How to Turn PvP On or Off on a Project Zomboid Server
PvP on a Project Zomboid server is switched off or on with one line in the .ini: PVP=false or PVP=true. If you leave it on, there's a second setting that changes the game a lot: the safety system, which lets each player choose whether they want to fight.
Turning PvP off or on
In the server's .ini (servertest.ini if you haven't renamed it), set PVP=false so nobody can hurt another player, or PVP=true to allow it. Edit it with the server stopped, then start it.
While the server is running, an admin can change it on the spot with /changeoption PVP "false" (or "true").
On NapNodes it's in “Settings” → “The essentials”: “PvP (player versus player)”. The other settings in this guide are in the “PvP and fighting” group. Changes apply on restart.
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The safety system: the skull
With PvP on and SafetySystem=true, each player switches PvP on and off for themselves with the skull icon on the left of the screen. You can only hurt someone when at least one of you is in PvP mode. With SafetySystem=false, anyone can hurt anyone at any time.
The settings that go with it: ShowSafety shows the skull above the head of anyone in PvP mode; SafetyToggleTimer is how long it takes to enter or leave PvP mode, and SafetyCooldownTimer is how long you have to wait before switching again. In Build 42, SafetyDisconnectDelay makes a player who quits take a few seconds to vanish, so nobody can escape a fight by disconnecting.
Damage between players
PVPMeleeDamageModifier and PVPFirearmDamageModifier raise or lower melee and ranged damage between players. PVPMeleeWhileHitReaction lets you hit back while you're being hit. PlayerBumpPlayer decides whether players bump into each other (and knock each other over) when they run into one another.
To keep track, PVPLogToolChat logs PvP in the admin chat and PVPLogToolFile logs it to a file on the server. Handy when someone swears “it wasn't me”.
Friends who can't hurt each other: factions and safehouses
On a PvP server, members of the same faction don't deal melee damage to each other unless the faction turns on the option that enables melee PvP between its members. And a safehouse with SafehouseAllowTrepass=false and SafehouseAllowLoot=false keeps your base out of everyone else's reach. The Project Zomboid safehouses and factions guide explains how.
Non-PvP zones
Admins can mark zones with no PvP even when the server has it on, such as a trading post. It's done from the in-game admin panel, in the non-PvP zones section → add a zone, marking the start and end of the area by walking over the ground.
Three ways to set it up
Pure co-op (friends against the zombies): PVP=false. Nobody hurts anybody, not even by accident with a shotgun.
PvP with rules (an open community): PVP=true and SafetySystem=true, safehouses with PlayerSafehouse=true and SafehouseAllowTrepass=false, and a non-PvP zone or two. Whoever doesn't want to fight, doesn't. For a roleplay community, see the settings for a roleplay server.
Full PvP: PVP=true and SafetySystem=false. Anyone can attack anyone. It needs attentive admins, PvP logging switched on and the commands to kick and ban close at hand.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn off PvP in Project Zomboid?
Set PVP=false in the server's .ini (with the server stopped) or, while it's running, use /changeoption PVP "false". On NapNodes, it's in “Settings” → “The essentials”.
How do I enable PvP on my Project Zomboid server?
Set PVP=true in the .ini. If SafetySystem=true is also set, each player chooses whether to enter PvP mode with the skull on the left of the screen.
What is the skull icon in Project Zomboid?
It's the PvP mode toggle of the safety system (SafetySystem). You can only hurt another player, or they you, if one of you has it switched on.
Can I hurt players in my own faction?
In melee, only if your faction has turned on melee PvP between its members.
How do I make a safe zone with no PvP?
As an admin, in the in-game admin panel: open the non-PvP zones section, add a zone and mark the area on the ground.
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