Not Project Zomboid. PROJECT Z is a 7 Days to Die mod by BlackRabbitMsk, unrelated to the standalone game with a similar name.
PROJECT Z is server-side, so only the server needs it. : Run it on a Plan M server in a couple of clicks →
PROJECT Z is a suite of server-side gameplay mods for 7 Days to Die that rebalances core systems and adds a layer of new content on top. The headline change is a complete armor rework with set bonuses, but the full package also brings radiation and biome effects, elite late-game zombies, custom bosses, a mastery skill system and an expanded inventory. Because it is server-side and XML-only, it is one of the lowest-friction overhauls to deploy: no anti-cheat changes, and nothing for your players to download.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Creator | BlackRabbitMsk |
| Category | Server-side gameplay overhaul |
| Current version | 3.2.1, released 29 August 2026 (built for game V3.2, actively updated) |
| Side | Server-side only (no client install) |
| EAC | No changes required |
| Format | XML modlet (ModInfo.xml + Config, no DLLs), with translation files for 12 languages |
| Older builds | 3.0, 3.1, 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 archives kept for earlier game patches |
Every armor piece is rebalanced. Wearing a matching set grants a set bonus, and the armor class itself adds a further bonus. A half-set mechanic rewards partial builds, granting the bonus for wearing two or three pieces of a set, and new unique armor sets carry their own special abilities.
PROJECT Z adds radiation and vulnerability mechanics with biome-specific effects, so where you fight and how you are equipped both matter more than in vanilla.
An elite (tier-4) zombie tier raises the late-game threat ceiling, and the mod adds unique bosses and mini-bosses with custom mechanics and rewards.
A mastery skill system extends weapon progression beyond the vanilla tier-3 cap, a new combo-focused skill grants bonuses for chaining events, and a large set of new mini-tasks adds varied objectives and rewards.
An expanded 78-slot backpack with a redesigned UI, universal-parts crafting, improved ammo crafting and larger resource stack sizes round out the quality-of-life changes.
PROJECT Z ships as a standard XML modlet: a ModInfo.xml and a Config folder, with no compiled DLLs. That means it loads without disabling EAC and runs entirely on the server, so players join with an unmodified client.
Mods directoryNo. Project Zomboid is a separate standalone game. PROJECT Z is a 7 Days to Die mod by BlackRabbitMsk: a server-side overhaul that rebalances armor, adds set bonuses, radiation effects, elite zombies, bosses and a mastery skill system. The two are unrelated despite the similar name.
No on both counts. PROJECT Z is a server-side, XML-only modlet, so it does not require disabling Easy Anti-Cheat and players do not need to install anything. You install it once on the server and everyone who connects gets the changes. That makes it one of the easiest overhauls to run on a rented dedicated server.
The mod's current version is 3.2.1, released on 29 August 2026 and built for 7 Days to Die V3.2, the current stable line (verified October 2026). The author keeps archives for 3.0, 3.1, 3.1.1 and 3.1.2 for servers on older game patches, so pick the archive that matches your server's game version. An experimental build for the game's 3.3 experimental branch is in testing with the mod's community and is not a general release yet.
PROJECT Z rebalances all armor and adds bonuses tied to wearing a full set, plus a bonus from the armor class itself. There is also a half-set mechanic that grants the bonus when you wear two or three pieces of a set, so partial builds are still rewarded. New unique armor sets add their own special abilities on top.
Looking for other mods? Browse all 7 Days to Die mods: Darkness Falls, The Asylum, War3zuk, plus weapon packs and quality-of-life modlets. Want a server-side overhaul running in minutes? Compare hosting plans →