles, broken maps, or mismatches. Use this general order to reduce issues:

Mod Loader Order

  1. Maps
  2. Tile Packs
  3. Framework And Character Adjustment Mods
  4. Vehicle Mods
  5. All Other Mods

If you are using Pine Hosting you can change the order of your mods by simply dragging them around in your Mods Tab. No File editing required.

Practical tips:

  • If you use map mods, put them first and ensure your Map= line reflects the correct order.
  • Tile packs should load before maps that depend on them.
  • Framework mods (libraries/APIs) should load before mods that require them.

FAQ: Modded Project Zomboid Server Hosting (Build 42)

Why Are Mods Not Working On My Project Zomboid Build 42 Server Hosting?

Most cases come down to:

  • Mod IDs and Workshop IDs being mixed up
  • Missing the Build 42 backslash format in Mods=
  • Not restarting after changes
  • Mod load order problems (especially maps/tile packs)

Do I Need To Reinstall Mods To Add The Backslash Fix?

No. If the mods are already installed, you can edit Zomboid.ini, find the Mods= line (often around line 76), add the backslashes, save, and restart.

How Do I Add A Map Mod On A Hosted Server?

Edit Zomboid.ini, find Map=, then add the map name exactly as listed on Steam (example: Map=MapName1;Muldraugh, KY). Save and restart.

What’s The Best Mod Load Order For Build 42?

Maps → Tile Packs → Framework/Character Mods → Vehicle Mods → Everything Else. This helps prevent dependency issues and map/tile errors.

Host Your Project Zomboid Server With Pine Hosting

If you want a smoother experience running Project Zomboid server hosting, especially when you’re building a modded Build 42 Server, Pine Hosting is set up to make the “admin side” simple, even when Build 42 is in its unstable state.

Here’s why it helps:

  • Fast Mod Installs From The Panel: You can add Workshop items directly from the Workshop tab and enable them from the Mods tab without digging through SteamCMD commands.
  • Better For Big Mod Lists And Collections: If you’re running a heavy modpack or importing collections, having everything centralized in one control panel makes updates, troubleshooting, and restarts much easier.
  • Quick Restarts For Applying Changes: Restarting after mod changes is essential on Build 42, and having one-click server control helps you iterate quickly when testing mods and load order.

If you’re planning to run a long-term modded Project Zomboid Build 42 Server, scale up mod content, or just want an easier way to manage maps/mods without headaches, hosting with Pine Hosting keeps the process straightforward, so you can spend more time actually playing and less time fighting config files.