How to Self-Host a Project Zomboid Dedicated Server

Prerequisites

• Debian 12 or Ubuntu 22.04
• Minimum 4GB RAM (more for larger maps)
• SteamCMD
• Ports 16261-16262 UDP

Install the Server

steamcmd +login anonymous \
  +force_install_dir /opt/pz-server \
  +app_update 380870 validate \
  +quit

First Run

cd /opt/pz-server
./start-server.sh

On first run, you'll be prompted to set an admin password. The server generates default configuration files in /opt/pz-server/Server/.

Configure Sandbox Settings

Edit Server/servertest.ini for server settings:

• DefaultPort=16261
• MaxPlayers=16
• PVP=false
• ServerName=My PZ Server
• Password= (set a password or leave blank)

Sandbox settings (difficulty, zombies, loot) are in Server/servertest_SandboxVars.lua.

systemd Service

[Unit]
Description=Project Zomboid Server
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=root
WorkingDirectory=/opt/pz-server
ExecStart=/opt/pz-server/start-server.sh
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=15

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

Adding Workshop Mods

In servertest.ini, add Workshop IDs:

WorkshopItems=2169435993;2313387159;2392987599

The server downloads mods automatically on startup. Find mod IDs on the Steam Workshop page URL.

Admin Commands

• /adduser username password — create accounts
• /grantadmin username — give admin rights
• /servermsg message — broadcast to all players
• /save — force world save
• /quit — save and stop server

Troubleshooting

• Can't connect: Check UDP 16261-16262
• Mods not loading: Verify Workshop IDs are correct, check logs
• Memory issues: Edit ProjectZomboid64.json to increase -Xmx

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