How to run a Project Zomboid server with Workshop mods

Setup and configuration

Server options sit in the server settings file, and gameplay rules sit in the sandbox settings. Sandbox options cover zombie population, speed, strength, and how they spread, plus loot rarity, power and water shutoff, and how fast the world ages.

Pick the game branch first, because a server and its players must run the same build. Workshop mods also need to support that build.

1. 01Choose the game build every player will use.
2. 02Set the server name, password, and player limit.
3. 03Tune zombie, loot, and world sandbox options.
4. 04Decide on PvP, safehouses, and faction rules.
5. 05Schedule restarts and save backups.

Mods and plugins

Project Zomboid mods come from the Steam Workshop. A server needs both the Workshop item IDs and the mod IDs listed in its settings, and players download the same mods automatically when they join.

Map mods and large overhauls can change load times and memory use. We add mods in small groups and test that the server starts and players can join before adding more.

Discord connection

A Discord bot can post server status and restart warnings, and some communities bridge in-game chat to a channel. A rules and mod list channel helps new players join without errors.

Support after launch

When a Workshop mod updates, players can be blocked from joining until the server restarts and downloads the same version. Scheduled restarts with a warning handle this without long outages.