How to Host a Project Zomboid Server with Mods

Greetings, Dev! Are you a fan of Project Zomboid and looking to host your own server with mods? This article will guide you through the process of setting up your own Project Zomboid server, installing mods, and managing your server. Let’s get started!

1. Choosing a Hosting Service

The first step in hosting your own Project Zomboid server is to choose a hosting service. There are many hosting services available, but not all of them are suitable for hosting a game server. When choosing a hosting service, consider the following factors:

• Location: Choose a hosting service that has servers located close to your players to reduce latency.
• Hardware: Make sure the hosting service has powerful hardware that can handle the demands of running a game server.
• Price: Look for a hosting service that offers competitive prices and value for money.

Once you have chosen a hosting service, follow their instructions to set up your server. Most hosting services will provide you with a control panel to manage your server.

2. Installing Project Zomboid Server

After setting up your server with your hosting service, it’s time to install the Project Zomboid server on your server. Follow these steps:

1. Download the latest server files from the Project Zomboid website.
2. Extract the files to a folder on your server.
3. Run the “ProjectZomboidServer.bat” file to start the server.

Your server is now running, but it’s not yet ready to play. You need to configure the server settings and install mods.

3. Configuring Server Settings

Before players can join your server, you need to configure the server settings. Open the “server.ini” file in a text editor and edit the following settings:

Setting	Description
Public	Set to “true” if you want your server to appear in the server list.
MaxPlayers	Set the maximum number of players allowed on your server.
ServerName	Set the name of your server.
Map	Set the name of the map you want to use.
Passworded	Set to “true” if you want to require a password to join your server.

Save the “server.ini” file and restart your server for the changes to take effect.

4. Installing Mods

One of the great things about Project Zomboid is the modding community. There are many mods available that enhance the gameplay experience. To install mods on your server, follow these steps:

1. Download the mods you want to install.
2. Extract the mods to the “mods” folder in your server directory.
3. Edit the “servertest.bat” file in a text editor and add the mod names to the end of the file, separated by spaces. For example: “-mods=Mod1 Mod2 Mod3”.
4. Start the server using the “servertest.bat” file.

The mods will now be loaded when players join your server.

5. Managing Your Server

Now that your server is up and running, you need to manage it to ensure it runs smoothly and keeps players happy. Here are some tips for managing your server:

• Monitor the server for performance issues and lag. If your server is struggling, try reducing the number of players or disabling mods.
• Engage with your players and listen to their feedback. This will help you to improve the server and keep players happy.
• Be consistent with server rules and enforce them fairly.
• Regularly update mods and the server software to ensure stability and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I host a Project Zomboid server on my home computer?

A: Yes, you can host a server on your home computer, but it’s not recommended. Hosting a server on your home computer can cause performance issues and security risks.

Q: How many players can join my server?

A: The maximum number of players allowed on a server is determined by the “MaxPlayers” setting in the “server.ini” file.

Q: How do I update my mods?

A: To update your mods, simply download the latest version and replace the old files in the “mods” folder.

Q: How do I ban players from my server?

A: To ban a player, open the “banlist.txt” file in a text editor and add the player’s Steam ID. Save the file and restart the server.

Q: How do I whitelist players on my server?

A: To whitelist players, open the “white-list.txt” file in a text editor and add the player’s Steam ID. Save the file and restart the server.

Q: Can I run multiple servers on the same machine?

A: Yes, you can run multiple servers on the same machine, but it will require separate installations of the Project Zomboid server software.

Q: How do I backup my server?

A: To backup your server, simply copy the server directory to a separate location on your computer or to an external storage device.

Conclusion

Hosting your own Project Zomboid server with mods can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following the steps in this article, you can set up your own server, install mods, and manage your server like a pro. Good luck and happy gaming!