How to Switch Branches on Your Project Zomboid Server

Published June 9, 2026 · By Host Havoc Technical Support Team

Your Project Zomboid server can run different Steam branches. Build 42 became the stable public release on 29 July 2026, and Build 41 moved to the legacy41 branch. This process runs a repair and file validation to ensure a clean switch. After switching, you will also need to set your server admin password if it has not been configured. See change admin password if needed.

BranchGame version
Public (default)Build 42 stable
legacy41Build 41
UnstableBuild 42 preview builds

Warning: Build 41 and Build 42 saves are not compatible, so a world from one build will not load on the other. Back up your server by running Create Backup in your game control panel before switching branches.

Switch branches

  1. Log in to the Game Control Panel and navigate to your server.
  2. Stop the server.
  3. Click the ...More button and run the Repair option.
  4. Once the repair completes, click ...More again and run the Validate Server Files option.
  5. In the branch settings, select the branch you want: the default public branch for Build 42, legacy41 for Build 41, or Unstable for preview builds.
  6. Set your Server Admin Password.
  7. Start your server.