How to Host a Project Zomboid Server in 2026
Project Zomboid dedicated server setup is straightforward once you know the ports, the config files and how Steam Workshop mods are loaded. This guide covers everything from RAM planning to getting your first survivor group connected.
Choose your server RAM
Project Zomboid needs at least 4 GB RAM to start, but 6–8 GB is the realistic minimum for a stable multiplayer server. The game loads a full map simulation including zombie AI, loot spawns and weather — all running at server tick rate. 4 GB crashes under a full group. Start with 6 GB for up to 8 players and 8 GB for up to 16.
Install via SteamCMD (or use managed hosting)
Self-hosted: Install SteamCMD, log in anonymously, and run `app_update 380870 validate`. Project Zomboid's dedicated server app ID is 380870. The download is roughly 4 GB. Managed hosting (CoalHost) handles this automatically — the server arrives pre-installed and pre-configured.
Configure the server name and admin password
On first boot, pass `-servername YourName -adminpassword YourPassword` as launch flags. PZ writes these into `servertest.ini` in the Zomboid/Server directory. The admin password also doubles as the join password if you want a private server — set a separate public password in the ini if you want different admin and join passwords.
Open UDP ports 16261 and 16262
Project Zomboid uses UDP 16261 for the game port and UDP 16262 for the Steam query port. Both need to be open in your firewall/UFW. Without 16261 open, players cannot connect at all. Without 16262, the server won't appear in the in-game server browser.
Configure sandbox settings
The sandbox settings file (`servertest_SandboxVars.lua`) controls zombie count, speed, loot abundance, XP multiplier and dozens of other gameplay variables. Edit this file before first boot or through the in-game admin menu. Popular settings: lower zombie count for a less intense experience, higher XP multiplier for faster progression.
Install Steam Workshop mods
Add mod IDs to `Mods=` and workshop IDs to `WorkshopItems=` in `servertest.ini`. The server auto-downloads mods on next start. Players need the same mods installed client-side. For large mod lists (20+ mods), allocate extra RAM — each mod adds to the server's memory footprint.
Connect and test
Players connect via direct IP: open PZ, Join Server, enter the server's IP and port 16261. For the server browser, the server needs to be running and port 16262 open. The first boot takes 2–5 minutes while PZ generates the world and writes config files — this is normal.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does a Project Zomboid server need?+
Does Project Zomboid require a Steam account to host?+
Can players use Steam Workshop mods on a hosted server?+
What ports does Project Zomboid use?+
How do I set an admin password for my PZ server?+
Want a managed Project Zomboid server?
CoalHost handles the SteamCMD install, config, ports and auto-backups automatically. You get a running PZ server in under 2 minutes.
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