
Host a Project Zomboid Dedicated Server
Project Zomboid is the ultimate in zombie survival. Alone or in MP: you loot, build, craft, fight, farm and fish in a struggle to survive. A hardcore RPG skillset, a vast map, massively customisable sandbox and a cute tutorial raccoon await the unwary. So how will you die? All it takes is a bite..
Hardware Requirements
Here's what you need to run a Project Zomboid dedicated server.
Economy
Small world, 1-8 players
Standard
Community server, 8-32 players
Pro
Large public server, 32-64 players
Start hosting from your own computer
Run a Project Zomboid server on your desktop, laptop, VPS, or dedicated machine — GameCP automates Docker setup, resource allocation, and Project Zomboid configuration instantly. Automatic port forwarding means your friends can connect without touching your router. Start local, scale to a VPS when you're ready.
Setup in 4 Steps
Skip the manual SteamCMD installation, port forwarding, and systemd configuration. Install on your own computer and start hosting instantly.
The Manual Way vs. GameCP
Manual Setup
- ✗Install SteamCMD manually
- ✗Configure 1+ firewall ports and router settings
- ✗Write systemd service files
- ✗SSH into server to edit configs
- ✗Requires a VPS or dedicated server
- ✗30-60 minutes if experienced
With GameCP
- One-click SteamCMD install
- Automatic port forwarding — no router config
- Host from your own PC, VPS, or dedicated server
- Docker container with auto-restart
- Visual config editor in browser
- Under 5 minutes total
Under the Hood
The full manual process to host a Project Zomboid dedicated server on a VPS. Or install GameCP on your own computer and skip all of this.
Configure & Prepare
Set your server settings, then install Docker, SteamCMD, and pull the Project Zomboid container image.
# Update system and install Docker sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y docker.io sudo systemctl enable --now docker # Create game server directory sudo mkdir -p /opt/gameserver # Install SteamCMD sudo mkdir -p /opt/steamcmd curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | sudo tar zxvf - -C /opt/steamcmd # Server configuration export ADMIN_USER="admin" export CONFIG_NAME="servertest" export AUTO_UPDATE="0" # Pull the container image docker pull ghcr.io/ptero-eggs/steamcmd:debian
Install Server Files via SteamCMD
Download the Project Zomboid dedicated server using Steam App ID 380870.
# Download Project Zomboid server files (App ID: 380870) /opt/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh \ +force_install_dir /opt/gameserver \ +login anonymous \ +app_update 380870 validate \ +quit
Open Firewall Ports
Project Zomboid requires 1 port to be open for game traffic and queries.
sudo ufw allow 16261/both
Launch the Server
Start the Project Zomboid server using the configuration from Step 1.
Create the startup script
# Create the startup script cat > /opt/gameserver/start.sh << 'EOF' #!/bin/bash # 1. Path & Environment Setup # Move to the container root to ensure relative paths work cd /home/container || exit 1 # Update PATH and Library paths correctly export PATH="./jre64/bin:" export LD_LIBRARY_PATH="./linux64:./natives:.:./jre64/lib/server:" # 2. Fix the LD_PRELOAD Warning # We check if the file exists before preloading to avoid 'cannot open shared object' errors JSIG="./jre64/lib/server/libjsig.so" if [ -f "" ]; then export LD_PRELOAD=":" fi # 3. Memory & Performance for Ryzen 7900 # Zomboid is heavy on RAM; 8GB is standard, but you can bump -Xmx if needed. JAVA_ARGS="-Xmx8g -XX:+UseZGC -Djava.awt.headless=true -Dzomboid.steam=1 -Dzomboid.znetlog=1" # 4. The Launch Command # FIX: Changed -cachedir from '/.cache' to 'Zomboid' to stay inside /home/container # NOTE: -servername uses PZ_CONFIG_NAME (default: servertest) which determines # which .ini and _SandboxVars.lua files PZ reads. This is NOT the public display name. ./ProjectZomboid64 \ -port 16261 \ -udpport \ -cachedir=Zomboid \ -servername "servertest" \ -adminusername "admin" \ -adminpassword "" EOF chmod +x /opt/gameserver/start.sh
Run the container
docker run -d \ --name project-zomboid-server \ -p 16261:16261/both \ -e ADMIN_USER="admin" \ -e CONFIG_NAME="servertest" \ -e AUTO_UPDATE="0" \ -v /opt/gameserver:/opt/gameserver \ -w /opt/gameserver \ ghcr.io/ptero-eggs/steamcmd:debian \ ./start.sh
Alternative startup profiles:
- G1GC Optimized — Optimized G1 garbage collector for reduced lag spikes. Best for servers with 10+ players.
GameCP lets you switch between these profiles with one click.
Or skip all of this
GameCP automates every step above: Docker, SteamCMD, port forwarding, startup, and config. Install on your own PC and deploy a Project Zomboid server in under 5 minutes.
Deploy with GameCPMore Hosting Guides
Explore step-by-step setup guides for other popular games supported by GameCP.
Ready to Host Your Project Zomboid Server?
Install GameCP on your own computer and start hosting in minutes. Automatic port forwarding, zero config — your friends connect instantly.
No credit card required · Free tier available · Install local, scale later