One of the biggest advantages of running a HumanitZ dedicated server is the deep level of control you have over the gameplay experience. From tweaking zombie threat levels to fine-tuning how long each in-game day lasts, the server configuration file puts the power firmly in your hands. This guide walks you through the key settings for zombie difficulty, loot rates, and day duration — so you can craft the perfect survival experience for your community.
Before making any changes, stop your server via your control panel. Navigate to Config, then open the HumanitZ Server Settings file (GameServerSettings.ini). We recommend using the Config Editor for a more intuitive interface. Once your edits are saved, restart the server to apply the new settings. Always stop the server before editing and start it again after saving your changes.
Zombie difficulty in HumanitZ is split into three independent parameters inside the config file: ZombieDiffHealth, ZombieDiffSpeed, and ZombieDiffDamage. Each accepts a value from 0 (Very Easy) to 5 (Nightmare). Zombie difficulty changes the chase speed, health, and damage output of zombies — so you can mix and match to create a unique threat level. For example, setting speed to Nightmare means the fastest zombie can match the player’s running speed, while headshots remain lethal at any health setting.
The ZombieAmountMulti parameter controls how many zombies spawn on your server. It accepts three levels: Low (0), Medium (1), and High (2). Keep in mind that setting the multiplier beyond 2.0 may cause performance issues, and in multiplayer there is no automatic correction based on player count. A good rule of thumb is to match the multiplier roughly to your active player count for a balanced experience. You can also set the ZombieRespawnTimer anywhere between 10 and 295 minutes (in 5-minute increments), or set it to Never.
Loot rates in HumanitZ are controlled per category using the Rarity settings in the config file (e.g., RarityFood, RarityRanged, RarityAmmo). Each accepts a value from 0 to 4: Scarce, Low, Default, Plentiful, or Abundant. You can also toggle LootRespawn to enable or disable loot regeneration entirely, and set LootRespawnTimer (default: 60 minutes) and PickupRespawnTimer (default: 90 minutes) to control how quickly containers and loose items refresh. Tuning loot scarcity is a powerful way to raise or lower overall survival pressure.
Day and night duration are set independently using the DayDur and NightDur parameters in the GameServerSettings.ini file. Both values represent real-time minutes, giving you precise control over the pace of your in-game world. A shorter day forces players into survival decisions faster, while a longer cycle rewards exploration and base-building. Adjust both values to match the playstyle your community prefers — whether that’s a quick-paced challenge or a slow, immersive survival experience.
Beyond the three core settings covered in this guide, HumanitZ offers a wide range of additional configuration options. These include DaysPerSeason and StartingSeason to control the in-game calendar, VitalDrain to adjust how quickly hunger and thirst deplete, HumanDifficulty for hostile NPC threat levels, companion health and damage settings, PvP toggling, air drop frequency, and weapon durability. Every parameter can be fine-tuned to deliver a tailored experience for your players.
Always back up your GameServerSettings.ini file before making bulk changes. Test one setting at a time so you can identify the impact on gameplay. If you run a multiplayer server, communicate major difficulty or loot changes to your community in advance — sudden shifts in zombie density or loot scarcity can dramatically alter the player experience. Need help? Most game server hosting providers offer a Config Editor in their control panel to make the process straightforward, even for first-time server admins.