How to Host a Server with Mods for Project Zomboid

Welcome, Dev, to this comprehensive guide on how to host a server with mods for Project Zomboid. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about setting up and running your own Project Zomboid server, including how to install and configure mods. By the end of this guide, you will have all the knowledge and tools necessary to create and customize your own Project Zomboid multiplayer experience.

Part 1: Setting up your Server

In this section, we will walk you through the process of setting up your Project Zomboid server. Before we begin, make sure you have a computer or virtual machine that meets the following requirements:

Minimum Requirements	Recommended Requirements
OS: Windows Vista/7/8/10	OS: Windows 10 64-bit
CPU: 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo	CPU: 3.0 GHz or higher Intel Core i5 or i7
RAM: 2 GB	RAM: 4 GB or higher
Storage: 1 GB available space	Storage: 2 GB or higher available space

Step 1: Download and Install SteamCMD

The first step in setting up your server is to download and install SteamCMD. This is a command-line tool used to download and update Steam games and dedicated servers. You can download SteamCMD for free from the official Valve website. Once downloaded, extract the contents of the zip file to a folder on your computer.

Step 2: Create a SteamCMD Script

Next, you will need to create a SteamCMD script to download and install the Project Zomboid server files. Open a text editor and create a new file named projectzomboid_update.txt. In this file, paste the following code:

@ShutdownOnFailedCommand 1@NoPromptForPassword 1login anonymousforce_install_dir C:\pzserverapp_update 107410 validatequit

Replace C:\pzserver with the path to the folder where you want to install the Project Zomboid server files. Save the file and exit the text editor.

Step 3: Run SteamCMD and Install the Server Files

Open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the folder where you extracted SteamCMD. Run the following command to log in and download the Project Zomboid server files:

steamcmd.exe +runscript projectzomboid_update.txt

This will download and install the Project Zomboid server files to the folder you specified in the SteamCMD script. It may take some time to download all the necessary files.

Step 4: Configure your Server

Once the server files are installed, you will need to configure your server before you can start it up. Open the server.ini file located in the C:\pzserver\media\lua\server folder with a text editor. Here are some important settings you may want to adjust:

• PublicServer: Set this to false if you want to run a private server that only people with the server’s IP address can connect to.
• PublicName: This is the name of your server that will be displayed in the server browser.
• Passworded: Set this to true if you want to require a password to connect to your server.
• Password: Enter a password for your server if you set Passworded to true.

Save the server.ini file and close the text editor.

Step 5: Start your Server

Once your server is configured, you can start it up by running the startserver.bat file located in the C:\pzserver folder. This will open a command prompt window and start up your server. You can now connect to your server from within the game by selecting “Multiplayer” from the main menu and entering the IP address or hostname of your server.

Part 2: Installing and Configuring Mods

Now that you have your Project Zomboid server up and running, you may want to install some mods to enhance your gameplay experience. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Find Mods to Install

You can find mods for Project Zomboid on the official Steam Workshop or on modding forums like the Project Zomboid Forums. Look for mods that fit your desired gameplay style, and make note of the mod IDs or names.

Step 2: Install Mods on the Server

To install mods on your server, add the mod IDs or names to the servertest.ini file located in the C:\pzserver\media\lua\shared folder. Here’s an example:

mods=1180690468,1186372210,1193653721DisableAutoRealm=true

Save the servertest.ini file and restart your server. The mods you added should now be installed and active.

Step 3: Install Mods on the Client

To use the mods on your client, you will need to subscribe to them on the Steam Workshop or manually download and install them. Once installed, launch Project Zomboid and select “Mods” from the main menu. You should see a list of all the mods you are subscribed to or have installed.

Part 3: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many players can my server support?

A: The maximum number of players that can join your server depends on your computer’s hardware and internet connection. Generally, a mid-range computer with a good internet connection should be able to support 10-20 players.

Q: Can I use mods on a multiplayer server?

A: Yes, you can install and use mods on a multiplayer server. Just make sure all players have the same mods installed to avoid compatibility issues.

Q: Can I change the server settings after it has been started?

A: Yes, you can change the server.ini file while the server is running and the changes will take effect the next time the server is restarted.

Q: Do I need to forward ports to run a Project Zomboid server?

A: Yes, you will need to forward port 16261 on your router to the computer running the Project Zomboid server. Consult your router’s documentation for instructions on how to do this.

Q: Can I run a Project Zomboid server on Linux or Mac?

A: Yes, you can run a Project Zomboid server on Linux or Mac using SteamCMD. Follow the same steps as outlined in this guide, but make sure to use the appropriate file paths for your operating system.

Q: How do I update my server to the latest version of Project Zomboid?

A: To update your server to the latest version of Project Zomboid, simply run the SteamCMD script again and the server files will be updated to the latest version. Make sure to back up your server data before updating to avoid any data loss.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You now have all the know-how to host your own Project Zomboid server with mods. Whether you’re looking to create a private server for you and your friends or a public server for the wider community, this guide has everything you need to get started. Keep experimenting with mods and customizations to create the ultimate Project Zomboid experience!