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Project Zomboid Multiplayer Server Hosting Guide: Dedicated Servers and More!
This video offers a comprehensive guide on how to set up multiplayer mode in Project Zomboid. It covers three methods: Steam co-op sessions, locally hosted dedicated servers, and provider servers. The video discusses the pros and cons of each option, recommended use cases, and step-by-step setup instructions.
1. 🎮 Introduction to Project Zomboid Multiplayer Options
- ✅ The video will cover three methods for playing Project Zomboid in multiplayer: Steam co-op, locally hosted dedicated server, and a server from a provider.
- ✅ The pros and cons of each method will be discussed, along with recommended use cases and setup.
- ✅ Multiplayer was recently released in the Unstable branch for Build 42.
00:05 - 00:32
1. 🎮 Introduction to Project Zomboid Multiplayer Options
- ✅ The video will cover three methods for playing Project Zomboid in multiplayer: Steam co-op, locally hosted dedicated server, and a server from a provider.
- ✅ The pros and cons of each method will be discussed, along with recommended use cases and setup.
- ✅ Multiplayer was recently released in the Unstable branch for Build 42.
00:40 - 03:48
2. 🎮 How to Host a Steam Co-op Session in Project Zomboid
- ✅ Pros: Easy to set up, no financial cost, best for playing with one or two friends.
- ✅ Cons: The server cannot be running while you are offline, there may be performance issues on low-end PCs.
- ✅ Setup: Select "Host" in the main menu, adjust the server memory (4 GB by default, 8 GB for more players), create a new save file, select mods, and adjust the sandbox settings.
- ✅ Sandbox Settings: Use the settings you would normally use in single-player mode (e.g., default Apocalypse). No need to enable loot respawn.
- ✅ Invite friends via the escape menu using the Steam friends list.
03:49 - 09:24
3. 🎮 How to Host a Dedicated Server Locally in Project Zomboid
- ✅ Pros: Friends can play while you are offline, avoids server provider fees, low cost.
- ✅ Cons: More technical, may affect performance if running from your PC, no technical support from the provider.
- ⚠️ Important: Make sure ports 16261 and 16262 are open.
Setup Steps:
- Create two folders: SteamCMD and Steam Servers.
- Download SteamCMD from the provided link and extract the contents to the SteamCMD folder.
- In the Steam Servers folder, create a new text document called PZ.
| Configuration | Value |
|---|---|
| login anonymous | Logs into SteamCMD anonymously. |
| force_install_dir ./pz | Specifies the server installation directory. |
| app_update 108600 validate | Downloads or updates the Project Zomboid server files. |
| @exit | Closes SteamCMD after completing the update. |
- ✅ For the unstable branch, add:
-beta unstable - ✅ Save the file as pz.bat.
- ✅ Run pz.bat to download the server files.
- ✅ Change the RAM allocation in start-server64.bat (XMS and XMX).
- ✅ Run start-server64.bat to start the server for the first time (set the admin password).
- ✅ Modify the settings in servertest.ini (server name, admin password) and servertest_sandboxvars.ini (sandbox settings).
- ✅ Delete servertest.db and the servertest folder from the specified locations.
- ✅ Run start-server64.bat to start the server.
- ✅ Connect to the server via the public IPv4 address or search for the server name in the public server list.
09:25 - 13:33
4. 🎮 How to Host a Project Zomboid Server Through a Provider
- ✅ Pros: The server is always running, technical support, no impact on PC performance.
- ✅ Cons: Cost, potential issues with poor server providers, more technical than Steam co-op.
- ✅ Use Cases: Small group of friends who want to play while you are offline or a public multiplayer server with many players.
- ✅ Select a server provider (the video is not sponsored, so no specific providers are recommended).
- ✅ Consider RAM requirements based on the number of players (2 GB base + 500 MB per player).
- ✅ Select the server location closest to you or your friends.
- ✅ Use the provided control panel to manage server settings (servertest.ini and servertest_sandboxvars.ini).
- ✅ Use the web console to execute commands (e.g., kick or ban players).