Getting started with Project Zomboid

Connect#

Copy the address from the Connect card on the Overview page. In Project Zomboid, choose Join, then enter the address and the game port as a new server. Choose a username and password for your account on this server. Your game must be on the same build as the server.

Where the files are#

Your server keeps its data in the .cache folder on the Files page, rather than the usual Zomboid folder. Below, NAME is the Server Name setting in Settings > Startup, which is AtomicHost by default.

• .cache/Server/NAME.ini: server settings
• .cache/Server/NAME_SandboxVars.lua: sandbox rules
• .cache/Saves/Multiplayer/NAME: the world

Upload a save#

1. Stop the server and take a backup on the Backups page.
2. Replace the contents of .cache/Saves/Multiplayer/NAME with your save.
3. Start the server.

Deleting that folder resets the map.

Install mods#

Workshop mods need two entries in .cache/Server/NAME.ini, separated by semicolons:

• WorkshopItems= takes the Workshop number.
• Mods= takes the mod ID.

Both are shown on the mod's Workshop page. Map mods also go in Map=, with Muldraugh, KY last. Edit the file while the server is stopped, then start it.

Make yourself an admin#

Admin Username and Admin Password in Settings > Startup are your admin login. To make another account an admin, type this on the Console page:

setaccesslevel "PlayerName" admin

Where the settings are#

• Settings > Startup: server name, admin login, auto-update and game branch.
• NAME.ini and NAME_SandboxVars.lua: these are only read at start-up, so restart after changing them.
• Backups: take a copy before adding mods or changing sandbox rules.

Your server has two ports, the game port and a second one in SteamPort. Both are already open.