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 in the panel.

2. Click Start.

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

4. There is no admin password prompt: the server creates the admin account from the Admin Username and Admin Password fields on the Startup tab (the password is generated when the server is created). 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:

• .cache/Saves/Multiplayer/<servername>/ (the entire server save folder), where <servername> is the Server Name field on the Startup tab (Pterodactyl unless you changed it)

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

• Project Zomboid Admin Setup

• Installing Workshop Mods on Project Zomboid

• Project Zomboid item IDs (Build 42) — the exact /additem syntax and IDs once you are an admin

• Project Zomboid multiplayer — hosting options compared, and the branch mismatch behind most failed joins

• Do zombies respawn in Project Zomboid? — the RespawnHours setting, and why Build 42's Apocalypse preset turns respawn off

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