Project Zomboid How to Host Private Server

Hello Dev, are you a fan of the game Project Zomboid? Do you prefer playing it with friends or family? Hosting a private server is a great way to enjoy the game with your loved ones. In this journal article, we will guide you on how to host a private server for Project Zomboid, step by step. Let’s get started!

What is Project Zomboid?

Project Zomboid is a survival horror game that is set in an open world, where players are tasked with surviving a zombie apocalypse. The game is available on Steam and has a large following of players who are always looking for ways to enhance their gameplay experience. One way to do this is by hosting a private server, which provides players with more control over the game’s settings.

Table 1: Project Zomboid system requirements

Step 1: Downloading and Installing the Dedicated Server Software

The first step in hosting a private server for Project Zomboid is to download and install the dedicated server software. This software allows you to host a server that is separate from your own game, allowing others to join and play with you.

To install the dedicated server software, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Project Zomboid website and navigate to the ‘Downloads’ section.
2. Download the latest version of the dedicated server software for your operating system.
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

Once the software is installed, you will need to configure it to suit your needs. This can be done through the serverconfig.ini file, which is located in the installation directory. Here, you can set various server settings, including the game mode, world options, and player limits.

FAQ 1: What ports does Project Zomboid use?

Project Zomboid uses several ports to communicate with other players and servers. These are:

• UDP 16261: Main server communication port
• UDP 8766: Steam query port
• UDP 16262: Steam master server updater port

Make sure these ports are open in your firewall settings to ensure that your server is accessible to others.

Step 2: Setting up Port Forwarding

Now that the dedicated server software is installed and configured, you will need to set up port forwarding on your router to allow others to connect to your server. Port forwarding allows incoming traffic on a specific port to be forwarded to a designated device on your network, in this case, your server.

To set up port forwarding, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel.
2. Locate the port forwarding settings section.
3. Add a new port forwarding rule for the ports used by Project Zomboid (see FAQ 1).
4. Enter your server’s local IP address as the destination for the forwarded traffic.
5. Save the changes and exit the admin panel.

Once port forwarding is set up, your server will be accessible to others outside your network.

FAQ 2: How do I find my server’s local IP address?

The local IP address of your server can be found in the serverconfig.ini file, under the ‘PublicServerIP’ setting. Alternatively, you can find it by opening a command prompt and entering the ‘ipconfig’ command. Look for the ‘IPv4 Address’ entry under the adapter that is connected to your local network.

Step 3: Inviting Others to Join Your Server

Finally, you will need to invite others to join your server. To do this, provide them with your server’s public IP address and the port number used by Project Zomboid (see FAQ 1). They can then connect to your server through the game’s multiplayer menu by selecting ‘Join IP’ and entering your server’s details.

Once they have joined, you can play together and enjoy all the features of a private server, including custom game modes, rules, and environments.

FAQ 3: How many players can join a Project Zomboid server?

The maximum number of players that can join a Project Zomboid server is currently 64. However, this can be adjusted through the serverconfig.ini file.

Conclusion

Hosting a private server for Project Zomboid is a great way to enhance your gameplay experience and play with others. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up your own server and invite others to join. Remember to configure your server settings and set up port forwarding to ensure that your server is accessible to others. Happy surviving!