Hello and welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to host a Project Zomboid dedicated server. If you’re a fan of the game, you’ll know that the best way to enjoy it is with friends on your very own server. But, if you’re new to hosting, it can be a daunting task. Fear not, as we have put together a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
What is Project Zomboid?
Before we get started on how to host your own server, let’s take a quick look at what Project Zomboid is. Project Zomboid is an open-world survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world. It is a game that requires players to scavenge for food, water, and supplies while avoiding hordes of zombies. The game is known for its realistic survival mechanics, which makes it all the more challenging and engaging.
Why Host Your Own Server?
Hosting your own Project Zomboid server has many benefits. Firstly, it allows you to play with your friends without any lag or interruptions. You can set the rules and customize the game to your liking. You can also create your own community and invite other players to join. Hosting your own server also gives you complete control over the game, including the ability to install mods and plugins.
Prerequisites
Before we get started, there are a few things you’ll need to have in place before hosting your own Project Zomboid server. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| A Computer | You’ll need a computer to host the server. Make sure it meets the minimum requirements. |
| Internet Connection | You’ll need a stable internet connection with at least 5 Mbps upload and download speed. |
| Project Zomboid Server Software | You’ll need to download the dedicated server software from the Steam client. |
| A Static IP Address | You’ll need a static IP address to ensure your server is always accessible. |
| Port Forwarding | You’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router to allow outside connections to your server. |
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start setting up your server. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful setup.
Step 1: Install Project Zomboid
The first step is to download and install Project Zomboid on your computer. You can do this by purchasing the game on Steam and then downloading it to your computer.
Step 2: Download the Server Software
Once you have the game installed, you’ll need to download the Project Zomboid server software. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Steam client
- Click on the “Library” tab at the top
- Click on “Tools” at the bottom of the screen
- Find “Project Zomboid Dedicated Server” and install it
Step 3: Configure the Server Settings
After the software is installed, you’ll need to configure the server settings. To do this, open the “server.ini” file located in the Project Zomboid server folder. Here are some of the important settings you’ll need to configure:
- ServerName: This is the name of your server
- ServerPort: This is the port that your server will run on (default is 16261)
- Public: Set this to “true” if you want your server to be visible to the public
- Passworded: Set this to “false” if you want anyone to be able to join your server
- MaxPlayers: This is the maximum number of players that can be on your server at once
Step 4: Set Up Port Forwarding
Before your server can be accessed from outside your network, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router. To do this, follow these steps:
- Log in to your router’s admin console
- Navigate to the port forwarding section
- Add a new port forwarding rule for port 16261 (or whichever port you chose in step 3)
- Enter your computer’s IP address and save the rule
Step 5: Start the Server
After you’ve completed the previous steps, it’s time to start your server. Here’s how you do it:
- Open the Project Zomboid server folder
- Double-click on “startserver.bat”
- The server will start running. You can access it from the game’s multiplayer menu.
FAQs
Now that you know how to host your own Project Zomboid dedicated server, you may have some questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Q: Can I run the server on a different computer?
Yes, you can run the server on a different computer. Just make sure that the computer meets the minimum requirements and that you have the necessary software installed.
Q: How many players can I have on my server?
The maximum number of players you can have on your server is determined by the “MaxPlayers” setting in the server.ini file. The default is 8, but you can set it to whatever number you want.
Q: Can I install mods and plugins on my server?
Yes, you can install mods and plugins on your server. Just make sure that they are compatible with your version of Project Zomboid.
Q: Do I need a powerful computer to run the server?
No, you don’t need a powerful computer to run the server. The minimum requirements are a 2.0 GHz processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 1 GB of available disk space.
Q: How do I update my server to the latest version of the game?
To update your server to the latest version of the game, simply download and install the latest server software from the Steam client.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to host your own Project Zomboid dedicated server. With this guide, you can enjoy the game with your friends and create your own community. Remember to follow the steps carefully and don’t forget to customize your server to your liking. Happy surviving!