Project Zomboid’s 42.20.3 Hotfix Fixes Multiplayer Hangs and Memory Leaks
The stable release supports up to 254 players on a server, addresses a permanent "Loading Map" hang, and should not affect existing saves.
Project Zomboid has received its 42.20.3 stable hotfix, bringing several multiplayer fixes alongside work on memory leaks, world rendering, and lighting errors. The developers published the details in a Steam announcement on August 17, 2026.
Multiplayer servers can now handle up to 254 players, and administrators can access servers even when they are full. The patch also fixes a problem that could leave clients stuck on “Loading Map” forever.
Several memory-related problems have been addressed as well. The developers said the update should not break existing saves, although players who still encounter an out-of-memory error on a new save are asked to submit logs and a profiler video captured from debug mode.
The hotfix follows the earlier 42.20.2 hotfix, which focused on percent-symbol errors in mod files.
Project Zomboid 42.20.3 Patch Notes
Version 42.20.3 focuses on server capacity, loading stability, memory use, visual glitches while traveling, and errors during lighting updates.
MP
- Improved server player limit handling, including support for up to 254 players and administrator access when servers are full
- Fixed an issue that would cause the client to hang on “Loading Map” forever
FIXES
- Addressed multiple causes of a memory leak that could lead to performance degradation and crashes over time
- If you continue to encounter an out of memory error in a new save, please submit a bug report with your logs and profiler video from debug so the team can investigate
- Implemented several memory optimisations
- Reduced instances of black and gray boxes appearing when travelling quickly through the world
- Additional causes of this issue are still being investigated and will be addressed in a future update
- Fixed issues that could cause errors during lighting updates.
As always, discussions regarding this update can be found pinned to the Project Zomboid Discussions Forums here.
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