Project Zomboid
Project Zomboid Guides
Project Zomboid Guide

The Complete Project Zomboid Server Guide

This guide covers running a Project Zomboid server on 8Bit Hosting. It covers first connection, configuration, mods, admin, performance, backups and security. Everything is done from the 8Bit Hosting panel.

1. Get your server online

Start the server from the panel and wait for Running. Choose Join and enter IP + port 16261. Your IP and port (16261) are shown at the top of the server page.

2. Essential configuration

Open servertest.ini + sandbox settings in the File Manager. The settings you'll touch most are Public, PublicName, Password, MaxPlayers, sandbox rules. Edit, save, then Restart to apply. Always take a backup before large changes.

3. Adding mods

Add Workshop IDs and matching Mod IDs (WorkshopItems + Mods), both lists must line up. Stop the server, add your files via the File Manager or SFTP, then start up and watch the Console for load messages. Keep everything matched to your server version, mismatches are the #1 cause of join failures.

4. Players & admins

Set the admin password on first launch, then /setaccesslevel "User" admin. Only hand admin to people you trust, and use strong passwords for admin features.

5. Performance & optimisation

Lower zombie population and sim distance; add RAM for big mod lists. Watch the CPU/RAM graphs on your server page, if you're regularly near 100%, the simplest fix is moving up a plan. Schedule a daily restart to keep memory clean.

6. Backups & updates

Your important data lives in the Saves and Server folders. Use Premium Backups (off-site encrypted backups) before any big change. To update: Restart to update via SteamCMD; keep mods matched.

7. Security & privacy

Set a Password and Public=false. Combine a password/whitelist with a short admin list and regular backups for a safe, stable server.

8. Troubleshooting checklist

  • Mod mismatch, players need the same Workshop mods.
  • Out of memory, upsize RAM.
  • Can't connect, ports 16261 and 16262 both needed.

Need a hand?

Open a support ticket with the error from your Console and our team will help you get sorted.

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