How to Set Up a Project Zomboid Dedicated Server

By Admin · Mar 1, 2026 · Updated Apr 23, 2026 · 26 views · 1 min read

Overview

Project Zomboid is an isometric zombie survival game. Dedicated servers allow persistent multiplayer worlds with extensive mod support.

Requirements

A Breeze with at least 4 GB RAM
2 CPU cores
10 GB disk space

Step 1: Install the Server

sudo useradd -r -m -d /opt/pz pzserver
sudo -u pzserver steamcmd +force_install_dir /opt/pz/server \
  +login anonymous \
  +app_update 380870 validate \
  +quit

Step 2: First Run and Configuration

Run the server once to generate configuration files:

cd /opt/pz/server
sudo -u pzserver ./start-server.sh

After it starts, type quit to stop it. Then edit the configuration:

sudo -u pzserver nano /opt/pz/Zomboid/Server/servertest.ini

Key settings:

PublicName=My PZ Server
PublicDescription=A Breeze-hosted Project Zomboid server
MaxPlayers=16
Password=changeme
PauseEmpty=true
DefaultPort=16261

Step 3: Create a Systemd Service

sudo tee /etc/systemd/system/pz.service <<EOF
[Unit]
Description=Project Zomboid Server
After=network.target

[Service]
User=pzserver
WorkingDirectory=/opt/pz/server
ExecStart=/opt/pz/server/start-server.sh
Restart=on-failure

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
EOF

sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable --now pz

Firewall

sudo ufw allow 16261/udp
sudo ufw allow 16262/udp

Adding Workshop Mods

Edit servertest.ini and add workshop mod IDs:

WorkshopItems=MOD_ID_1;MOD_ID_2;MOD_ID_3
Mods=ModFolder1;ModFolder2