Project Zomboid Function On Local Player Disconnect

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

06-01-2025

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Project Zomboid, the ultimate zombie survival simulator, presents a unique challenge when it comes to multiplayer gameplay: what happens when a local player disconnects? This isn't a simple "game over" scenario; the game's mechanics are designed to handle these situations in a way that maintains a degree of realism and avoids completely derailing the experience for other players.

The Mechanics of Disconnection

When a local player disconnects from a Project Zomboid multiplayer game, the game doesn't immediately crash or end. Instead, the game engine handles the disconnection in a specific way, depending on the type of multiplayer setup.

Dedicated Servers vs. Peer-to-Peer

The behaviour of a disconnect differs depending on whether you're using a dedicated server or a peer-to-peer connection.

• Dedicated Servers: If the game runs on a dedicated server, the other players will typically continue the game. The disconnected player's character will remain in the world, but will be frozen in place. They may be subject to AI control (although this is not guaranteed and depends on server settings). The other players can loot their inventory after a suitable timeframe, preventing unfair advantages or persistent game exploits.

• Peer-to-Peer: In peer-to-peer games, the impact of a disconnection is more significant. The host player is usually crucial for the game's stability. If the host disconnects, the game will likely end for all players. There might be a short window of time where other players can attempt to continue, but this is rarely successful. This is due to the architectural limitations of peer-to-peer networking, where one player's machine is responsible for the majority of the game's processing.

Implications for Gameplay

The way the game handles disconnections has several important implications for how you play:

• Character Loss: In both scenarios, the risk of character loss exists. The longer you play without saving often, the more significant this risk becomes. A sudden disconnect can mean losing progress.
• Inventory Management: It’s important to distribute items across multiple characters to mitigate losses due to disconnections. This is especially true in dedicated server environments where the disconnected player's inventory becomes accessible.
• Server Selection: Choosing a stable dedicated server reduces the risk of complete game loss compared to peer-to-peer connections.
• Regular Saving: Frequent manual saves are crucial to avoid major setbacks in case of unforeseen disconnections.

Best Practices for Multiplayer

To minimize disruptions from local player disconnections:

• Use a Dedicated Server: For a more stable multiplayer experience, consider hosting a dedicated server to reduce the impact of individual player disconnects.
• Regularly Back Up: Back up your save files frequently to protect against data loss.
• Communicate with Your Group: If you experience a disconnection, inform your group so they can plan accordingly.

Understanding the mechanics of disconnections in Project Zomboid is crucial for enjoying a smooth multiplayer experience. By following these best practices, you can minimize the impact of these events and keep your zombie survival efforts on track.