How to Add Custom Maps to a Nazi Zombies Portable Server

To add a custom map to a Nazi Zombies: Portable server, upload the map's .bsp file and its matching .way waypoint file (plus any extra folders the map ships with) into the server's nzp/maps folder, then start the server on it with +map mapname or switch to it live. Type listmaps in the server console to check the exact name. To rotate between maps automatically, list them in nzp/map_rotation.txt and set sv_maprotationmode 1, and turn on sv_enablechatplugins 1 so players can vote with mapvote.

What a custom NZ:P map is made of

NZ:P maps are Quake format .bsp files, built with editors like TrenchBroom. Zombies do not find their own way around: mappers place waypoints in game, which saves a .way file with the same name as the map. The NZ:P docs are clear that the .way file must be shipped alongside the map, because without it zombies cannot path toward players properly.

A typical download looks like:

nzp_mymap.bsp
nzp_mymap.way

Some maps also include extra models, sounds or textures in their own folders. Keep the folder structure from the download when you upload; it usually mirrors the game's nzp folder.

Where to find maps: the NZ:P community shares them in its Discord and on mod sites. Check a map was made for the current NZ:P version. Maps built for older releases sometimes load but have broken doors or perks.

Step 1: Upload the files

The server keeps maps in nzp/maps/, next to the stock maps. Upload the .bsp and .way there.

• On a home server, copy them into the folder.
• On a remote server, use SFTP or the file manager. If SFTP is new to you, read what SFTP is.

Upload while the server is stopped if you are replacing a map that is currently loaded.

Step 2: Check the name

Start the server and type in its console:

listmaps

It prints every map the server can see. The name to use is the file name without .bsp. If your map is missing from the list, it is in the wrong folder.

Step 3: Load it

To start the server on the map, use it in the launch line:

+map nzp_mymap

To change map while the server runs, use the standard Quake command in the server console:

changelevel nzp_mymap

Everyone on the server moves to the new map.

Do players need the map?

FTE based servers can send missing files to players when they join, which is what the asset download screen at connect is doing. For big maps or flaky connections, it is faster and more reliable for each player to put the same .bsp and .way in their own nzp/maps folder before joining. If a player ends up stuck on the download screen, see our NZ:P connection fixes, which covers that known issue.

Letting players vote for maps

NZ:P has map voting built in. Turn on chat plugins on the server:

+sv_enablechatplugins 1

Then, in game chat:

According to the NZ:P docs, a vote lasts 60 seconds and, if it passes, the level changes after a 15 second grace period. Only one vote can run at a time, votes are public, and votes take priority over rotation settings. Players need to know the map names, so post your list in your group chat.

Map rotation

When a game ends, NZ:P can pick the next map for you. Set sv_maprotationmode:

For a fixed rotation, create a plain text file in the nzp folder (not in maps). By default it is called map_rotation.txt, and sv_maprotationbasename can change the name. List one map per line, by .bsp name only:

ndu
nzp_warehouse
nzp_warehouse2
nzp_mymap

If mode 1 is set and the file is missing, the server falls back to random rotation. Random mode includes every installed map, so if you keep half finished test maps in the folder, they will come up. Use a fixed list on a server your friends actually play on.

Putting it together

A server that starts on your custom map, rotates through a fixed list and allows votes:

./fteqw-sv64 -dedicated +sv_port 27500 +com_protocolname NZP-REBOOT +map nzp_mymap +sv_maprotationmode 1 +sv_enablechatplugins 1

Common problems

Custom maps on a hosted server

On a GamezServers Nazi Zombies: Portable server, upload maps into the nzp folder with the file manager or SFTP, set the Map setting in the control panel to the map name, and put extras like +sv_maprotationmode 1 +sv_enablechatplugins 1 in Additional Game Arguments. Restart from the panel and check listmaps in the live console. Stepping up to 2 GB gives a server with several large custom maps some breathing room.

FAQ

Where do NZ:P custom maps go?

In the nzp/maps folder on the server: the .bsp file and its .way file with the same name.

What is a .way file in Nazi Zombies Portable?

It holds the waypoints zombies use to find their way around the map. It has to ship with the map, or zombies cannot path properly.

How do I change the map on an NZ:P server?

Set the start map with +map name, or type changelevel name in the server console. With chat plugins on, players can also use mapvote name.

How do I make an NZ:P server rotate maps?

Set sv_maprotationmode 1 and list the maps, one per line, in nzp/map_rotation.txt. Mode 2 picks a random installed map instead.