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How to Set Up a Project Zomboid Dedicated Server on Steam

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Setting up a Project Zomboid dedicated server on Steam allows you and your friends to experience the zombie apocalypse together, anytime, without relying on a single host being online. It provides a stable and persistent world where everyone can progress at their own pace. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get started:

The process involves several key steps: installing the dedicated server tool, configuring server settings, setting up network ports, and connecting to your new server. Let’s break it down.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Project Zomboid Dedicated Server

Step 1: Install the Project Zomboid Dedicated Server Tool

Open your Steam Client: Make sure you are logged into the Steam account you will be using to manage the server. It is crucial to use a separate Steam account from the one you use to play Project Zomboid. Trying to host with your main account will prevent you from joining your own server.
Navigate to the Library: Click on “Library” at the top of the Steam client.
Change the filter: In the left-hand column, select the dropdown filter option and choose “Tools”. This will display a list of installed and available tools.
Locate the Dedicated Server: Scroll down until you find “Project Zomboid Dedicated Server”.
Install the Tool: Select it and click the “Install” button. Steam will download and install the dedicated server files to your computer. Wait until the installation is complete before proceeding.

Step 2: Configure Your Server Settings

Locate Server Files: Go to your Steam library again, right-click on “Project Zomboid Dedicated Server”, choose “Manage” then select “Browse Local Files”. This will open the directory where the dedicated server files are stored.
Open the Server Configuration Folder: In the server files directory, navigate to the “Server” folder. Here, you’ll find configuration files.
Configure the servertest.ini File: Open the servertest.ini file using a text editor like Notepad or VS Code. This file contains crucial server settings.
- Server Name: Find the line ServerName=YourServerName and change “YourServerName” to your preferred server name.
- Admin Password: Locate AdminPassword=YourPassword and replace “YourPassword” with a strong, unique password to use for admin access.
- Player Password: If you want to require a password for players joining, set the Password= option with your desired password. Otherwise, leave it blank for no password.
- Max Players: Find MaxPlayers=16 and adjust the number to your preferred maximum player count.
- Other Settings: Explore other settings, like AutoSaveInterval=10 for auto-save intervals, Port=16261 for the game port, and other gameplay settings.
Save the File: Save the servertest.ini file after making your changes.

Step 3: Configure Network Ports (Port Forwarding)

For players outside your local network to connect, you need to forward the necessary ports on your router:

Find Your Router’s IP Address: Open the command prompt and type ipconfig. Look for the default gateway. This is usually the address of your router.
Log into Your Router: Open your web browser and enter your router’s IP address. Log in using your router’s username and password (usually found on a sticker on your router).
Find Port Forwarding Settings: Look for the Port Forwarding or NAT settings. This varies from router to router, but is generally under Advanced Settings, Firewall, or something similar.
Create New Port Forwarding Rules:
- Internal Port: This is the port used by the game server (default: 16261).
- External Port: This is the port your router uses for outside connections (also default: 16261, but can be different if needed).
- Protocol: Choose both TCP and UDP.
- Internal IP: The local IP address of the computer running your server.
- Repeat: You might need to repeat this process for other ports if your server utilizes them. Generally, the default port 16261 is sufficient for basic server functionality.
Save the changes and verify on your router interface.

Step 4: Run the Dedicated Server

Start the Server: In your Steam library, select the “Project Zomboid Dedicated Server” tool again and click “Play”. A black command window will open, displaying server information.
Wait for the server to start successfully. When you see the message “Server is ready”, your server is online. Keep this window open, closing it will stop the server.

Step 5: Joining Your Server

Open Project Zomboid: Launch the Project Zomboid game using your main Steam account.
Select “Join”: Choose the “Join” option from the main menu.
Add Server to Favorites: Go to the “Favorites” tab.
Add your server: Click the “Add Server” button at the bottom.
Enter Details: Enter your server’s public IP address, the port (default: 16261), the account name as admin and the admin password that was set in servertest.ini, then press save.
Select and Join: Select your server from the list and click “Join”. You may have to wait a little bit for your server to load for the first time.
Join as Admin: You will now be able to play on your own server using the admin account you just added.

Note: To add the server to Steam via the steam client (so you don’t have to use Project Zomboid to find the server), click on view at the top and select “Servers”, then click the favorites tab, then “Add Server” and enter your public IP and the port. Then click Add to Favorites and it will be added.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I host a dedicated server for free?
While you can host a server on your own machine for free, remember that this will use your internet bandwidth and resources. There are some free server hosting options, like Gaming4Free, that can get you started, but for best performance, a paid server might be a better long term solution.
Do I need to pay to host a Project Zomboid dedicated server?
You only pay for server costs if you are using a third-party hosting provider. Running it on your own machine is free, aside from electricity and bandwidth.
Why do I need a separate Steam account to host a server?
The game utilizes Steam authentication to keep track of which player is connected to which server, using the SteamIDs of each player. Because of this, you cannot run a server on the same account you use to play, as you will run into conflicts when trying to join.
How do I find my server’s public IP address?
You can find your public IP address by searching “what is my IP” in your web browser or using an IP checker website.
How do I add mods to my Project Zomboid dedicated server?
In your servertest.ini file, find the lines starting with WorkshopItems= and Mods=. Enter the mod’s WorkshopID after WorkshopItems= and the mod’s internal mod name after Mods=, separating multiple entries with a semicolon (;).
How do I make myself an admin on my server?
Log in to your server using the admin account you created in step 5 (using “admin” as the Account Name and the password you created as the Account Password). This will give you administrator access. You can access the admin panel within the game by pressing “Esc” then click the admin panel button.
Can I host a server on a low-spec computer?
It’s best to use a computer with decent specifications, because low-spec computers may experience performance issues, especially with many players or mods.
What ports does Project Zomboid use for server hosting?
The default game port is 16261 (both TCP and UDP).
Can I play on the server without the host being online?
That’s the benefit of a dedicated server. The server runs independently, so everyone can join and play whenever they want, without requiring the host to be online.
How many players can I host on a Project Zomboid server?
You can adjust the maximum number of players (MaxPlayers) in the servertest.ini file.
What is the best server hosting provider for Project Zomboid?
Popular server hosting providers for Project Zomboid include Gameservers, Apex Hosting, and GTX Gaming, often recommended for their server performance.
How much does it cost to rent a server?
The cost of a server can vary from around $2.24-$2.48 USD/month to $10-$20+/month for high-spec, well-performing servers.
How do I invite friends to join my server?
When you are in the game, press ESC and then select Invite Players. The game needs to be closed for them to join. So they need to close the game and then be invited. Then accept the invitation from the steam chat and it should work. Another option is to have them add the server to the “Favorites” tab, by putting the IP and port in the add server field.
Can I use SteamCMD to set up a server?
While SteamCMD can be used to manage the server tool, the steps outlined here use the more user-friendly Steam client interface.
What are some common issues when setting up a dedicated server?
Common issues include incorrect port forwarding, firewall restrictions, corrupted configuration files, and using the wrong Steam account. Troubleshooting these common issues is typically done by double checking the configurations and network settings.

By following these steps and addressing common questions, you’ll be able to create a stable and enjoyable Project Zomboid dedicated server for you and your community. Happy surviving!