Project Zomboid becomes a completely different experience once you start adding mods. From new maps and vehicles to overhauled survival systems, a modded Project Zomboid server lets you and your friends tailor the apocalypse exactly how you like it.

Below is a clear, beginner-friendly guide that covers what a modded server is, how to self-host, a practical step-by-step setup flow, and why using a modded Project Zomboid host can save you a lot of time and frustration.

What Is A Modded Project Zomboid Server?

A modded Project Zomboid server is a multiplayer server that loads additional content from the Steam Workshop or custom files. These are defined by Workshop IDs and Mod IDs that you add to your server’s configuration.

Popular mod types include:

  • Content mods – extra items, skills, traits, professions, recipes
  • Map mods – new towns or completely custom regions
  • Vehicle mods – new vehicles, vehicle overhauls, skins
  • Quality-of-life mods – UI improvements, loot sorting, XP tweaks
  • Overhaul mods – big changes to difficulty, zombies, or core mechanics

Important things to know:

  • Players must have the same mods. When someone connects, their client will download the Workshop items your server uses. If IDs don’t match, they’ll get errors or disconnects.
  • Correct IDs are crucial. You configure both Workshop IDs (the Steam item) and Mod IDs (the internal name used by the game).
  • Load order can matter. Maps and frameworks often need to load before other mods to avoid conflicts.

Once you understand that “modded server” basically means “server with the right IDs in the right places,” everything else becomes a configuration and management task.

How To Self-Host Modded Project Zomboid Server

Self-hosting means you run the dedicated server on your own PC or a machine you control (home PC, spare server, VPS).

Requirements

  • Decent CPU & RAM – multiple players and mods can be demanding.
  • Stable internet – enough upload bandwidth and low latency for your group.
  • Port forwarding – you must open the required ports on your router and firewall.
  • Windows or Linux – both work; many beginners start with Windows via Steam.

Common ports (defaults):

  • Game port: 16261
  • Additional ports for player connections (typically a range starting around 8766, 8767, etc.)

You’ll need to forward these ports from your router to the internal IP of the machine running the server and allow them through any OS firewall.

Steps to self-host

  1. Install the dedicated server

In Steam, go to Library → Tools and install Project Zomboid Dedicated Server, or use SteamCMD on Linux.

  1. Run it once to generate configs
    Start the server so it can:
  • Ask for an admin password
  • Create default configs (like servertest.ini)
  • Create the Zomboid/Server folder in your user directory

After it finishes generating and you see it settle, stop the server.

  1. Collect your mods

Browse the Project Zomboid Steam Workshop. From each mod’s page, note:

  • Workshop ID (numeric, e.g., 123456789)
  • Mod ID (listed in the description)
  1. Edit your config for mods
    Find your main config file (commonly servertest.ini in Zomboid/Server/). Look for these lines:
    WorkshopItems=
    Mods=

Example:
WorkshopItems=123456789;987654321
Mods=MyCoolMod;AnotherMod

How To Make A Modded Project Zomboid Server Step-by-Step (With A Hosting Provider)

Now let’s look at how to do this using a modded Project Zomboid host, which gives you a custom panel to manage mods with just a few clicks.

Video Tutorial

Steps

1. Log in to your game panel

Go to your game panel and log in to your account to manage your Project Zomboid server. This is your control hub for server settings, mods, backups, and restarts.

2. Get your Workshop IDs and Mod IDs

From the Steam Workshop pages of the mods you want, scroll down to find the Workshop ID and Mod ID. Both are usually shown at the bottom of the page.

Keep these IDs somewhere so you can copy/paste them easily.

3. Install Workshop Items Via The Workshop Tab

  1. Go to the Workshop tab and paste a Workshop ID into the search/input field.
  2. Click Install.

The panel will handle downloading that Workshop item onto your server. Repeat for each Workshop ID you want to use.

4. Enable Mods Via The Mods Tab

  1. Go to the Mods tab and paste the Mod ID corresponding to each installed Workshop item into the field.
  2. Click Save.

5. Restart the server

Use the panel to restart your PZ server, so it can load the new mods.

Adding mods whilst using a Project Zomboid hosting provider basically boils down to logging into the panel, installing the Workshop items and linking the Mod IDs. Then simply restart your server, and you are done.

No manual file hunting or editing, no port forwarding, and no dealing with your internet stability.

Tips For Maintaining A Stable Modded Server

Regardless of whether you self-host or use a hosting provider, these tips will help keep your modded Project Zomboid server stable:

1. Back up regularly

  • Keep backups of:
    • World saves (multiplayer save folders)
    • Configuration files or panel-exported configs

If a mod update corrupts the world, you can roll back quickly.

2. Add New Mods Gradually

  • Don’t add 20 heavy mods at once. Introduce a few at a time.
  • After adding new mods:
    • Restart the server
    • Join and play for a bit
    • Watch logs for red error spam

This makes it much easier to figure out which mod is causing problems.

3. Watch For Updates And Compatibility

  • Major Project Zomboid updates can break outdated mods.
  • Keep an eye on Workshop pages for compatibility notes and update logs.
  • If your server suddenly starts crashing after an update, temporarily disable recently updated mods and test again.

4. Monitor Performance

  • Symptoms like rubberbanding or delayed actions often indicate server performance issues, not just bad ping.
  • Too many script-heavy mods, large custom maps, or big player counts can push CPU and RAM usage high.
  • Adjust player slots, remove problematic mods, or upgrade to a stronger hosting plan if needed.

Use this mod load order to minimise conflicts:

  1. Map mods
  2. Tile packs
  3. Framework and character adjustment mods
  4. Vehicle mods
  5. Everything else

Whether you’re editing the config manually or using the panel, keeping your mods in this order helps keep the server from breaking when new content loads in.

Why Host Your Modded Project Zomboid Server With Pine Hosting

Hosting with Pine Hosting removes most of the boring, technical work from running a modded Project Zomboid server. You don’t have to install the server files manually, dig around for servertest.ini, or fight with port forwarding and firewall rules on your home router. The server is already online on proper hardware, with networking handled for you.

Instead of acting as a full-time sysadmin, you use a simple web panel: paste your Workshop IDs and Mod IDs, tweak a few settings, hit start, and play. Mods are downloaded automatically, the server stays up 24/7, and you’re not relying on your personal PC or home internet. When something goes wrong or a mod misbehaves, you also have a support team and backup options available, so you can focus on building your world and community rather than constantly troubleshooting the backend.

Looking to start your modded zombie world? Check out our Project Zomboid hosting plans.