10 guides · Build 42.21
Setup & servers
Choose your mod stack, verify Java loading and recover updates before checking a server.
Choose the problem first
A Workshop subscription, a Java approval and a server list are different checks. Begin with the local loader indicator, keep a dated save copy, then test a separate world. Move to server consistency only after the intended client setup works.
O does nothing
Check whether the Java loader started before changing graphics.
Follow the steps →Which companions do I need?
Choose optional models, input and weather features by task.
Follow the steps →Enabled, but did the Java file load?
Read loaded/blocked and saved/session states separately.
Follow the steps →I denied the intended file
Reset only the matching saved decision, then review it again.
Follow the steps →It stopped after an update
Separate a missing agent from an updated companion’s approval.
Follow the steps →Joining friends fails
Separate server mod lists from each client’s runtime and fingerprint baseline.
Follow the steps →All setup & servers guides
Install Viewpoint and fix an unresponsive O key
Check ZombieBuddy loading, Windows normal versus alternate launch, Mac/Linux setup and Viewpoint activation before troubleshooting the O key.
Read guide →Choose a minimal Viewpoint mod list for Build 42
Separate required Viewpoint loader files from optional models, controls and weather, then add only the features you want to a test world.
Read guide →How to check whether a Project Zomboid Java mod is loaded
Use Zed’s Better ModList to distinguish enabled, loaded, blocked and persisted Java mod states before diagnosing a Viewpoint feature.
Read guide →Reset a declined ZombieBuddy Java mod approval
Review an updated Java file or undo one mistaken denial without deleting all ZombieBuddy settings or enabling an allow-all policy.
Read guide →Restore ZombieBuddy after a game update or Steam verification
Diagnose a previously working Viewpoint loader after an update, preserve launch settings and approvals, and distinguish missing runtime from a changed Java file.
Read guide →Check Build 42 Stable, Unstable and Viewpoint compatibility
Use the current 42.21 release status, match client/server versions and check mod requirements before following an old beta tutorial.
Read guide →Back up Project Zomboid saves before adding Viewpoint mods
Copy a complete world safely, keep version and mod notes, and avoid mixing backup files or treating a client save as a full server backup.
Read guide →Find console.txt and report a Build 42 Viewpoint error
Collect the failed run’s log, identify Viewpoint lines, and send versions, GPU and reproduction steps without treating every warning as the cause.
Read guide →Viewpoint on Steam Deck, Mac and controllers: what to check
Separate base-game Steam Deck verification from Viewpoint add-on support, platform loader instructions and controller limitations.
Read guide →Set up Viewpoint QOL and Simple Mod Check for a server
Separate server ini entries from each player’s Java setup, then establish a Simple Mod Check staff baseline with Enforce off.
Read guide →