Project Zomboid Dedicated Server: Setup Guide (2026)

To set up a Project Zomboid dedicated server, install the free Project Zomboid Dedicated Server (Steam app 380870) with SteamCMD, run its start script once to set an admin password, edit servertest.ini and open UDP ports 16261 and 16262. You can also rent a server that is already installed and ready in 60 seconds.

Dedicated server or the Host button?

Project Zomboid offers two ways to play with friends:

• The Host button runs the world from your own copy of the game. It works for a quick session, but the world closes when you log off, and everyone lags when your upload stutters.
• A dedicated server runs the save on its own machine, so the world stays online around the clock. Your friends can loot Muldraugh at 3 a.m. without waiting for you, and your PC is free to just play.

If you want the world to stay up, you want a dedicated server. There are two ways to get one: run it yourself, or rent one.

Option 1: run the dedicated server yourself

This follows the PZwiki Dedicated server page. The steps are the same on a Windows PC or a Linux machine.

Step 1: install the server with SteamCMD

The dedicated server is a free tool on Steam with app ID 380870. You log in to SteamCMD as anonymous, so you do not need to own the game on the server machine. On Linux, the wiki's example installs to /opt/pzserver/:

./steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir /opt/pzserver +login anonymous +app_update 380870 validate +quit

On Windows, use the same +app_update 380870 validate line with your own install folder.

Step 2: start it once and set the admin password

From the install folder, start the server. On Linux you run the start script. On Windows you run StartServer64.bat.

bash start-server.sh

The first time it starts, the server asks you for an admin password. This creates your default admin account, called admin. You can skip the prompt with the -adminpassword start option. Two other start options are useful:

• -servername NAME picks a different server name. It also affects the names of the save files.
• -nosteam lets players who do not use Steam, such as GOG players, connect.

On Linux, run the server inside screen, so it keeps running after you close the terminal.

Step 3: open the ports

Open these UDP ports on your router and firewall, and forward them to the server machine:

Both game ports can be changed in the server settings, or with the -port and -udpport start options. If RCONPassword is empty, RCON is disabled. Players who cannot connect usually have a closed port.

Step 4: edit your settings

The server creates its settings the first time it runs. On Windows they are in %USERPROFILE%\Zomboid\Server, and on Linux in $HOME/Zomboid/Server. Two files matter:

• servertest.ini holds the server options: name, player limit, PvP, mods and ports.
• servertest_SandboxVars.lua holds the sandbox rules: zombie population, loot and day length.

Edit them while the server is stopped. If you change servertest.ini while the server runs, the admin command reloadoptions applies it.

Step 5: join

Start Project Zomboid, open the multiplayer menu and add your server with its IP and port 16261. When the console shows the server has started, you can join.

What a home server costs you

A server on your own PC only works while the PC is on and your connection is up. Here is how the two routes compare:

Option 2: a hosted Project Zomboid server in 4 steps

1. Pick a plan. On our plans, Project Zomboid needs at least 8 GB of RAM, so it runs on six of our nine sizes, from 8 GB at $6.96 USD a month. See Project Zomboid server hosting and the full plan list.
2. Choose a location. Dallas, TX suits players in the Americas, and Amsterdam, NL suits Europe.
3. Start the server. It is ready within 60 seconds after payment. Press Start on the Console page.
4. Edit your settings. Open the server .ini file and the sandbox file in the File Manager, change what you want, and restart. You can also connect over sFTP to upload a big save.

It is the same server software and the same two settings files as Option 1. There are no slot fees, so a duo and a 20-player community pay the same price for the same RAM. If a setting does not behave the way you expect, our support team is available 24/7.

What to do once the server is running

1. Make yourself an admin. See Project Zomboid admin commands and how to become admin.
2. Add Steam Workshop mods. See how to add mods to a Project Zomboid server.
3. Decide who gets in. See how to make a Project Zomboid server private.
4. Take a backup before every mod or settings change. Every plan has a Backup System.

FAQ

Hosting for this game

• Project Zomboid server hostingSteam Workshop mods, sandbox settings and no slot fees