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Project Zomboid: choosing Build 42 or Build 41
Project Zomboid is available in two major versions: Build 42 has been the stable version since July 2026, and Build 41 is the older one. By default, your server runs on Build 42. You switch the branch yourself in the customer portal.
Branches
| Branch | Content |
|---|---|
| Build 42 | default, current stable version |
| Build 41 | older major version, last release 41.78 |
| Build 42 unstable | pre-release of Build 42 with the latest changes |
Switching the branch
- In the customer portal, open your Project Zomboid server and the card „Verbindung“ (Connection).
- Next to „Steam-Zweig“ (Steam branch), select the branch you want and then „Zweig wechseln“ (Switch branch).
- Before the switch, the server automatically creates a backup. It then starts with the selected branch.
If the branch is not yet available, the customer portal initially declines the switch and prepares the branch. Try again after a few minutes.
Worlds are not interchangeable. Worlds from Build 41 cannot be loaded in Build 42, and vice versa. To go back, use the backup that was created during the switch.
Players and mods
- All players need the same branch. In Steam, they select it in the Library under Project Zomboid, Properties, Betas.
- Workshop mods are often tied to one major version. The Workshop page of a mod states whether it supports Build 41 or Build 42.
- During a game switch, the selected branch is kept together with the other Project Zomboid settings.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I switch back to Build 42?
- Yes, at any time in the same way. However, a world from Build 41 cannot be loaded in Build 42. That is what the backup before the switch is for.
- What is the pre-release?
- The unstable branch contains changes that will later appear in Build 42. It may contain bugs. The server creates a backup before every switch.
See also: Project Zomboid: sandbox settings Setting up Project Zomboid mods Downloading backups