How To Fix The "Error 1" Project Zomboid Error

"Error 1" in Project Zomboid is a generic error message that can appear for a number of reasons, and it often indicates a problem with the game's files, a conflict with a mod, or an issue with your system. The error can manifest in different ways, from a quick pop-up in the corner of your screen to a full game crash.

Here is a breakdown of the common causes and a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and fixing the issue.

How To Fix "Error 1" In Project Zomboid

The most frequent reason for "Error 1" is a conflict between mods. This is especially true if you see the error message repeatedly or after a new mod installation.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Disable Mods One by One:

• The most reliable method is to start a new, unmodded game and see if the error persists.

• If the error is gone, go back to your original save and begin disabling your mods one at a time or in small batches.

• After disabling a mod, try to replicate the action that caused the error.

• Continue this process until you find the problematic mod.

• Verify Game Files on Steam:

• This is a quick and effective first step.

• Right-click on Project Zomboid in your Steam Library.

• Go to Properties.

• Click on Local Files and then select Verify integrity of game files...

• Steam will check your game files for any corruption and redownload any that are missing or damaged.

• Check for "Red" Mods in-game:

• While playing, press ESC to pause the game.

• Look for a "Mods" button, usually on the lower right side of the screen.

• The mod menu may highlight mods in red, indicating they are out of date or have a known issue. These are good candidates to disable first.

• Read the Console.txt Log:

• For a more technical approach, you can examine the game's log file.

• Navigate to your Project Zomboid user folder, which is typically found at: C:\Users\UserProfile\Zomboid

• Open the Console.txt file.

• Search the file for the word "ERROR" (with "match case" enabled). This will often provide a more detailed description of what caused the issue, sometimes naming the specific mod or script that failed.

• Perform a Clean Reinstallation:

• If all else fails, a full reinstallation can resolve deeply rooted issues.

• First, back up your saves! Your saved games are located in the C:\Users\UserProfile\Zomboid\Saves folder. Copy this folder to a safe location.

• Uninstall the game through Steam.

• Manually delete any remaining files or folders in the Steam installation directory: Steam\steamapps\common\ProjectZomboid.

• Go to your user folder (C:\Users\UserProfile\Zomboid) and delete everything except the "Saves" folder you backed up.

• Reinstall the game through Steam.

• After reinstalling, you can copy your saved games back into the new Zomboid\Saves folder.

• Update Your Graphics Drivers:

• Ensure your graphics card drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause a variety of graphical and performance issues that may lead to crashes.

Still have some questions about fixing the "Error 1" error in Project Zomboid?

Don't hesitate to reach out to our support team! We're available 24/7 to assist!

By: Ali A.

Updated on: 21/07/2025