# Configuration

Understand the main YAML files, game timing, server modes, storage and optional integrations.

## Files and responsibilities

ZombieSurvival generates several YAML files in its plugin folder. File names are case-sensitive on some servers.

| File | Purpose |
| --- | --- |
| `Config.yml` | Storage, server mode, game timing, parties and global behavior |
| `Weapons.yml` | Weapon mappings and upgrade definitions |
| `Kits.yml` | Kit configuration |
| `Lobby.yml` | Lobby configuration |
| `Scoreboards.yml` | Scoreboard text and placeholders |
| `Messages.yml` | Player-facing messages |
| `Sounds.yml` | Configured sounds |
| `Items.yml` | Lobby and game items |
| `Signs.yml`, `Arena-Signs.yml` | Sign configuration |
| `Holograms.yml` | Hologram leaderboard configuration |

Back up files before making changes. Use `/zs reload` for normal configuration edits, then test the resulting behavior in an empty test arena. Plan database changes separately with a backup and restart.

## Storage

`MySQL.Use: false` uses local YAML statistics. To use MySQL, enable it and configure the host, port, database, table, credentials, SSL and pool size in `Config.yml`.

This is separate from arena world templates. Back up both player statistics and map/plugin data.

## Multiple arenas or Bungee

The default `Bungee-Mode.One-Game-Per-Server: false` supports multiple arenas. Bungee mode can run one game per server and return players to configured hub servers. Set the hub names and proxy routing to match your own network before enabling it.

`Multi-Arena.Player-Events-Blocker` controls restrictions on players outside a game. Review it when sharing a server with other activities.

## Game timing and progression

The current defaults include 500 starting points, a 60-second lobby countdown and a ten-second normal round standby. `Game.Until-Game-End: -1` disables a fixed round limit.

Other settings control joining an already-started game, end fireworks, blood effects, ammo purchases and teleporting stuck zombies. `Round-End-Commands` can run your configured commands after rounds.

Mode tuning lives under `Modes.*` in `Config.yml`, including per-mode starting weapons. Use the COLDWAR armor station when your map includes its salvage and plate-armor progression.

## Chat, parties and kits

`Game.Per-Game-Chat` separates game chat, and `Separate-Spectator-Chat` can split spectators. Chat formats are configurable. Review `Game.Blocked-Commands` for commands that should be unavailable during a match.

`Party.Invitation-Expire-Time` defaults to 60 seconds. Party limits can vary by permissions. Kit purchase commands must match your installed permissions plugin; the generated example uses LuckPerms.

## Optional services

Install Vault with an economy provider for economy rewards, PlaceholderAPI for supported text placeholders and DecentHolograms for hologram leaderboards. Configure each service after confirming it is enabled on the server.

Use [weapons](/zombiesurvival/wiki/weapons) for WeaponMechanics and resource-pack setup, and [arena setup](/zombiesurvival/wiki/arena-setup) for map changes.