A backup gives you a recovery point for the world and server data captured at that time. It is especially useful before adding or removing Workshop items, changing settings, or investigating a save problem.

Create and download a backup

1. Open My Servers, select your Project Zomboid server, then choose Backups.
2. Click Create New Backup and wait for the new backup to finish processing.
3. When it appears in the list, use Download to keep an additional copy on your computer if you want one.

For an important world, make a backup before a major change and keep more than one recovery point. Wait for a queued backup to appear before starting another consequential change.

Restore an earlier server state

1. In Backups, find the backup from before the problem or change.
2. Click Restore and read the confirmation. It warns that the operation overwrites current data.
3. Confirm only when you are ready to return the server to that earlier state. Tell players that progress since the backup may be lost.

Restoring can interrupt play. If the server is running, the restore process stops it while replacing data and attempts to start it again afterward. Wait for the operation to finish and check the server status before inviting players back.

A restore applies the backed-up server state; it is not a way to keep newer progress and only replace one damaged item. If you are unsure which backup to choose, pause and contact support before restoring.

Good backup habits

• Create a recovery point before major settings or Workshop changes.
• Download a copy of worlds your group would be upset to lose.
• Check the date and size of a backup before restoring it.
• Keep in mind that a restore can remove progress made after the selected backup.

For safe mod changes, read Steam Workshop mods. For errors after a restore, see troubleshooting.