Project Zomboid Can’t Host Server: Ways to Fix It for Devs

Welcome, Dev, to this article about fixing the common problem of not being able to host a server in Project Zomboid. This issue can be frustrating, but don’t worry. In this article, we will discuss various solutions to help you get past this common problem. Let’s dive in!

Overview of the Problem

Project Zomboid is a game that allows you to enjoy the experience of building your own server. However, it can be frustrating when you encounter issues with hosting your server. Here are the main reasons why you might be unable to host a Project Zomboid server:

Issue	Solution
The ports are blocked	Open the ports or change them to a different range
The router settings are incorrect	Configure the router settings
The antivirus software is blocking the connection	Disable the antivirus software or whitelist the game executable
The game files are corrupted or outdated	Verify the game files or reinstall the game

Fixing the Problem

Verifying the Game Files

If you’re having trouble hosting a server, one reason could be that the game files are either corrupted or outdated. Verifying the game files can help fix this problem.

Here’s how:

1. Open Steam and go to your game library.
2. Right-click on Project Zomboid and select Properties.
3. Click on the Local Files tab and select Verify integrity of game files.
4. Wait for the process to complete and then try to host a server again.

If this doesn’t work, try reinstalling the game.

Opening the Ports

If the ports are blocked, you won’t be able to host a server. To fix this, you need to open the ports or change them to a different range.

Here’s how:

1. Open your router’s web interface. This is usually done by typing your router’s IP address in the web browser’s address bar.
2. Go to the Port Forwarding section.
3. Add a new port forwarding rule for the following ports: 8766 and 16261. Make sure the rule is set to TCP and UDP.
4. Save the changes and try hosting a server again.

If you’re still having trouble, try changing the ports to a different range. Here’s how:

1. Open Steam and go to your game library.
2. Right-click on Project Zomboid and select Properties.
3. Click on the SET LAUNCH OPTIONS button and add the following line: -port 27015
4. Save the changes and try hosting a server again.

Configuring the Router Settings

If the router settings are incorrect, it can also prevent you from hosting a server. Here’s how to configure the router settings:

1. Open your router’s web interface. This is usually done by typing your router’s IP address in the web browser’s address bar.
2. Go to the Port Forwarding section.
3. Add a new port forwarding rule for the following ports: 8766 and 16261. Make sure the rule is set to TCP and UDP.
4. Save the changes and try hosting a server again.

Whitelisting the Game Executable

If your antivirus software is blocking the connection, you can try disabling it or whitelisting the game executable. Here’s how to whitelist the game executable:

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Add an exception for the Project Zomboid executable file.
3. Save the changes and try hosting a server again.

FAQ

Q: Why can’t I host a server in Project Zomboid?

A: There are several reasons why you might be unable to host a server, such as blocked ports, incorrect router settings, antivirus software blocking the connection, or corrupted game files. Try the solutions mentioned in this article to fix the problem.

Q: How do I verify the game files?

A: Open Steam, go to your game library, right-click on Project Zomboid, select Properties, click on the Local Files tab, and select Verify integrity of game files.

Q: How do I open the ports?

A: Open your router’s web interface, go to the Port Forwarding section, add a new port forwarding rule for the following ports: 8766 and 16261, and make sure the rule is set to TCP and UDP.

Q: How do I configure the router settings?

A: Open your router’s web interface, go to the Port Forwarding section, add a new port forwarding rule for the following ports: 8766 and 16261, and make sure the rule is set to TCP and UDP.

Q: Why is my antivirus software blocking the connection?

A: Antivirus software might block connections to certain programs if it suspects that they are malware. Try disabling the antivirus software or whitelisting the game executable.

Q: How do I whitelist the game executable?

A: Open your antivirus software, add an exception for the Project Zomboid executable file, and save the changes.