Configurable Zombie AI
by oggvik
Configurable Zombie AI changes how vanilla zombies detect, acquire, keep and switch their targets, and server operators adjust those rules at runtime.
What it does
The mod replaces the vanilla pick-nearest-valid-target behavior with a configurable target acquisition system. Zombies can be set to ignore line-of-sight checks, change their follow range, and optionally re-roll a target inside the same target family over time using weighted rules. Configuration is saved alongside each world, so changes reach zombies that are already loaded at once and no server restart is needed.
The mod keeps vanilla target families intact: zombies still select only the entity kinds vanilla allows, and only the selection logic inside those families becomes configurable. It also works with zombie villagers, Pure Titans SNC and datapack zombies. A second option prevents natural despawning. Admins control everything through commands that need permission level 2, and the root command can be shortened to czai.
The mod is written in Kotlin and requires Fabric Language Kotlin on Fabric, Kotlin for Forge on Forge, and YetAnotherConfigLib (YACL) on every loader. The server and every player need the mod installed. Files cover 10 release versions b1.7.3 – 26.2, with snapshot builds published, under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later, and the code is open source.
Key features
Configurable target acquisition
Server operators can alter the way zombies sense, pick, hold onto and swap their targets, in place of the one built-in vanilla routine.
Line-of-sight and follow range
Zombies can optionally ignore line-of-sight checks, and their follow range can be set to a configured value.
Periodic target re-rolls
If the option is on, zombies periodically draw a fresh target from the same target family, weighting the choices by configurable rules.
Global kill command
An admin command kills zombies globally or within a given radius, with a simple syntax.
Despawn control
An optional setting stops zombies from despawning naturally, so they remain in the world.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
26.x4 of 4 versions with builds
1.21.x3 of 3 versions with builds
1.20.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.16.x1 of 1 version with builds
This mod also publishes snapshot builds. Snapshots are not shown in the matrix.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 2
Incompatible 2
How it compares
Slow Baby Zombie also works on Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt for 1.20.1 – 26.1.2, but it is client and server with all rights reserved, so it is not open source. Only Zombies Spawn is server-side only, open source under the MIT License, and covers 1.18.2 – 26.2, so players need nothing installed. Revert Zombie Reinforcement is also server-side only and open source under the MIT License, for 1.21.2 – 26.1.2, and changes reinforcement rather than targeting.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configurable Zombie AI | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and BTA Babric | b1.7.3 – 26.2 | Client and server | 2026-07-26 |
| Slow Baby Zombie | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.20.1 – 26.1.2 | Client and server | 2026-05-09 |
| Only Zombies Spawn | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.18.2 – 26.2 | Server-side only | 2026-07-08 |
| Revert Zombie Reinforcement | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.21.2 – 26.1.2 | Server-side only | 2026-03-29 |
Questions
Does Configurable Zombie AI need Fabric Language Kotlin on Fabric?
Does the server need the mod, or can players join without it?
Can Configurable Zombie AI run alongside Zombies Apocalyptic AI?
In the catalog
Configurable Zombie AI is one of 11,058 Mobs mods on ModsFinder, and one of 5,189 Mobs mods for Fabric. 13,894 mods support Minecraft 26.2.
More from oggvik
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What the author says
Configurable Zombie AI is a mod that makes vanilla zombies easier to tune for harder survival servers and modpacks. Instead of hardcoding one zombie behavior profile, the mod exposes runtime commands for server operators so they can change how zombies detect, acquire, keep, and switch targets without restarting the…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/configurable-zombie-ai
- Owner
- oggvik
- Published
- 2026-04-11
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-07-26
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15
