Build 42 multiplayer is here

Build 42 multiplayer is live on the Unstable branch and patched almost every week — the latest build at the time of writing is Build 42.19 (June 2026). The full update is still officially unstable as The Indie Stone works toward the Stable release (and Build 43’s NPCs after it). Our one-click branch switcher gets you on it instantly.

What Build 42 adds: the biggest content update in PZ history — a huge crafting overhaul (pottery, blacksmithing, stone working, brewing and weapon crafting), animal husbandry with sheep, cows, pigs and chickens plus a hunting system, deeper farming with new crops and seasons, basements and taller buildings, a Knox County map expansion with three new towns, a new fishing minigame, and a fully rebuilt lighting engine.

How to access Build 42: it’s on the Unstable beta for all Steam players. Right-click Project Zomboid in Steam → Properties → Betas tab → select “Unstable” from the dropdown. On our panel you switch branches with one click.

Multiplayer notes: multiplayer is still WIP and released for stress testing. For the best experience play on whitelisted servers or in Steam co-op, and keep servers under about 20 players for now. Disable client-side mods during MP, and note that Build 41 saves are not compatible with Build 42 — always back up before updating. If you want a save-safe world, stay on Build 41 Stable; our panel switches branches with one click.

6 global datacenters

Choose the region closest to your group for the best ping:

How to set up a Project Zomboid server

The easy way (with XGamingServer — about 60 seconds):

1. Pick a plan size and the region closest to your group.
2. Check out (30% off your first month with code XGAMEON).
3. Your server is live in about a minute — switch to Build 42, add Workshop mods and invite friends from the panel.

The manual way (self-hosting on a Linux VPS) — prefer full control of the box? The short version of a from-scratch dedicated server install:

1. Install SteamCMD and the PZ Dedicated Server (App 380870):

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y steamcmd
steamcmd +force_install_dir ~/pzserver +login anonymous +app_update 380870 validate +quit

2. Open the required UDP ports:

sudo ufw allow 16261/udp
sudo ufw allow 16262/udp
sudo ufw reload

3. Launch and edit your config:

cd ~/pzserver
./start-server.sh        # creates servertest.ini + SandboxVars.lua
nano ~/Zomboid/Server/servertest.ini

You’ll also need to set an admin password on first launch, keep SteamCMD updated for every Build 42 patch, and handle your own backups, restarts and DDoS mitigation — the part our panel does for you.

About Project Zomboid

Project Zomboid is an open-world zombie survival sandbox developed by The Indie Stone. First released in early access in 2013, it has grown into one of the most detailed and unforgiving survival games on PC. Set in the fictional Knox Country region of Kentucky, it drops players into a world overrun by the undead and asks one question: how will you die? There is no rescue and no winning condition — only the challenge of delaying the inevitable through resourcefulness, planning and determination.

Isometric zombie survival: the isometric perspective gives a broad view while keeping a claustrophobic atmosphere. Zombies operate on realistic sight and sound — they’re drawn to noise, light and movement, so you manage line of sight, stay quiet at night, board up windows and avoid drawing attention. The world is persistent: power and water eventually fail, food spoils, seasons change and nature reclaims buildings.

Crafting and skills: among the deepest in the genre. Skills improve through practice — carpentry by building, cooking by preparing meals, combat by fighting. Build 42 deepens this with pottery, blacksmithing, stone working, brewing, animal husbandry and expanded farming, alongside an occupation and trait system that shapes the early game.

Why host your own server? A dedicated server runs independently of any player’s client, so it stays online around the clock. Communities build persistent worlds where groups interact, trade, ally or compete, and admins control sandbox settings, zombie population, loot respawn, PvP rules and mods. With Build 42 multiplayer in Unstable, a dedicated server is the best way to play cooperative zombie survival with your community.

Project Zomboid server hosting FAQ

How much does a Project Zomboid server cost?

Our hosting starts at $8.40 for the first month on the Starter plan (4GB RAM, renews $12/mo), up to the Ultimate plan (24GB RAM). Use code XGAMEON for 30% off your first month.

How much RAM do I need for a Project Zomboid server?

4–6GB is fine for a small private group; 8GB (our Rookie plan) is the sweet spot for most modded community servers, and 12–24GB suits large player counts or heavy mod lists. Build 42 and Steam Workshop mods increase RAM use, so size up if you run many mods.

Does your hosting support Build 42 multiplayer and Steam Workshop mods?

Yes. You can switch to the Build 42 Unstable branch with one click and install Steam Workshop mods directly from the control panel, along with editing servertest.ini and SandboxVars in the browser.

How fast is my server online?

Your Project Zomboid server is deployed automatically in about 60 seconds after checkout, with login details emailed immediately.