Set a Password for Your Project Zomboid Server

Overview

A Project Zomboid server password is a simple way to control who can join your world. It is useful for private groups, planned maintenance, testing settings, or keeping random survivors out while everyone gets organized. The game already supports this through the server configuration, so no extra mod or ritual involving canned beans is required.

Add a Server Password

1. Open the HolyHosting server panel and stop your Project Zomboid server.
2. Go to Config Files from the left-side menu.
3. Open the World Config file.

1. Find the `Password=` setting.
2. Type the password you want players to use after the equals sign.

1. Save the file, then restart the server so the change loads.

Passwords are case-sensitive, so choose something players can enter exactly. Avoid extra spaces before or after the password, since those can make a correct-looking password fail.

Join Through Steam

1. In Steam, open View > Servers from the top menu.
2. Select your saved Project Zomboid server.
3. Connect to the server.
4. When prompted, enter the server password.

After the password is accepted, Steam will continue the connection process.

Join In-Game

You can also connect from inside Project Zomboid using the server browser or saved server entry. When the password prompt appears, enter the same password configured in the world config file.

Common Problems

Wrong server password given: This usually means the password was typed incorrectly or the saved value is not the password you intended to use. Return to the world config, check the `Password=` line, save the file, and restart the server before trying again.

Players can join without a password: The server may not have loaded the password setting. Confirm the password is entered on the correct `Password=` line, not in another section of the config. Save the file, restart the server, then test the connection again.