Project Zomboid: How to Host a Server with Mods

Hey Dev! Are you ready to take your Project Zomboid gameplay to the next level? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting a server with mods, so you can enjoy all the extra content and customization options that come with them. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to set up your own customized Project Zomboid server and invite your friends to join in on the fun.

Before We Begin

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of hosting a server with mods, there are a few things you’ll need. First, you’ll need a copy of Project Zomboid. If you don’t already have it, you can purchase it on Steam or GOG. Next, you’ll need to download the server files from the official Project Zomboid website. You can find them here.

Once you’ve downloaded the server files, you’ll need to extract them to a folder on your computer. We recommend creating a new folder specifically for your server files, so they’re easy to find and manage. Now that you have your server files, let’s get started!

Step 1: Setting Up Your Server

The first step in hosting a Project Zomboid server with mods is to set up your server. To do this, you’ll need to open the server files you downloaded earlier and run the “StartServer64.bat” file. This will launch the server console, which will allow you to configure your server settings.

Once the server console is up and running, you’ll need to configure your server settings. This includes setting a server name, password, and other options like player limits and server difficulty. Once you’ve configured your server settings, save them and exit the server console.

Configuring Server Settings

Let’s take a closer look at some of the server settings you’ll need to configure:

Step 2: Installing Mods

Now that your server is up and running, it’s time to install some mods! Mods are user-created modifications to the game that can add new content, change gameplay mechanics, and more. Installing mods on your server is easy, but it does require a bit of setup.

Installing the Modloader

The first step in installing mods is to install the modloader. The modloader is a tool that allows you to load and manage mods on your server. To install the modloader, simply download it from the official Project Zomboid website and extract the files to your server folder.

Once you’ve installed the modloader, you’ll need to configure it. Open the “Mods” folder in your server directory and locate the “servertest.ini” file. This file contains the modloader configuration settings.

In the “servertest.ini” file, you’ll need to add the mod IDs for any mods you want to use on your server. Mod IDs can be found on the Steam Workshop or on the official Project Zomboid forums.

Once you’ve added the mod IDs to the “servertest.ini” file, save the file and exit.

Step 3: Launching Your Server

With your server configured and your mods installed, it’s time to launch your server! To do this, simply run the “StartServer64.bat” file again. This will launch your server with the modloader enabled.

Once your server is up and running, you’ll be able to join it from the game’s main menu. Simply select “Join Server” and enter the details for your server. If you set a password, you’ll need to enter it here.

FAQ

Do I Need to Port Forward?

Yes, you will need to port forward if you want your friends to be able to connect to your server. Port forwarding allows your router to send incoming traffic to your server, so it can be accessed from outside your local network. You’ll need to configure your router to forward traffic on port 16261 to your computer running the server. For a step-by-step guide to port forwarding, check out portforward.com.

Do All Players Need the Same Mods?

Yes, all players who want to join your server will need to have the same mods installed. This is because mods can change gameplay mechanics and add new content, which can cause conflicts if players have different mods installed.

Can I Use Mods on Singleplayer?

Yes, you can use mods on singleplayer. The process for installing mods on singleplayer is similar to installing mods on a server. Simply download the modloader and add the mod IDs to the “servertest.ini” file in your Project Zomboid directory. Launch the game and the modloader will load the mods.

Can I Use Steam Workshop Mods?

Yes, you can use Steam Workshop mods on your server. To do this, simply subscribe to the mods on the Steam Workshop and add the mod IDs to the “servertest.ini” file in your server directory. Launch your server and the modloader will load the mods from the Steam Workshop.

Conclusion

Hosting a Project Zomboid server with mods is a great way to enhance your gameplay experience and add a new level of customization to the game. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to set up your own customized server in no time. Good luck and have fun!