◦ Optimized configs
◦ Industry-leading support
How to host a Project Zomboid dedicated server
Project Zomboid is brutal, punishing, and unforgettable. But surviving the apocalypse with friends takes the experience to a whole new level. If you’re ready to create a smooth, stable multiplayer world, hosting your own dedicated server is the best way to control the chaos.
Just want to jump in?
If you already know what you need, you can get started right now. Our dedicated servers combine the best hardware with industry-leading support.
Why host your own Project Zomboid server?
Before diving into setup, it’s important to understand the biggest advantages of self-hosting versus public servers or relying on third-party matchmaking.
- Full control over mods, maps, player limits, and server settings
- Persistent world even when players are offline
- Lower latency and better stability (if optimized correctly)
- Privacy for friends-only or invite-only communities
- Potential for hardcore roleplay or heavily modded experiences
A dedicated server makes your world yours, no compromises.
Local server vs rental: where to host your zombie apocalypse
Before you dive into setup, you need to decide where your Project Zomboid server will physically live: on your own hardware, or on a rented machine from a hosting provider.
Local server (home-based)
- Pros: No monthly cost beyond electricity and internet, complete physical control, good for small groups.
- Cons: Requires strong home internet (especially upload speed), your PC must stay powered on 24/7, potential router/firewall headaches, higher risk of downtime if your ISP flakes out.
Rental server (hosting provider)
- Pros: Reliable uptime, data center-grade internet speeds, easy hardware scaling if your server grows, support teams if you run into issues.
- Cons: Monthly fee, less direct hardware control.
If you want the absolute maximum control and are comfortable troubleshooting network problems, a local server is doable. But if you’re looking for a smoother experience—especially for bigger multiplayer groups or heavily modded games—renting a VPS or dedicated server is usually the better long-term play.
Minimum server requirements
Running a Project Zomboid server can be surprisingly resource-hungry, especially once mods and players pile up. Here’s the baseline you should aim for:
- CPU: 4+ dedicated cores (higher clock speed preferred; PZ is CPU-heavy)
- RAM: 8GB minimum (16GB recommended if you’re using a lot of mods or expect 8+ players)
- Storage: 2GB+ for the base server files, with more space for mods, saves, and maps (an SSD will noticeably improve performance)
- Bandwidth: 5 Mbps upload at minimum for smooth multiplayer; more is better
- Operating System: Windows Server, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (preferred),, or a modern Linux distro (Debian, Rocky Linux, etc.)
Make sure you’re meeting or exceeding these specs—especially CPU and RAM—if you want a stable apocalypse.
Setting up a Project Zomboid server (step-by-step)
Once you have your machine ready (local or rented), follow these detailed steps to get your Project Zomboid server online and playable.
1. Install SteamCMD
SteamCMD is Valve’s command-line tool for downloading dedicated server files. Here’s how to set it up:
- Go to the SteamCMD download page and grab the correct version for your operating system.
- Create a new folder somewhere easy to find (for example: C:\pzserver or /home/youruser/pzserver).
- Extract SteamCMD into this folder.
SteamCMD doesn’t have an installer. It runs from wherever you extract it, so organizing your folders early helps keep everything clean.
2. Download the Project Zomboid server files
Now it’s time to grab the actual server software:
- Open a command prompt or terminal window.
- Navigate into the folder where you placed SteamCMD.
- Launch SteamCMD by typing:
- Windows: steamcmd.exe
- Linux: ./steamcmd.sh
- Inside SteamCMD, type the following commands:
login anonymous
force_install_dir ./pzserver
app_update 380870 validate
quit- 380870 is the App ID for Project Zomboid Dedicated Server.
- force_install_dir tells SteamCMD where to put the files. You can adjust the path if needed.
When done, you’ll have a fresh copy of the server ready to configure.
3. Configure basic server settings
Before starting the server, you’ll want to tweak the settings. Here’s how:
- Navigate to the /pzserver folder (or whatever you named it).
- Open the Server folder.
- Find servertest.ini—this is your main config file.
Edit these key options:
- PublicName: Name of your server as it appears in public listings.
- PublicDescription: Short description of your server.
- Password: Set a password if you want private access.
