Connecting to a Project Zomboid Multiplayer Server

Overview

Project Zomboid is a harsh zombie survival game where every small mistake can become tomorrow's bite mark. You can play solo, but multiplayer adds a different kind of pressure: shared supplies, group base building, rescue runs, and the occasional human survivor who is somehow worse than the undead.

Before joining a server, you need its IP address and port. Once those are copied correctly, you can connect through Steam's server browser or directly inside Project Zomboid.

Find the Server Address

1. Open your HolyHosting server panel and log in.
2. Locate the section showing the server IP address and port.

1. Copy the full connection address. It should usually look like an IP followed by a colon and a port, such as `123.45.67.89:16261`.

Keep this handy. Steam uses the full `IP:Port`, while the in-game menu asks for the IP and port in separate fields.

Join Through Steam

1. Open Steam.
2. Select View from the top menu, then choose Servers.
3. Click Add a Server in the lower-right corner.

1. Paste the full server address, including the port.
2. Select Add this Address to Favorites.

1. Click Refresh so Steam checks the server list.
2. Select your Project Zomboid server, then press Connect.

When Project Zomboid opens, enter the username and password you want to use for that server, then connect. These login details are for your survivor profile on that server, so do not treat them like decoration.

Join From Inside Project Zomboid

1. Launch Project Zomboid.
2. From the main menu, select Join.
3. Make sure the Favorites tab is selected at the top.

1. On the right side, enter a name for the server. This can be anything recognizable.
2. In the IP field, enter only the IP address. Do not include the colon or port number.

1. In the Port field, enter the five-digit port from the end of the server address.
2. If the server requires a password, enter it in the server password field.
3. Choose your username and password for joining.

1. Click Add, then use Refresh to update your favorites.
2. Select the saved server and click Join Server.

Common Connection Problems

The server is missing from Steam's server browser

This usually means the server is offline, still starting, or the address was entered incorrectly. Confirm the full IP and port match the details in your server panel. If they look correct, restart the server and wait a few minutes before refreshing the Steam server list again.

The server failed to respond

This often happens when the in-game join menu cannot reach the server. Check the fields carefully. The IP field should not include `:16261` or any other port, and the port field should contain only the port number. After correcting the details, refresh the Favorites list and try again.

Clicking Join Server does nothing

Project Zomboid can occasionally refuse to cooperate with the button. If the saved server is highlighted but the button is not working, double-click the server entry in the Favorites list instead. This starts the connection without relying on the button.