Set up a Project Zomboid dedicated server on Linux

Install HaruHost

On Ubuntu (x86-64), run:

curl -fsSL https://haruhost.com/install.sh | sudo bash

HaruHost installs as a service. Sign in with the QR code it shows in your SSH session, then open the web panel from any browser.

What HaruHost does for you

• Docker: on Ubuntu, HaruHost installs and sets up Docker with one click when you create your first server.
• SteamCMD: not needed. HaruHost downloads the server on the branch you pick.
• systemd and screen: not needed. HaruHost runs as a service and keeps the server running without an open SSH session.
• Settings and files: Server Config edits servertest.ini, the sandbox settings, spawn points and memory from the browser, and its Files tab shows the raw files.
• Players and chat: skills, roles, chat history and Discord Chat work on Linux too.

Step by step

1. Run the install command and sign in.
2. In the web panel, choose Add → New game server, pick your Linux server, then Project Zomboid.
3. On the Connection step, choose Tunnel, or Ports to use the server's own address.
4. Create the server. If Docker isn't installed yet, HaruHost asks first; press Install, then Create Server.
5. Start it once, then set the name, password and memory in Server Config.

Open the ports

With Ports, open the server's ports in your VPS provider's firewall; see ports. With the Tunnel, nothing needs to be opened.

Questions