How to set up a Project Zomboid dedicated server

Windows or Linux

• Windows, on the PC you play on or a spare one. Download HaruHost and create the server from the desktop app.
• Linux, on an Ubuntu VPS or home server. See Project Zomboid on Linux.

The settings, mods, players and chat work the same on both, from the desktop app or the web panel, on your phone too.

What HaruHost does for you

• Downloading the server: no SteamCMD and no Steam account. Pick the Steam branch you want; see Build 42 and Build 41.
• Start file and memory: HaruHost writes the start file and sets the Java memory on the Memory page. See RAM.
• Settings: Server Settings and Sandbox Settings read the server's own files, so settings changed in game stay. See server settings.
• Mods: add Workshop items and their mod IDs on the Mods page. See mods.
• Getting friends in: each server gets its own ports. With the Tunnel, friends join without port forwarding, even behind CGNAT.

Step by step

1. Install HaruHost on Windows (download) or on Ubuntu (one command).
2. Choose Add → New game server, pick the PC or server, then Project Zomboid, and choose the branch.
3. On the Connection step, choose Tunnel to skip router setup, or Ports to use your own address.
4. Create the server, wait for the download and start it once. The first start creates the world and its settings files.
5. Open Server Config and set the server name, password and sandbox settings, then restart.
6. Send friends the address from the Details tab; see how friends join.

Questions