How to Join a Project Zomboid Server
Connecting to a dedicated server in Project Zomboid is done through the Join menu. Whether you are connecting via the Steam Server Browser or a Direct IP, this guide covers the process and common pitfalls.
Step 1: Open the Join Menu
From the main menu of Project Zomboid, click JOIN. This will open the server browser.
Step 2: Add to Favorites (Recommended)
The "Internet" tab can be slow and unreliable. It is much better to add your server to the Favorites tab manually.
- Navigate to the Favorites tab at the top.
- In the fields on the right side, enter your server details:
- Account Username: This is a unique name for YOUR character on that server. It can be anything.
- Account Password: Set a password for your account. You will need this every time you return to the server.
- IP: The IP address provided by your host.
- Port: Usually
16261. - Server Password: If the server has a global password, enter it here.
- Click ADD. Your server will now appear in the list.
- Select the server and click JOIN SERVER at the bottom.
Important: Local IP vs IP
You will see a column for Local IP. This should almost always be left BLANK. Only use Local IP if you are on the same physical Wi-Fi/Network as the computer hosting the server.
Common Connection Troubleshooting
| Error Message | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| "Server is not responding" | The IP or Port is incorrect, or the server is still starting up. Wait 2 minutes and try again. |
| "Steam P2P Connection Failed" | Usually a networking glitch. Restart your Steam client and try again. Ensure your firewall isn't blocking the game. |
| "Workshop Item Version Mismatch" | The server has a different version of a mod than you. Unsubscribe from the mod on Steam and let the game re-download it. |
| "Invalid Username or Password" | You likely entered the wrong Account Password. If you forgot it, the Server Admin must delete your player file on the server. |
Joining via Steam Invite
If you are playing with friends, they can right-click your name in the Steam Friends List and select Invite to Lobby. This bypasses the manual IP entry but requires the server to be running in Steam-enabled mode.