How to Host a Project Zomboid Server

By Admin · Mar 2, 2026 · Updated Apr 25, 2026 · 31 views · 2 min read

How to Host a Project Zomboid Server

Project Zomboid is a hardcore zombie survival RPG with deep multiplayer support. Running a dedicated server on your Breeze instance lets you create persistent survival communities with custom sandbox settings, mods, and always-on availability.

System Requirements

A Breeze instance with at least 4 CPU cores, 4 GB of RAM (8 GB recommended for 20+ players), and 10 GB of storage will handle most Project Zomboid servers comfortably.

Installing the Server

Create a dedicated user and install via SteamCMD:

sudo useradd -m -r -s /bin/bash pzuser
sudo apt install -y steamcmd lib32gcc-s1
sudo su - pzuser
mkdir -p ~/pz_server
steamcmd +force_install_dir ~/pz_server \
  +login anonymous \
  +app_update 380870 validate \
  +quit

Initial Server Launch

Start the server for the first time to generate configuration files:

cd ~/pz_server
./start-server.sh -servername MyPZServer

The server will generate configuration files in ~/Zomboid/Server/. Stop the server after initialization completes.

Server Configuration

Edit the main server configuration at ~/Zomboid/Server/MyPZServer.ini. Important settings include:

Public=true
PublicName=My PZ Server - Kazepute Breeze
PublicDescription=Hardcore Survival Community
MaxPlayers=32
Password=your-password
PauseEmpty=true
DefaultPort=16261
UDPPort=16262
SteamPort1=8766
SteamPort2=8767

Sandbox Settings

Project Zomboid provides extensive sandbox customization through MyPZServer_SandboxVars.lua. You can adjust zombie population, loot rarity, day length, weather patterns, and hundreds of other parameters:

SandboxVars = {
  Zombies = 4,            -- 1=Insane, 2=Very High, 3=High, 4=Normal, 5=Low
  Distribution = 1,        -- 1=Urban Focused
  DayLength = 2,           -- 2=2 hours
  StartMonth = 7,          -- July
  WaterShut = 0,           -- 0=0-30 days
  ElecShut = 0,            -- 0=0-30 days
  LootRespawn = 0,         -- 0=None
}

Firewall Configuration

Open the required ports on your Breeze instance:

sudo ufw allow 16261/udp
sudo ufw allow 16262/udp
sudo ufw allow 8766/udp
sudo ufw allow 8767/udp
sudo ufw reload

Adding Mods

Add Workshop mod IDs and map mod IDs to your server configuration file:

WorkshopItems=2392709985;2313387159;2169435993
Mods=morebuilds;eris_minimap;ToadTraits

The server will automatically download Workshop mods on startup.

Admin Commands

Manage your server through the in-game admin panel or RCON. Grant admin access with:

/setaccesslevel "username" admin

Other useful commands include /adduser, /banuser, /kickuser, /teleport, and /servermsg.

Backup Strategy

Project Zomboid world saves are stored in ~/Zomboid/Saves/Multiplayer/. Set up automated backups of this directory, especially before server updates, as save compatibility can change between versions.

How to Host a Project Zomboid Server