Zomboid Console Commands: Admin, Debug Mode, Item Spawn

Zomboid console commands in Project Zomboid are really admin commands. You run them from the in-game chat with a slash, from the server console, or over RCON, and your account needs a staff access level.

Single player has no typed console, so players use the debug menu instead. This guide was checked against the XGamingServer, GGServers and Shockbyte command guides, plus search results on debug mode. Command names can change between Build 41 and Build 42, so use /help in game as the final check.

How to use console commands in Project Zomboid

Open chat with the T key, type a slash and the command, then press Enter. On a dedicated server console or RCON, type the same command without the slash.

1. Join a server on which you have a staff access level.
2. Press T to open chat.
3. Type /help to list commands, or /help <command> for one command.
4. Run the command, for example /save.

If your access level is too low, the command is silently ignored. That is the most common reason people think the commands are broken.

Access levels and how to give yourself admin

Project Zomboid has five staff levels. From most to least powerful they are admin, moderator, overseer, gm and observer.

If you host the server, give yourself admin from the server console with setaccesslevel YourUsername admin. In chat an existing admin uses /setaccesslevel <player> <level>, and the level none removes a role.

Project Zomboid console commands list

Commands below are shown in chat syntax. Drop the slash for the server console or RCON.

Use /help in game to see which commands your build supports.

Item spawning and skill XP

Items use a Module.Item ID, and the base game module is Base. For example /additem "yourname" Base.Axe adds an axe. Modded items use the mod’s own module name.

Skills use Perks.Skill, as in /addxp "yourname" Perks.Strength 200. After a big update, check item IDs against the wiki, because Build 42 changed some crafting materials.

PZ console commands in single player: debug mode

There is no typed console in single player. To get cheats, add -debug to the game’s launch options.

1. In Steam, right-click Project Zomboid and open Properties.
2. On the General tab, type -debug in Launch Options.
3. Start the game and load a world.
4. Click the bug icon on the left of the screen to open the debug menu, then open its cheats panel.

Guides disagree on the exact icon position, so look for the bug icon. Old Cheat Menu mods are reported as incompatible with Build 42, so the built-in debug menu is the safer choice. Playing with debug on marks the save as cheated.

Players who like survival games with admin tools can compare this with Subnautica console commands and Green Hell console commands.

Save before testing debug options, and turn debug off by removing the launch option when you want a normal run again. Solo players who only want a safe sandbox can start a new world just for experiments.

Server console and RCON

RCON lets you send the same admin commands from outside the game. Set RCONPort (commonly 27015) and a non-empty RCONPassword in servertest.ini and restart. RCON stays disabled while the password is blank. Connect with any RCON client and type commands without the slash.

For other survival games with similar admin systems, see The Long Dark console commands and Don’t Starve Together console commands. More are on the all game cheat codes page.

Why Project Zomboid console commands are not working

• Nothing happens: your access level is too low. The command is ignored without an error.
• Command not found: chat commands need the slash, while console and RCON must not use it.
• Item not added: check the exact Module.Item ID, especially after a build update.
• RCON will not connect: the password in servertest.ini must not be blank.
• Cheat Menu mod errors in Build 42: use the debug menu instead.

FAQ

How do I use console commands in Project Zomboid?

On a server, open chat with T and type a slash command such as /help. In the server console or RCON, type the command without the slash. You need a staff access level.

What are the PZ console commands for items?

Use /additem followed by the Module.Item ID, for example /additem “yourname” Base.Axe. The player name is optional, and without it the item goes to you.

How do I make myself admin in Project Zomboid?

From the server console type setaccesslevel YourUsername admin. An existing admin can do the same in chat with /setaccesslevel and your name.

Can I use Zomboid console commands in single player?

Not as typed commands. Add -debug to the Steam launch options and use the debug menu with its cheats panel. This marks the save as cheated.

What is the Project Zomboid god mode command?

Type /godmode to toggle damage immunity. A few lists show /godmod, so use /help to confirm the spelling in your build.

Why do my Project Zomboid console commands do nothing?

Commands are ignored when your access level is too low. Also check you used the slash in chat and not in the server console, and that the item ID is correct.

If you also play Dying Light, see Dying Light console commands.

More cheat guides

• Enshrouded Console Commands: Do They Exist? Admin and Cheats
• Empyrion Console Commands: Open, God Mode, Item Menu
• Vintage Story Console Commands: Chat Commands List
• Icarus Console Commands on PC: Admin Chat Commands (2026)
• Abiotic Factor Console Commands: Mod Setup and Command List
• V Rising Console Commands: Enable, Admin, God Mode, Items
• All Survival cheat codes
• All game cheat codes

Sources

• XGamingServer – Project Zomboid server admin commands
• GGServers – Project Zomboid console commands
• Shockbyte – All console commands for your Project Zomboid server
• PZ Fans – Debug mode and safe cheat options (Build 42)