# Project Zomboid Server Hosting

> High-performance Project Zomboid dedicated servers with Build 42 multiplayer support, instant setup, dedicated AMD Ryzen 9 RAM and CPU, mod support, and 24/7 technical assistance.

Canonical URL: https://xgamingserver.com/project-zomboid-server-hosting

## Pricing

- Range: $7.00 – $42.00 USD/month
- Plans available: 6

## Server specs

- CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X
- Memory: DDR5 RAM
- Storage: NVMe SSD
- Network: 1 Gbps with DDoS protection
- Locations: US East, US West, Europe, Singapore, Australia
- Setup: Instant activation
- Support: 24/7

## Customer rating

- 4.8 / 5 stars
- 1250 ratings
- 1150 reviews

## FAQ

### What ports does a Project Zomboid dedicated server need?

Project Zomboid uses UDP port 16261 as the default server port, plus additional ports starting at 16262 for each connected player. For example, a 32-player server would need UDP ports 16261-16293 open. Steam authentication also requires standard Steam query ports. At XGamingServer, all required ports are pre-configured automatically when your server is deployed.

### How do I customize zombie behavior on my Project Zomboid server?

Zombie behavior is controlled through sandbox settings in the sandboxvars.lua file. You can adjust zombie population multipliers, respawn intervals, migration patterns, decomposition rates, and whether zombies are shamblers, fast shamblers, or sprinters. You can also configure zombie cognition, memory, sight, and hearing. These settings let you create anything from a quiet survival experience to an overwhelming apocalypse.

### What is Build 42 and how does it change Project Zomboid servers?

Build 42 is the largest content update in Project Zomboid history, developed by The Indie Stone. It overhauls the crafting system with hundreds of new recipes, adds animal husbandry with livestock and hunting, introduces new basements, and significantly improves the building system. For servers, Build 42 brings improved multiplayer netcode, meaning dedicated hosting is more important than ever for a stable experience.

### How much RAM does a Project Zomboid server need?

A Project Zomboid server needs 4GB RAM minimum for a small group of players. For 10-30 players, 6-8GB is recommended. Larger servers with 50-100+ players, heavy modding, or the full Knox County map including Louisville should use 12-16GB or more. RAM usage scales with the number of loaded map cells, active zombies, and installed mods.

### Can players automatically download mods when joining my PZ server?

Yes, Project Zomboid has full Steam Workshop integration for mod distribution. When you add mod IDs and workshop IDs to your server's servertest.ini configuration, connecting players automatically download and install the required mods through Steam. This eliminates manual mod management and ensures everyone runs the same version.

### What map areas are available on a Project Zomboid server?

Project Zomboid is set in Knox County, Kentucky, featuring the towns of Muldraugh, West Point, Riverside, Rosewood, March Ridge, and the massive Louisville city. Louisville alone is larger than all other towns combined. Servers can also add community-made map mods like Raven Creek, Eerie Country, and others through the Steam Workshop, expanding the playable area significantly.

### How does infection and the Knox virus work in multiplayer?

In Project Zomboid, the Knox virus makes zombie bites almost always fatal -- there is no cure. Scratches from zombies carry a 7% infection chance, and lacerations carry a 25% chance. Server admins can adjust or disable infection transmission via sandbox settings, which is popular on PvP or roleplay servers. The infection mechanic is central to the game's permadeath survival loop.

### What server configuration files does Project Zomboid use?

Project Zomboid uses two primary config files: servertest.ini handles server settings like server name, password, max players, mod IDs, Steam Workshop IDs, PvP toggle, and admin permissions. sandboxvars.lua controls all gameplay sandbox settings including zombie population, loot respawn rates, erosion speed, XP multipliers for the skills and occupation system, vehicle spawn rates, farming growth speed, and helicopter event timing.

## Related

- [All game servers](https://xgamingserver.com/game-servers.html)
- [Documentation index](https://xgamingserver.com/llms.txt)
- [Full docs](https://xgamingserver.com/llms-full.txt)