---
title: "Getting started with your Project Zomboid server"
description: "Navigate first boot until the server starts, execute safe map wipes, adjust BackupsOnStart, and troubleshoot client connections."
url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/project-zomboid/getting-started-with-your-server/"
category: "Project Zomboid"
category_url: "https://www.gameserverkings.com/knowledge-base/project-zomboid/"
published: "2026-07-02T03:49:53.018Z"
updated: "2026-08-07T20:33:23.667Z"
source_format: "markdown"
site: "GameServerKings"
---

# Getting started with your Project Zomboid server

Project Zomboid is a survival sandbox set in a zombie apocalypse. Dedicated server support is mature, with an active modding scene through the Steam Workshop.

## First Boot

1. Open your [hosted Project Zomboid server](/games/project-zomboid/) in the panel.

2. Click **Start**.

3. First boot downloads the server (about 4 GB), which takes 8 to 12 minutes.

4. The console will prompt for an admin password on first boot. Type a strong password and press Enter. Then the world initializes.

5. When you see `*** SERVER STARTED ****`, the server is ready.

To connect: in PZ, **Join Server** > **Add Server** > enter IP, port (default 16261), and your account name.

## Wipe / Reset

To wipe the world, stop the server and delete:

- `Zomboid/Saves/Multiplayer/<servername>/` (the entire server save folder)

On next boot, a fresh world generates.

For a "soft wipe" (keep the world, reset players), delete only the player files inside the server save folder.

## Backups

The server's `BackupsOnStart`, `BackupsOnVersionChange`, and `BackupsCount` settings create in-engine backups. Combined with the panel's **Backups** tab, you have two layers of safety.

> [!TIP]
> Daily panel snapshots are recommended.

## Common Issues

- **Server stuck loading**: Mods are incompatible or the save is corrupted. Try without mods to isolate.
- **"Connection lost"**: Check `PingLimit`. Lower it if you have local players who get false-positive disconnects.
- **Mods not downloading**: Confirm both WorkshopItems and Mods fields are filled in correctly. Restart twice if a download fails the first time.
- **High CPU**: Reduce `Zombies` setting (Normal or Low), or upgrade the slot. Louisville zone is brutally CPU-heavy.

## What to Read Next

- [Project Zomboid Configuration](/knowledge-base/project-zomboid/configuration-overview/)
- [Project Zomboid Admin Setup](/knowledge-base/project-zomboid/how-to-add-admins-and-common-commands/)
- [Installing Workshop Mods on Project Zomboid](/knowledge-base/project-zomboid/how-to-install-mods/)

---

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