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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, so 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

On a Galaxy Cloud VPS, open the same ports under Firewall Rules on your VPS page in the client portal too. Everything except SSH stays closed until you do.

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.