Creating a Steam server

Through the game (AKA EASY CO-OP)

Through the Steam Client

Windows

Linux

cd ~/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Project\ Zomboid\ Dedicated\ Server\/

bash start-server.sh

Starting the Server

Since version 34.23, it's easier than ever to start a server.If that works and it suits your needs, you can ignore the rest of this guide.Simply click the "HOST" button on the main menu. The rest should be self explanatory.Go here for more info and help:The most common mistake people make is still having the -nosteam parameter set for the launch options. That's obviously not going to work. Make sure you don't have this set and tell your friend to make it even surer.The rest of this guide is now considered legacy, because why would you go through the hassle, if it's as easy as clicking a button? If you have a valid reason, here's how:Client on your Library and then Tools.Scroll until you see "Project Zomboid Dedicated Server" and download/install it.Once downloaded, you start it.That's it. Now you connect to the server through the game (if you're hosting it on the same computer you play on, connect to it via its LAN IP, or alternatively 127.0.0.1 or "localhost" without the quotes)You will now go to the folder you've just downloaded the files to, in this example to C:\PZserver and run the startServer64.bat for a 64bit server or StartServer32.bat for the 32bit version:Note: While the exes may work, sometimes it'll result in a dedicated server that cannot be connected to locally.The default installation folder is in /home/YOURUSERNAME/.steam/steam/steamapps/common/Project Zomboid Dedicated ServerFrom here start the start-server.sh file.If you don't know how, navigate to the installation folder via terminal. The following example uses the default folder:Then simply start the start-server.sh by typingIf this is the first time you're creating the server, you will be asked for an admin password after the userdatabase was created. This automatically creates an account with the name "admin" and the password you're setting.If you read "*** SERVER STARTED ***" after setting up the password, the server is successfully launched.As stated in the cmd window, the ports 8766 and 16261 have to be port forwarded in order to allow people to successfully connect to it.In case the test of the TCP port fails on the LAN server, enter the LAN IP in the optional field as well as the public IP address in the intended field.A started steam server shows you the public IP address in the cmd window.