Introduction to Project Zomboid Build 42
Project Zomboid has released a major update, Build 42, which is currently available on the unstable beta branch. To access this new update, you'll need to switch your server to the unstable branch. This guide will walk you through the process of switching your Project Zomboid server to Build 42 using your game panel.
What is Build 42?
Build 42 is the latest major update for Project Zomboid, offering new features, bug fixes, and improvements. However, since it's on the unstable beta branch, you'll need to opt-in to play it. This means you'll have to switch your server to the unstable branch to take advantage of the new update.
Before You Start
Before switching to Build 42, it's essential to back up any worlds you still care about from Build 41. The process of switching to Build 42 will require wiping all server files, which is a destructive process.
Warning: The wipe is permanent and will delete all your server files, including save data. Make sure to back up any important worlds before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Guide to Switching to Build 42
To switch your Project Zomboid server to Build 42, follow these steps:
- Open your server in the DoomHosting game panel.
- Navigate to the Startup tab, where you can set install/egg variables for your server.
- Find the Steam Beta Branch variable (also labeled as SRCDS_APPID branch or Steam Branch depending on the egg) and set its value to:
unstable - Save the startup settings.
- Go to the Settings tab and click Reinstall Server.
- When reinstalling, choose the option to wipe / clear all server files. This is crucial because Build 42 has save data that is not compatible with Build 41, and mixing old files with the new branch install can cause crashes, missing assets, and corrupt save states.
- After the reinstall finishes, start your server.
Client-Side Steam Branch Setup
It's also important to note that clients will need to opt into the unstable beta branch in Steam to connect to your Build 42 server. If they don't, they'll encounter a version mismatch error.
Troubleshooting
If your server won't start after switching to Build 42, the most common causes are:
- The client is still on Build 41
- The reinstall was done without wiping files, causing old Build 41 assets to conflict with the new branch
- The Steam Beta Branch variable was mistyped Check these potential causes and adjust your settings accordingly.
How to Switch Back to Build 41
If you need to switch back to Build 41, you can do so by setting the Steam Beta Branch variable to an empty string (or b41multiplayer if you want the dedicated B41 multiplayer branch). Then, reinstall and wipe files again.
Conclusion
Switching your Project Zomboid server to Build 42 can seem daunting, but with these steps, you should be able to make a seamless transition. Remember to back up your worlds and wipe all server files to avoid any compatibility issues. If you encounter any problems, don't hesitate to reach out to DoomHosting support, available 24/7 to assist you.