Project Zomboid is the ultimate zombie survival sandbox, and multiplayer makes it even better. A dedicated server lets your group survive together 24/7 without the host needing to be online. Build 42 brought massive improvements to multiplayer stability.
Requirements
- RAM: 4 to 8 GB depending on map size and player count. The game loads the entire explored map into memory.
- CPU: 2 to 4 cores recommended. Zombie hordes are CPU-intensive.
- Storage: 5 to 10 GB for the server plus save data.
- Ports: 16261 UDP (game), 16262 UDP (direct connect).
Installation
- Select Project Zomboid in the game panel, or install via SteamCMD on a VPS (app ID 380870).
- Start the server once to generate configuration files.
- Edit
Server/servertest.ini(or your server name's ini file) with your preferred settings. - Set an admin password with
-adminpasswordin the startup parameters.
Key settings
| Setting | Default | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| MaxPlayers | 32 | Maximum simultaneous players. |
| PVP | true | Whether players can damage each other. |
| SpawnPoint | random | Where new players spawn. Set coordinates for a specific location. |
| SleepAllowed | false | Whether players can sleep to skip time. Usually false on multiplayer. |
| ZombieCount | Normal | Zombie population: Insane, Very High, High, Normal, Low, Very Low, None. |
Adding mods from the Workshop
- Find the mod on the Steam Workshop for Project Zomboid. Note the Workshop ID from the URL.
- In
servertest.ini, add the Workshop ID toWorkshopItems=(semicolon-separated). - Add the mod ID to
Mods=(semicolon-separated). This is the mod's internal name, found on its Workshop page. - Restart the server. Players are prompted to download the mods when connecting.
Popular mods: Hydrocraft (expanded crafting), Brita's Weapons, Filibuster Rhymes Used Cars, More Traits, Authentic Z.
Admin commands
Log in as admin with /setaccesslevel yourname admin in the server console, or use the admin password when connecting. Useful commands:
/adduser username password: create a whitelisted account./kickuser username: kick a player./teleport username: teleport to a player./godmode username: toggle invincibility.
Can I use a custom map?
Yes. Custom maps are Workshop mods. Add them like any other mod. The most popular is Bedford Falls, which adds an entirely new town.
Why is my server lagging with many zombies?
Large hordes (500+ zombies in one cell) are CPU-intensive. Lower the zombie population or reduce the ZombiesGroupSize setting. Also ensure your server has at least 2 dedicated cores.
Does the server auto-save?
Yes, every few minutes. You can also force a save with /save in the console. Backups are recommended before making major setting changes.
Project Zomboid servers run on KVM VPS plans or game plans at HostValues.
