Project Zomboid server guide: join, mods, settings and fixes
Updated 31 October 2026 · 3 minute read · Project Zomboid (PC) · By Exclsv Support
Everything you need to run your Project Zomboid server in HQ, in one page.
Join
- Choose Join, then add a server.
- Type the address and port from your server’s Join page, and the server password.
- Pick a username and password: the server creates your account then.
On a server with mods, subscribe to its Workshop collection first and let Steam finish downloading.
Mods
Paste a Workshop collection or item link on the Mods page. HQ writes the mod lists for you, in the right format for your build, and the server downloads them when it starts. Players get the mods automatically when they join.
Settings
Open Settings, then Game settings. Each setting has a plain label, one line of help and the game’s own default where HQ knows it. Most changes take effect at the next restart; HQ marks the ones that change straight away. Choose Build 42 or Build 41 under Loader and version; switching takes a backup first.
Backups and going back
HQ takes an hourly backup (Automatic backups) and keeps each for up to 48 hours, plus an off-site backup every 6 hours with 7 daily copies. To go back, open Backups, then Automatic backups, pick a time and choose Go back. Your world as it is now is kept, so you can undo it.
If it doesn’t work
A mod won’t load on Build 42
Some Workshop mods only support Build 41. Remove it, or switch the server to Build 41.
Players and server have different mod versions
A Workshop item updated. Restart the server to update it.
Project Zomboid couldn’t open the world
Go back to the last good copy in Automatic backups; it has the world and the player database together.
Run this on Exclsv: Project Zomboid server hosting, from £9.99 a month