Project Zomboid: How to Host a Server

Hello Dev, are you a fan of Project Zomboid, the open-world survival horror game developed by The Indie Stone? Do you want to host your own server to play with friends or create a community? Well, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the process of hosting a Project Zomboid server step-by-step. Let’s get started!

What is Project Zomboid?

Project Zomboid is a post-apocalyptic survival game set in the fictional Knox County, Kentucky. The game revolves around surviving a zombie outbreak by scavenging for supplies, building shelter, and fighting hordes of undead. It offers single-player and multiplayer modes, with the latter allowing players to team up or compete against each other in a shared world.

Hosting a server on Project Zomboid can offer several benefits, such as:

• Playing with friends and family without the need for LAN parties or being in the same room.
• Having control over the server settings, such as difficulty, loot spawn rates, and player limits.
• Creating a community or joining an existing one to share experiences, mods, and challenges.

Requirements for Hosting a Project Zomboid Server

Before diving into the hosting process, make sure you have the following requirements:

• A dedicated or virtual server with at least 2GB of RAM and 4 CPU cores.
• A stable internet connection with at least 5Mbps upload speed.
• The latest version of Project Zomboid installed on the server.
• The ability to forward ports and configure firewalls (if needed).

If you don’t have a dedicated or virtual server, you can rent one from a hosting provider or use a cloud service such as Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud Platform. Make sure to choose a provider that offers a compatible operating system (Windows, Linux, or MacOS) and enough resources to run the server smoothly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting a Project Zomboid Server

Now that you have the requirements in place, let’s start hosting your own Project Zomboid server:

Step 1: Download SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool provided by Valve that allows you to download and update game servers, including Project Zomboid. You need to download and install it on your server before proceeding.

1. Connect to your server via SSH or Remote Desktop.
2. Create a new folder for SteamCMD, e.g. /home/steamcmd/
3. Download SteamCMD by running the following command:

wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

4. Extract the downloaded file by running:

tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

5. SteamCMD is now installed in /home/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh. You can run it by typing:

./steamcmd.sh

6. This will open the SteamCMD prompt. Type the following command to log in to your Steam account:

login your_username your_password

7. Replace your_username and your_password with your Steam account credentials. You will be prompted for a Steam Guard code if you have it enabled.

Step 2: Install Project Zomboid Server

Now that you have SteamCMD installed and logged in, it’s time to download and install the Project Zomboid server files:

1. Type the following command to set the installation directory:

force_install_dir /home/steamcmd/projectzomboidserver/

2. Replace /home/steamcmd/projectzomboidserver/ with the path to your desired installation directory.
3. Type the following command to download and install the server files:

app_update 380870 validate

4. This will download and verify the latest version of Project Zomboid server files. It may take a while depending on your server’s download speed and size of the game files.
5. Once the installation is complete, type the following command to exit SteamCMD:

exit

Step 3: Configure the Server Settings

Now that you have the server files installed, it’s time to configure the server settings to your liking. You can do this by editing the serverconfig.ini file located in the Project Zomboid server folder:

1. Navigate to /home/steamcmd/projectzomboidserver/
2. Open serverconfig.ini with a text editor such as nano or vi.
3. Modify the settings according to your preferences, such as server name, max players, difficulty, loot respawn rate, and more.
4. Save and close the file.

Step 4: Forward Ports and Configure Firewalls

By default, Project Zomboid server uses port 16261 for incoming connections. You need to forward this port on your router or modem to allow players to connect to your server. The process may vary depending on your network device, so consult your manufacturer’s instructions or website for more information.

If you have a firewall enabled on your server, make sure to allow incoming and outgoing connections on port 16261. You can do this by creating a new rule or exception in your firewall settings.

Step 5: Start the Server

Finally, it’s time to start the Project Zomboid server and let players join your game:

1. Navigate to /home/steamcmd/projectzomboidserver/
2. Type the following command to start the server:

./start-server.sh

3. This will launch the server console and start the game world. You can still modify the server settings or view the console output by pressing Ctrl+C and typing ./start-server.sh again.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about hosting a Project Zomboid server:

Can I host a Project Zomboid server on my home PC?

Yes, you can host a Project Zomboid server on your home PC. However, keep in mind that this may impact your PC’s performance and stability, especially if you have limited resources or a slow internet connection. We recommend using a dedicated or virtual server instead.

How many players can join my Project Zomboid server?

The maximum number of players that can join a Project Zomboid server is 64. However, this may depend on your server’s resources and internet connection speed. Make sure to set a limit that suits your server’s capabilities.

Can I use mods on my Project Zomboid server?

Yes, you can use mods on your Project Zomboid server. You can download and install mods from the Steam Workshop or other websites, and add them to your server’s directory. Make sure to update your serverconfig.ini file to include the mod name and ID.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You have successfully hosted your own Project Zomboid server and can now enjoy playing with friends or creating a community. Remember to regularly update your server files and monitor its performance to ensure a smooth gaming experience. We hope this guide has been helpful, and feel free to share it with others who might need it. Happy surviving!