How to Host Project Zomboid Server – A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Hello Dev, are you a fan of Project Zomboid and looking to host your own server? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to host a Project Zomboid server. You don’t need to be an expert in server hosting to follow these instructions. Let’s get started!

Prerequisites

Before we begin, there are a few things you need to have to set up your Project Zomboid server. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

1. A Dedicated Server

You will need a dedicated server to host your Project Zomboid server. If you don’t have one, you can rent a server from a hosting provider.

2. Project Zomboid Server Files

You can download the Project Zomboid server files from the official website. Make sure you have the latest version of the server files.

3. Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is essential to allow players to connect to your server. You will need to enable port forwarding on your router to allow traffic through the specific port that Project Zomboid uses.

Setting Up the Server

1. Installing Java

Project Zomboid server requires Java to run on your dedicated server. You can download and install Java from the official website. Make sure you have Java version 8 or higher installed.

2. Configuring Server Settings

Now that you have Java installed, you need to configure your server settings. Create a folder on your dedicated server and name it “ProjectZomboidServer”. Place the server files you downloaded in this folder.

Next, create a new text document and name it “server.bat”. Open this file in a text editor and add the following lines:

Code	Description
echo off	Turns off command echoing in the batch file
java -Xms1024m -Xmx2048m -jar ProjectZomboidServer.jar -nosteam	Launches the Project Zomboid server

Save and exit the file. You can change the memory usage values (-Xms1024m and -Xmx2048m) depending on your server’s specs.

3. Port Forwarding

As mentioned earlier, you need to enable port forwarding on your router. The default port that Project Zomboid uses is 16261. You will need to forward this port to your dedicated server’s IP address.

Starting the Server

Now that you have everything set up and configured, it’s time to start your Project Zomboid server. Open the server.bat file and wait for the server to start up. You will see a command prompt window that shows you the server’s progress. Once the server has started, you can connect to it using the IP address of your dedicated server.

FAQ

1. What if I don’t have a dedicated server?

If you don’t have a dedicated server, you can rent one from a hosting provider. Make sure you choose a provider that supports Java hosting.

2. Can I change the server settings?

Yes, you can change the server settings by editing the “settings.ini” file located in the ProjectZomboidServer folder. Make sure you save the file before starting the server.

3. How many players can join my server?

The maximum number of players that can join your server depends on your server’s specs. However, we recommend limiting the number of players to 20 to ensure a smooth gameplay experience.

4. How do I update my server?

You can update your server by downloading the latest version of the server files and replacing the old files in the ProjectZomboidServer folder.

5. Can I customize the server?

Yes, you can customize your server by adding mods and changing the server settings. Refer to the Project Zomboid wiki for more information on modding and server customization.

Conclusion

Hosting a Project Zomboid server may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually quite easy. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll have your server up and running in no time. Remember to keep your server updated and customize it to make it unique. Happy gaming!