Project Zomboid: How to Set Up a Server
Table of Contents
Project Zomboid server hosting on HardGaming takes you from picking a plan to a running server, all from your browser. This guide covers choosing a plan, naming your server, setting the admin login and Steam options, paying, and confirming the server is online. It runs on Windows, Mac and Linux; console support is covered below.
Before You Start
- A HardGaming account. Create one at hardgaming.tech first. Browsing plans does not require signing in, but checking out does.
- A payment method. Your card is entered at the last step and saved for the monthly subscription.
- Windows, Mac or Linux. Project Zomboid has no console version, so every player needs one of these through Steam.
- Nothing to install locally. The whole setup happens in your browser, and the server files download once you pay.
- Your settings are not final. The admin login, Steam port and player limit are all set during checkout, and you can change them once the server exists.
Step 1: Open the HardGaming Website
Go to hardgaming.tech and sign in. If you would rather skip the browsing, go straight to Project Zomboid server hosting and continue from Step 4.
Step 2: Select Game Hosting
In the sidebar on the left, click Game Hosting.
Step 3: Select the Project Zomboid Tile
The grid lists every game HardGaming hosts. Click the Project Zomboid tile.
Step 4: Choose a Plan
Three plans are offered on the Plans tab. Click the one that fits how you will play.
- Starter, sized for solo survival.
- Premium, built for a full team.
- Custom, where you set your own resources.
Prices and specs are shown next to each plan and change over time, so check the numbers on screen before you click.
Step 5: Name Your Server
On the Configuration tab, type a name into Server Name. It is the one required field on this page, and it is the name you will see in your dashboard.
Step 6: Configure Your Server Settings
The Configuration tab also lists six settings for the server itself. Set Admin Username and Admin Password to a login only you know. Leave SteamPort on 16262 unless you have a reason to change it, and set Max Players to how many people you expect to play. Leave Steam Beta Branch blank for the normal branch, and set Steam Auto Update to 1 to update automatically or 0 to leave it alone. Full descriptions of every field are in Project Zomboid Server Settings below.
These settings are not final. You can change any of them once the server exists. When everything looks right, click Next.
Step 7: Enter Your Payment Details
The Select Your Card dropdown lets you add a new card or reuse one you have saved. Fill in Card Number, Expiry Date, Security Code, Country and Zip code, then click Submit Secure Payment.
Warning: Your card is saved and charged every month until you cancel the server from your Billing page.
Step 8: Confirm Your Server Is Running
Payment takes you to your new server page. STATUS reads offline while the server installs, then changes to running once it is up. CONNECT ADDRESS holds the address your friends need to join.
Is Project Zomboid Available on Console?
No. Project Zomboid runs on Windows, Mac and Linux through Steam, and its developer, The Indie Stone, has not released it for PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch. A HardGaming server works with any of the three supported operating systems, so friends on different ones can still play together.
Project Zomboid Server Settings
Every setting on the Configuration tab, in the order it appears.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Admin Username | The login name for the server's admin console |
| Admin Password | The login password for the server's admin console |
| SteamPort | Sets the UDPPort option. Defaults to 16262 |
| Max Players | The maximum number of players the server allows |
| Steam Beta Branch | Installs a beta build, such as b41multiplayer. Leave it blank for the normal branch. Changing it requires a reinstall |
| Steam Auto Update | Updates the server on startup. 1 enables it, 0 disables it |
Applying a Coupon Code
If you have a coupon, apply it before you pay. On the payment page, click Apply coupon code, type your code into the field, and click Apply.
Troubleshooting
Next is greyed out?
- Server Name is empty. It is the one required field on the Configuration tab.
- Scroll back to the top of the page to find it.
Server still shows offline after paying?
- It is still installing. Give it a few minutes before checking again.
- STATUS changes to
runningonce the install finishes.
Friends cannot join?
- Check that STATUS reads
running. A server that is still installing refuses connections. - Give them the address from CONNECT ADDRESS, including the port.
- If you changed SteamPort from its default, make sure they are using the port you set.
Can't log into the admin console?
- Use the exact Admin Username and Admin Password you set in Step 6.
Best Practices
- Choose an Admin Username and Admin Password only you know, and keep them somewhere safe.
- Leave SteamPort on its default unless you have a reason to change it.
- Leave Steam Beta Branch blank unless you need a particular beta build.
- Use your DeepSave slot before you make a big change to your world.
Next Steps
Your server now appears under My Servers on your dashboard, and it stays there between sessions. Open it any time to restart it, edit settings, or pull a backup.
- Protect your world with DeepSave
- Browse all Project Zomboid guides
- Guides for every game we host
- Project Zomboid server hosting
Need Help?
If you run into any issues, the HardGaming support team is here for you:
- Live Chat: use the chat widget on hardgaming.tech
- Discord: join our community for quick help
- Email: support@hardgaming.tech
Happy gaming! 🎮