Can't Connect to Your Project Zomboid Server? Causes and Fixes
It's almost always one of five things: the server is still installing, the address or port is mistyped, a different game version, mods that don't match, or the password. Check them in this order.
First of all: is it running?
The first time, the server downloads the whole game from Steam and takes 10–15 minutes to be ready. Look at the panel's console: if it's still installing or starting up, wait. If the status is “Offline”, click “Start”. To see whether it responds without opening the game, check whether your Zomboid server is online with its address and port.
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The five checks, in order
Address and port
In the game: “Join” → “Favorites” → add the address and port exactly as they appear on the panel's “Address to play” card or in the “ready” email. Every server has its own port; don't assume it's 16261 (here's why).
Game version
You and the server have to be on the same version; otherwise the game says the server version doesn't match the client's. If the game updated recently, turn on “Update the game on start” in “Settings” and restart the server, and check that you aren't on a Steam beta branch yourself (right-click the game → Properties → Betas). The guide to updating the server explains it.
Mods
If the server runs Workshop mods, the client has to download them when joining. If you get stuck loading or kicked out, subscribe to the same mods and check in the “Mods” tab that none of the mods each one depends on is missing.
Password
If the game asks for a password, check there's no stray space. The admin password (“Settings” → “In-game admin”) is for making yourself admin inside the game, not for creating player accounts.
Your network
An antivirus, a firewall or a VPN can block UDP traffic. Try turning them off for a moment. If a friend can join and you can't, the problem is your connection, not the server. If the server is running at someone's home, make sure it has its ports open.
If you still can't get in
Copy the last lines of the panel's console (mod and version errors show up there) and open a ticket in the panel's “Help”: with that, it's quick to see what's going on.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't my Project Zomboid server show up in the server list?
It only appears in the public list if it has Public=true in the .ini (on NapNodes, “Show in the public server list”, in “Settings” → “The essentials”). Without that, you join through “Join” → “Favorites” with the address and port from the panel.
How long does a new Zomboid server take to be ready?
About 10–15 minutes the first time, because it downloads the whole game from Steam.
Why do I get kicked while the mods are loading?
Almost always because the client's mods don't match the server's, or because a dependency is missing. The panel's console tells you which one.
Shall we set it up for you?
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