How to Set Up a Project Zomboid Server to Play with Friends
Project Zomboid is best enjoyed as a group, over long games. A dedicated server keeps the world there even when the host logs off. If you're still deciding between that, “Host” or a PC at home, first read the three ways to play with friends.
What it needs
Each player needs their own copy of the game on Steam. The server needs at least 6 GB of RAM on Build 42 (on 4 GB it runs with barely half a gigabyte to spare); with lots of mods or added maps, 8 GB (the RAM guide explains). The dedicated server is downloaded from Steam (about 7 GB) and uses UDP ports 16261 and 16262.
Rather not set it up yourself? Project Zomboid servers from €12 a month, no contract and a full refund within 72 hours. Or create a free Project Zomboid server, no card needed.
With NapNodes
Pick a plan
Fort (6 GB) for a group of friends or a community with a few mods; Bastion (8 GB) if you're going to add lots of mods or maps. RAM belongs to your account: if you run short later, “Buy RAM” in “My servers” adds more without reinstalling anything.
Wait for the install
The server installs and starts by itself. The first time it downloads the whole game from Steam, so it takes 10–15 minutes. We email you when it's ready.
Join
In the game: “Join” → “Favorites”, and add the address and port shown in the panel and in the email. If it won't connect, these are the usual causes.
Make yourself admin
The admin username and password are generated automatically and are in “Settings” → “In-game admin”. The commands are in the admin commands list.
Steam Workshop mods
Every Workshop mod has a number (Workshop ID) in its URL and an internal name (Mod ID) in its description. In the panel's “Mods” tab, search for the mod by name (or paste its Workshop link) and press “Add”: the panel reads the Mod ID from the mod's page and warns you if it needs other mods you're missing (“Add the missing ones”). Restart: the server downloads them by itself, and each player gets them when they join.
Add mods a few at a time: if one breaks, it's easier to tell which. If you don't know where to start, the best multiplayer mods.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does a Project Zomboid server need?
At least 6 GB on Build 42, even for a group of friends. With lots of mods or added maps, 8 GB.
What ports does Project Zomboid use?
UDP 16261 and 16262. On a rented server they're already open.
How do I add mods to a Zomboid server?
In the panel's “Mods” tab: search for the mod by name or paste its Workshop link and press “Add”. On restart, they download by themselves.
Shall we set it up for you?
Project Zomboid servers from €12 a month, never oversold: your RAM is yours alone. And if you'd rather start without paying, there's a free Project Zomboid server, no card needed.
Adding Workshop mods? Paste the links and Mod IDs into the Project Zomboid mod list tool: out come WorkshopItems= and Mods= with the Build 42 backslash.
Not sure whether your server is online? Check it in a second with the Project Zomboid server status checker: players, version and password, free.