Getting Started with Your Project Zomboid Server
This guide walks you through setting up your Project Zomboid dedicated server and connecting with friends to survive the zombie apocalypse.
Prerequisites
- An active Project Zomboid server from SpillHosting
- Project Zomboid installed on your PC via Steam
- Your server IP and port, which you find in the game panel
Step 1: Open your server
- Log in on the SpillHosting website with your SpillHosting account
- Open the game panel and select your Project Zomboid server
- The Overview tab shows your server IP and port as two separate values
Step 2: Set up the admin account
Do this before the first start. Open the Startup tab:
- Server Name: letters and digits only. It also names the server's config files and player database, so pick it now and do not change it later, or the server starts over with fresh settings
- Admin Username and Admin Password: the server creates this admin account the first time it starts. Both default to
admin, so change them
Each field saves on its own as soon as you change it.
Step 3: Configure your server
Open the Config tab. It edits the server's settings file for you:
- Server name and Description shown in the in-game server browser
- List on public browser, if you want strangers to find the server
- Server password, if you want to restrict access
- Max players, PvP and chat options
Gameplay settings such as zombie count and loot rates are in .cache/Server/<ServerName>_SandboxVars.lua, which you can edit on the Files tab. Changes apply after a restart.
Step 4: Start the server
- Press Start in the server header
- Open the Console tab and wait for the server to fully initialize
The first start takes longer while the server generates the map and creates its configuration files.
Step 5: Connect to your server
- Launch Project Zomboid and click Join
- Enter the IP in the IP field and the port in the Port field. They go in separate boxes
- Enter the Server Password if one is set
- Choose an Account Username and Account Password. The account is created on your first join and keeps your character on this server
- Join the server
The full walkthrough, including the "Unknown Host" error, is in joining your Project Zomboid server.
Step 6: Log in as admin
Join with the Admin Username and Admin Password from the Startup tab as your account username and password. That account has full admin rights on the server.
Useful admin commands
Type these in the in-game chat as admin, with a slash, or without the slash in the Console tab of the panel:
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
/players |
List connected players |
/kickuser "username" |
Kick a player |
/banuser "username" |
Ban a player |
/unbanuser "username" |
Unban a player |
/save |
Save the world |
/quit |
Save and stop the server |
/help |
List every command available on your server version |
Mods
Add Steam Workshop mods on the Mods tab. Every player needs the same mods, and the game downloads them when they join.
Troubleshooting
Can't connect
- Make sure the server has fully started (check the console)
- Put the IP and the port in their own boxes, and use the port shown in the panel
- Make sure your game version matches the server version
- Check whether the server has a password
Mods not working
- Check that the mods are added on the Mods tab
- All players need the same mods and versions
- Check the console for mod loading errors
Server crashes
- Check the console for error messages
- Check that the server has enough RAM for your players and mods
- Too many zombies or players in one area can cause crashes
Need help surviving? Use the live chat on our website, or open a ticket with support.