- MaxPlayers: Default is 32, but adjust based on your RAM and bandwidth.
- SteamVAC: 1 = enable Valve Anti-Cheat (recommended).
You can also tweak game rules in:
- servertest_SandboxVars.lua (for survival settings like loot rarity, infection rates)
- servertest_spawnpoints.lua (where players spawn)
Make sure you save your changes before moving on.
4. Set up port forwarding (or firewall rules)
(To allow players to connect to your server.)
If you’re hosting locally:
- Log into your router.
- Find the Port Forwarding section.
- Forward these ports:
- UDP 16261 (primary game port)
- TCP/UDP 8766–8767 (Steam connection)
- Point them to the local IP of your server PC.
If you’re hosting on a rented VPS or dedicated server:
- Open your firewall settings (ufw, firewalld, or cloud panel).
- Allow the same ports above.
This step is mandatory—without open ports, no one will be able to join your apocalypse.
5. Start the server
You’re finally ready to boot it up:
- On Windows, run start-server.bat
- On Linux, run ./start-server.sh -servername servertest
You’ll see a console window pop up. It’ll generate the world on the first run, which can take a few minutes.
Important: If you customized the server name, replace servertest with your custom name when starting the server.
6. Connect and test
Time to see if all your hard work paid off:
- Launch Project Zomboid.
- Click Join Server.
- Enter your server’s IP address (or public hostname).
- Enter the password if you set one.
- Try joining!
If all goes well, you’ll spawn into your custom apocalypse world. If not, double-check your ports, firewall, and server logs.
Managing your Project Zomboid server
Hosting isn’t a “set it and forget it” operation. Keep your server running smoothly with these tasks:
- Update regularly: Whenever Project Zomboid patches, use SteamCMD to run app_update 380870 validate again.
- Backup saves: Periodically copy the /Zomboid/Server/ folder so you don’t lose your world to crashes or corruption.
- Monitor logs: Check /logs/ for error messages and crash details.
- Manage mods: Add Steam Workshop IDs to the Mods and WorkshopItems fields in servertest.ini, then restart the server to load them.
Advanced server customization
If you’re ready to take things to the next level, here are some extra ideas:
- Install major mods like Hydrocraft, Super Survivors, or Fort Redstone.
- Set up PvP, Safehouse systems, and protected zones.
- Create whitelist-only servers for tight-knit communities.
- Use cron jobs or Scheduled Tasks to auto-restart the server every 12–24 hours for stability.
- Set up remote console access (RCON) for easier management without needing to log into the host.
Common issues and troubleshooting
First-time server hosts usually run into a few bumps. Here’s how to handle them:
- Ports aren’t open: Check if you’re forwarding the right protocol (UDP vs TCP) and to the correct device.
- Mods not working: Confirm Workshop IDs are correct and make sure players also have the mods installed.
- Server crashes after update: Try verifying server files through SteamCMD, or temporarily remove conflicting mods.
- High ping or lag: Upgrade RAM, switch to SSD storage, or move the server to a location closer to your players.
Getting started with hosting a Project Zomboid dedicated server
Setting up your own Project Zomboid server gives you full control over your apocalypse, from mods to multiplayer rules. It takes some patience upfront, but it massively improves the multiplayer experience once you’re rolling.
If you want the easiest, most reliable setup, consider renting a VPS or dedicated server from a hosting provider. That way, you get high-speed connections, always-on reliability, and easy scaling—so you can focus on surviving, not server maintenance.
Click below to explore dedicated server options or start a chat with one of our experts to learn more.
Ready to get eaten?
Your server can be ready in less than an hour. Assemble the survivors and get ready for your own, custom apocalypse.
Additional resources
How to start selling Minecraft servers →
Turn a hobby into a side-hustle
Latency and rage-quitting →
Liquid Web’s industry study on latency and gaming
Gaming VPS guide →
A VPS is a smaller dedicated server at a lower price point.
Alex Napier is an Affiliate Program Manager at Liquid Web and a gaming marketing specialist. He blends data with creativity to build engaging communities. Outside of work, Alex enjoys exploring new games, crafting tabletop worlds, and connecting with the gaming community.