How to Set Up a Project Zomboid Server in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

Project Zomboid has quickly become one of the most engaging zombie survival games out there, offering a deep, sandbox-style experience. The ability to play with friends in multiplayer mode makes it even more exciting, allowing you to collaborate, build, and survive in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world. Whether you’re starting your own Project Zomboid community or simply want to play with a few friends, setting up a dedicated server can enhance your experience.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps of setting up a Project Zomboid server in 2025, whether you’re hosting it locally on your own PC or running it on a third-party hosting service. We’ll cover everything from installation to configuring the server, managing mods, and ensuring the server runs smoothly.

What You’ll Need to Set Up a Project Zomboid Server

Before diving into the steps, let’s go over the basic requirements to run a Project Zomboid server.

1. A copy of Project Zomboid: You’ll need to own the game, as you’ll be installing the server software via Steam or directly through the game files.
2. Hardware Requirements:
   • CPU: A decent multi-core processor. Project Zomboid can be CPU-intensive, especially if you’re running a server with many players.
   • RAM: At least 4GB of RAM for the server itself, although more is recommended if you’re expecting a lot of players.
   • Storage: You’ll need sufficient disk space for server files, backups, and player data.
   • Internet Connection: A stable internet connection with at least 5 Mbps upload speed is recommended if you’re hosting multiplayer games for others.
3. Optional: You can also opt for a dedicated server host if you don’t want to run the server from your own computer, or if you want higher performance and uptime.

Step 1: Installing the Project Zomboid Server

You can run the Project Zomboid server on Windows, Linux, or Mac. Let’s start by installing it on your local machine.

Windows Installation

1. Download Project Zomboid Server:
   • Go to Steam and open your Library.
   • Right-click on Project Zomboid and select Properties.
   • Under the DLC tab, find the Project Zomboid Dedicated Server and install it. This DLC contains all the server files needed.
2. Locate Server Files:
   • After the download is complete, go to the following directory: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Project Zomboid\server This is where you’ll find the server’s files.
3. Run the Server:
   • Inside the server folder, double-click the start-server.bat file to launch the server.
   • This will open a command prompt window, and your server should start initializing.

Linux Installation

1. Install the Server Files: You can install the Project Zomboid Dedicated Server directly from SteamCMD (Steam’s command-line tool) or through Steam itself.
   • First, install SteamCMD if you haven’t already: sudo apt install steamcmd
   • Then, use SteamCMD to install Project Zomboid server: steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./pzserver +app_update 380870 validate +quit
2. Start the Server: Navigate to the server directory and run the server using the command: ./start-server.sh

Mac Installation

The steps are similar to Windows:

1. Download and install the Project Zomboid Dedicated Server from Steam as described above.
2. Navigate to the server folder and run the start-server.command file to launch the server.

Step 2: Configuring the Project Zomboid Server

Once the server is running, you’ll need to configure it to your preferences. The main configuration files are located in the server folder.

1. Edit the Server Settings: Open the servertest.ini file located in the server folder to configure the server settings. This includes adjusting:
   • Server name
   • Max players
   • Password protection
   • Game settings (zombie count, loot respawn, etc.)
2. Edit the Server Options (Optional):
   • Mods: You can enable mods by adding them to the mods folder in your server directory. You’ll need to modify the servertest.ini file to include any mods you want to run.
   • Map Options: You can customize the map to use specific areas or modded maps. You’ll find this in the World section of the server options.
3. Configure Port Forwarding:
   • If you are hosting the server on your personal machine, you may need to forward the appropriate ports to allow other players to join.
   • By default, Project Zomboid uses 16261 for the main game traffic and 16262 for admin commands. Set up port forwarding on your router to ensure players can connect.

Step 3: Managing Server Mods

Project Zomboid’s modding community is one of the most vibrant, and mods can significantly enhance gameplay. Whether it’s adding new weapons, improving the AI, or implementing new mechanics, mods can make your server unique.

1. Download and Install Mods:
   • You can find mods on the Steam Workshop or from Project Zomboid modding websites.
   • Download the mods and place them in the mods folder inside the server directory.
2. Enable Mods:
   • To enable mods, go to the servertest.ini file and add the mod names in the Mods section: Mods=Mod1,Mod2,Mod3
3. Managing Mods:
   • You can also enable mods through the Project Zomboid server’s Admin Console. Use admin commands to load and unload mods during gameplay.

Step 4: Running the Server for Multiplayer

Now that your server is set up and configured, you can invite friends or other players to join your server.

1. Invite Players:
   • Share your IP address (or local network address if you’re hosting the server on the same network) along with any password or server information.
   • Players can connect by opening Project Zomboid, selecting Multiplayer, and entering your server’s details.
2. Adjust Server Settings on the Fly:
   • You can use the Admin Console (accessible via the admin.txt file) to change server settings during runtime.
   • As the server owner or admin, you can control things like player bans, whitelisting, teleportation, and more.

Step 5: Managing and Maintaining Your Project Zomboid Server

1. Backups:
   • Regular backups are crucial for any multiplayer server. You can manually copy your world save files or use a plugin to automate the process.
2. Server Performance:
   • Monitor server performance, especially if you have a lot of players. Keep an eye on CPU usage, RAM usage, and network speed to ensure smooth performance.
   • For larger servers, you may want to consider using a dedicated server host for better uptime, performance, and scalability.
3. Server Administration:
   • Use the Admin Console to issue commands, modify settings, or even teleport players. This is essential for keeping the server under control.
4. Community Engagement:
   • If you’re running a public server, fostering a positive community is key. Set up clear server rules, communicate with your players, and maintain order using moderation tools.

Step 6: Hosting Project Zomboid on a Third-Party Server

If you don’t want to host the server yourself, you can opt for a third-party hosting provider. This option is perfect for those who don’t have the necessary hardware or prefer a hands-off approach. Some popular Project Zomboid server hosts include:

• HostHorde
• Nitrado
• ZAP-Hosting

These providers offer easy-to-use interfaces for managing your server, and they handle the technical aspects (like port forwarding and server maintenance) for you.

Conclusion

Setting up a Project Zomboid server in 2025 is easier than ever, thanks to the game’s growing community and accessible tools. Whether you’re hosting locally or using a dedicated hosting provider, the process is relatively straightforward, and the rewards are worth the effort. Running your own server lets you tailor the experience to your preferences, manage mods, and create a unique zombie survival world for you and your friends.

So, gather your survivors, customize your server, and get ready to face the undead in the ultimate test of survival. Happy zombifying!