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How to Host a Project Zomboid Server on a VPS (2026)

Published May 4, 2026 · 6 min read · Galaxy Cloud Solutions

Project Zomboid multiplayer is tense enough without having to wait for the host to log on. A dedicated server keeps the world running all the time — your group can scavenge, build, and inevitably get surrounded by zombies whether you are online or not. Here is how to get one running.

⚡ Host a Project Zomboid server from $10/mo — Use code LAUNCH2026 for 50% off

What You Need

• VPS with at least 2GB RAM (4GB recommended for more players)
• 10GB+ free disk space
• Ubuntu 24.04

Step 1: Install SteamCMD

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y lib32gcc-s1 curl screen
mkdir -p ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar zxf -

Step 2: Download the Server

mkdir -p ~/zomboid
~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ~/zomboid +login anonymous +app_update 380870 validate +quit

Step 3: Run the Server Once to Generate Config

cd ~/zomboid
./start-server.sh &
sleep 30
kill %1

This generates the server config files in ~/.local/share/Project Zomboid/Server/.

Step 4: Configure Your Server

nano ~/.local/share/ProjectZomboid/Server/servertest.ini

Key settings to change:

PublicName=My Zomboid Server
PublicDescription=Surviving together
Password=
MaxPlayers=8
PauseEmpty=true
GlobalChat=true
AdminPassword=yourAdminPassword

Step 5: Create a Start Script

cat > ~/zomboid/run.sh << 'EOF'
#!/bin/bash
cd ~/zomboid
screen -dmS zomboid ./start-server.sh
EOF
chmod +x ~/zomboid/run.sh
~/zomboid/run.sh

Step 6: Open Firewall Ports

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

Connect From the Game

In Project Zomboid, go to Join → Direct Connect and enter your VPS IP with port 16261. If you set a password, enter it when prompted.