How to Make a Project Zomboid Server
A step-by-step guide to running your own Project Zomboid dedicated server — install with SteamCMD, set your admin password on first launch, tune servertest.ini and SandboxVars, open the port and add Workshop mods. Plus the hassle-free hosted route.
Project Zomboid can be hosted two ways: self-host the free dedicated server on your own PC, or use a managed host. Self-hosting is free but keeps a PC busy 24/7, exposes your home IP and needs port-forwarding; a host gives you an always-online, DDoS-protected server with a panel for a few euros a month.
This guide walks the self-hosted SteamCMD route, and notes where a host removes the friction.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- A machine for the server — a spare PC for testing, or a host for 24/7 uptime.
- SteamCMD, to install the dedicated server (app 380870, anonymous).
- 2–8 GB of free RAM depending on players and mods.
- Open port: UDP 16261.
- A way for friends to connect — port-forwarding at home, or a clean IP from a host.
Set up a Project Zomboid dedicated server, step by step
Choose self-host or a managed host
The dedicated server is free, but self-hosting needs a PC on 24/7, port-forwarding and RAM. A managed host gives you an online server and panel in minutes. Want zero hassle? Pick a host and skip to step 5.
Install the server with SteamCMD
The Project Zomboid dedicated server is Steam app 380870 and installs anonymously — you don't need to log in or own the game on the server.
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 380870 validate +quit
Start it once and set the admin password
Run the launcher (StartServer64.bat on Windows, or start-server.sh on Linux). On the very first run the console prompts you to set the built-in admin password — type it carefully and store it safely. This also generates the config files.
./start-server.sh
Edit servertest.ini
Config files generate in the Zomboid/Server folder. Open servertest.ini to set the public name, password, max players and port. Tune the world rules in SandboxVars.lua.
PublicName=My ESAGAMES Server Password=changeme MaxPlayers=16 DefaultPort=16261
Open the port
Forward UDP 16261 to your server (the companion port 16262 is assigned automatically). Since Build 41.65 the old per-player port range is gone, so in practice only 16261/UDP is needed. A host handles this for you.
Add Workshop mods (optional)
List the Workshop IDs and mod IDs in servertest.ini (WorkshopItems and Mods), then restart. The server downloads them automatically. On a host this is a couple of fields in the panel.
WorkshopItems=2392709985;2857548524 Mods=Hydrocraft;ExampleMod
Keep your apocalypse running
RAM scales with players
Around 2–3 GB for a few friends, 4–8 GB+ for a busy modded server. Set the launcher's -Xmx accordingly.
Tune SandboxVars
Zombie population, loot rarity and day length all live in SandboxVars.lua. Set the difficulty before players build attachments to the world.
Back up the save
A modded Zomboid save is fragile. Schedule backups so a mod update or crash never erases weeks of survival.
Protect your IP
Self-hosting exposes your home IP. A managed host puts a clean, DDoS-protected IP in front of your server.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Friends can't connect
UDP 16261 isn't reachable. Forward it on your router and share your public IP, or use a host with a clean public IP.
Server runs out of memory / crashes
The heap is too small for your players and mods. Raise -Xmx in the launcher (e.g. 4–8 GB).
Mods won't load
WorkshopItems and Mods must both be set correctly in servertest.ini, and the mod IDs must match. Restart after editing.
I forgot the admin password
Stop the server, delete the admin entry from the database in the Zomboid/db folder (or reset via console), then relaunch to set it again.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Want your apocalypse online 24/7 without port-forwarding? Our Project Zomboid hosting runs on fast CPUs and NVMe behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — modded, protected and instant.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to make a Project Zomboid server?
Self-hosting the dedicated server (app 380870) is free, but it keeps a PC on 24/7, exposes your home IP and needs port-forwarding. A managed host runs it online for you for a few euros a month.
How much RAM does a Project Zomboid server need?
About 2–3 GB for a small vanilla group and 4–8 GB or more for a busy modded server. Set the launcher heap size (-Xmx) to match.
What port does Project Zomboid use?
UDP 16261 is the default game port (DefaultPort in servertest.ini); 16262 is used automatically. Since Build 41.65 only 16261/UDP needs forwarding.
Where do I set the admin password?
On the very first server launch, the console prompts you to type an admin password. It is stored for the built-in admin account — keep it safe.
How do I add mods?
Put the Workshop IDs in WorkshopItems and the mod IDs in Mods inside servertest.ini, then restart. The server downloads them from the Steam Workshop automatically.
Where are the config files?
In the Zomboid/Server folder in your user directory — servertest.ini for server settings and SandboxVars.lua for the world rules.
Keep reading
Project Zomboid is a trademark of The Indie Stone. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Indie Stone. You must own a legitimate copy of the game to play.
