How to host a Project Zomboid server on Windows
This guide covers running your own Project Zomboid dedicated server on a Windows PC by hand: what you need, which ports to open, where the config lives, and how to keep it updated and modded. At the end there's the shortcut: doing the same thing in Rackd.
Requirements
- Windows 10/11 64-bit. Budget at least 4 GB of RAM for the server, plus more as player count and map exploration grow.
- SteamCMD (free from Valve). The dedicated server is Steam app
380870and downloads anonymously. - A wired connection and a router you can log in to for port forwarding.
Default ports
| What | Port | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Game port | 16261 | UDP |
| Direct connection port | 16262 | UDP |
| RCON (optional, keep closed to the internet) | 27015 | TCP |
Manual setup, step by step
1. Install with SteamCMD
Run steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\PZServer +login anonymous +app_update 380870 validate +quit.
2. First run
Start StartServer64.bat. On first launch it asks you to set an admin password. Edit the -Xmx value in the .bat (or ProjectZomboid64.json) to set server RAM.
3. Configure
Settings live in %UserProfile%\Zomboid\Server\: servertest.ini (name, password, public listing, PVP, max players, mods), servertest_SandboxVars.lua (zombie and world settings) and servertest_spawnregions.lua. The file name follows the -servername you start with.
4. Firewall and port forwarding
Forward UDP 16261 and 16262 to the host PC and allow Java through the firewall. Players connect from Join → Add server with your public IP and port 16261.
5. Updates
Stop the server and re-run the same SteamCMD command. Build 42 servers must match the client branch, so when a patch lands everyone has to update together.
6. Workshop mods
Add the Workshop IDs to WorkshopItems= and the mod IDs to Mods= in the .ini, separated by semicolons. The server downloads them on start, and players get them when they join.
Port forwarding tips
- Give the host PC a fixed local IP (a DHCP reservation in your router) before you create forwarding rules.
- If your router's WAN IP doesn't match what whatismyip shows, your ISP is using CGNAT and port forwarding won't work. Ask for a public IP or use a tunnel/VPN.
- Test from outside your network (a phone on mobile data), since many routers don't support loopback connections to your own public IP.
Or do it in a few clicks with Rackd
Rackd is a Windows 10/11 desktop app that does the steps above for you:
- One-click install: pick Project Zomboid, name the server, and Rackd downloads the files through SteamCMD and seeds the server .ini with your name, port and admin password.
- Rackd Connect: asks your router to forward the server's port over UPnP and shows you the address to share, so you don't have to dig through router menus. (If your router has UPnP off or you're behind CGNAT, you'll still need the manual steps.)
- Scheduled updates that never kick players: pick an update window. If anyone is online, Rackd waits and retries instead of shutting the server on them.
- Backups: zip the server folder in one click and restore it when something goes wrong.
- Live console and RCON so you can watch the log and send commands.
- Steam Workshop mods: paste a Workshop item ID and Rackd downloads it through SteamCMD.
Download Rackd for Windows 7-day free trial, no card required.
See all games Rackd supports or browse more server hosting guides.