Hosting a Project Zomboid Dedicated Server: Everything Dev Needs to Know

Dear Dev, if you’re a gamer and a fan of the survival-horror genre, you must have heard of Project Zomboid. Developed by The Indie Stone, it’s a game that drops players into a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. To survive, you need to scavenge for supplies, build a base, and fight off the undead hordes. It’s an intense and challenging experience, but one that’s also incredibly rewarding.

However, if you want to take your Project Zomboid experience to the next level, you might want to consider hosting your own dedicated server. This will allow you to play with your friends or even run a public server where other players can join. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about hosting a Project Zomboid dedicated server.

Getting Started: What You Need to Know

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of hosting a Project Zomboid dedicated server, let’s go over some basic information to get you up to speed.

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a type of server that’s used exclusively for hosting a specific application or game. Unlike shared servers, where multiple users share the same resources, a dedicated server gives you full control over the server’s resources, including the CPU, RAM, and storage. This makes it ideal for hosting games that require a lot of processing power.

Why Host a Project Zomboid Dedicated Server?

Hosting a Project Zomboid dedicated server has several benefits:

• You can play with your friends without any lag or interruptions.
• You have complete control over the server settings, including difficulty, loot spawns, and zombie behavior.
• You can run mods and custom maps to enhance your gameplay experience.
• You can create a community of players and run a public server.

What are the System Requirements?

Hosting a Project Zomboid dedicated server requires a decent computer with the following specifications:

Component	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	Intel Core i3-3240 / AMD Phenom II X4 40	Intel Core i5-6600K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
RAM	4 GB DDR3	8 GB DDR4
Storage	2 GB SSD	2 GB SSD
Operating System	Windows 7 64-bit	Windows 10 64-bit

Of course, these are just the minimum and recommended specifications. If you’re planning to host a public server with a lot of players, you might want to invest in a more powerful machine.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Host a Project Zomboid Dedicated Server

Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get your hands dirty and start hosting your own Project Zomboid dedicated server. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Download the Server Files

The first thing you need to do is download the Project Zomboid dedicated server files. You can get them from the official Project Zomboid website or from Steam. Make sure you download the server files that match the version of your game.

Step 2: Install and Configure the Server Files

Once you’ve downloaded the server files, you need to install and configure them. Here’s how:

1. Create a new folder on your computer, preferably on your desktop. This will be your server’s root folder.
2. Extract the server files you downloaded in Step 1 to this folder.
3. Open the serverconfig.txt file in a text editor, like Notepad.
4. Set the values for the various settings, like the server name, maximum number of players, and game mode. You can refer to the documentation provided with the server files for more information on these settings.
5. Save the serverconfig.txt file.

Step 3: Forward Ports on Your Router

Before you can start your server, you need to forward the necessary ports on your router. This will allow other players to connect to your server. The ports you need to forward are:

Protocol	Port	Purpose
TCP	8766	Game port
UDP	16261	Steam port
TCP/UDP	27015	Remote console port

The steps to forward ports on your router depend on the make and model of your router. Consult your router’s documentation or your ISP for more information on how to do this.

Step 4: Start Your Server

Once you’ve installed and configured the server files and forwarded the necessary ports, you’re ready to start your server. Here’s how:

1. Open the console by pressing the tilde (~) key.
2. Type “startserver.bat” (without quotes) and press Enter.

Your server should now start. You can verify this by looking for the “Server is ready!” message in the console.

Step 5: Connect to Your Server

Now that your server is up and running, you can connect to it using the Project Zomboid game client. Here’s how:

1. Launch Project Zomboid.
2. Click on the “Play” button.
3. Click on the “Multiplayer” tab.
4. Click on the “Connect to server” button.
5. Enter your server’s IP address and port number in the respective fields.
6. Click on “Connect”.

If everything was set up correctly, you should now be connected to your server and ready to play.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Default Password for the Server Admin Account?

The default password for the server admin account is “admin”. You should change this password as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized access to your server.

How Do I Update the Server?

To update your Project Zomboid dedicated server, you need to download the latest server files from the official website or Steam and replace the existing files in your server’s root folder. Remember to back up your serverconfig.txt file before updating to prevent any configuration settings from being lost.

How Do I Install Mods and Custom Maps?

To install mods and custom maps on your Project Zomboid dedicated server, you need to:

1. Download the mod or map files.
2. Extract the files to the appropriate folders in your server’s root directory. Mods go in the “mods” folder, while maps go in the “maps” folder.
3. Edit the serverconfig.txt file to enable the mod or map.
4. Restart the server.

Make sure the mods and maps you install are compatible with the version of the game you’re running.

How Do I Ban or Kick a Player?

To ban or kick a player from your Project Zomboid dedicated server, you need to:

1. Open the console by pressing the tilde (~) key.
2. Type “ban username” or “kick username” (without quotes), where “username” is the player’s in-game name.

Alternatively, you can use third-party server management tools or mods to perform these actions more easily.

Conclusion

Hosting a Project Zomboid dedicated server might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually relatively easy once you know what you’re doing. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to set up your own server in no time, and enjoy the game with your friends or create a community of players. Remember to keep your server updated, secure, and have fun!