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Getting Started with Your Project Zomboid Server

Setup guide for your Project Zomboid dedicated server including configuration, connection, and admin setup.

Noah
4 min read
Mar 30, 2024

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 from the control panel

Step 1: Access the Control Panel

  1. Go to panel.spillhosting.no
  2. Log in with your credentials
  3. Select your Project Zomboid server

Step 2: Configure Your Server

  1. Navigate to the Startup tab
  2. Set your Server Name
  3. Set an Admin Password — you'll need this to manage the server in-game
  4. Configure Max Players
  5. Click Save

Step 3: Start the Server

  1. Go to the Console tab
  2. Click Start
  3. Wait for the server to fully initialize

The first start takes longer as the server generates the world map and sets up configuration files.

Step 4: Connect to Your Server

  1. Launch Project Zomboid
  2. Click Join from the main menu
  3. Enter your server IP and port in the fields
  4. Enter your desired Username
  5. Enter the Server Password (if one is set)
  6. Click Connect

First-Time Account Creation

  • On your first connection, you'll create a server account
  • Choose a username and password
  • Remember these — you'll need them each time you connect

Step 5: Set Yourself as Admin

Via Server Console

  1. Open the console in the control panel
  2. Type: setaccesslevel [username] admin
  3. Your account now has full admin access

Via In-Game

  1. Press T to open chat
  2. Type /setaccesslevel [username] admin
  3. This requires the admin password from the startup configuration

Admin Access Levels

LevelDescription
adminFull access to all commands and settings
moderatorCan kick, ban, and manage players
overseerCan teleport and view player info
gmGame Master — can spawn items
observerCan watch but not interact

Essential Admin Commands

CommandDescription
/kick [user]Kick a player
/ban [user]Ban a player
/unban [user]Unban a player
/teleport [user]Teleport to a player
/additem [user] [item] [count]Give items to a player
/godmod [user]Toggle invincibility
/invisible [user]Toggle invisibility
/saveForce a world save
/quitSave and stop the server
/playersList connected players

Server Configuration

After the first start, you can fine-tune settings by editing the server config:

  1. Connect via SFTP
  2. Navigate to /Server/
  3. Edit [servername].ini for general settings
  4. Edit [servername]_SandboxVars.lua for gameplay settings (zombie count, loot rates, etc.)
  5. Restart the server after changes

Troubleshooting

Can't Connect

  • Ensure the server has fully started (check console)
  • Verify the IP and port are correct
  • Make sure your game version matches the server version
  • Check for any server password requirements

Mods Not Working

  • Ensure Workshop mods are configured in the server settings
  • All players need the same mods installed
  • Check the console for mod loading errors

Server Crashes

  • Check console logs for error messages
  • Verify enough RAM is allocated
  • Too many zombies or players in one area can cause crashes

Need help surviving? Contact our 24/7 support team.