How to Connect to Your Project Zomboid Server

Once your Project Zomboid server is up and running, the next step is getting yourself and your friends connected to it. This guide walks you through finding your server's connection details in the RiverHosting panel and joining the game from the Project Zomboid client.

Before you start

• Your Project Zomboid server must be installed and running. You can check this on your server page in the RiverHosting panel.
• Everyone who wants to join will need a legitimate copy of Project Zomboid on Steam.
• If your server has a password set, make sure you share it with anyone who needs to connect.
• Make sure your server status shows as online before trying to connect. A server that is still starting up will not appear in the game's server browser.

1. Find your server's connection details

Before you can connect, you need your server's IP address and port number. You can find these on the Network page in the RiverHosting panel.

1. Log in to the RiverHosting panel.
2. Click on your Project Zomboid server from the server list.
3. In the left-hand menu, click Network.
4. Note down the IP address and the game port shown on this page. You will need both to connect.

2. Connect using Direct Connect in Project Zomboid

The easiest and most reliable way to join your server is to use the Direct Connect option inside Project Zomboid. This bypasses the server browser entirely and connects you straight to your server using its IP and port.

1. Open Project Zomboid on your computer.
2. From the main menu, click Join.
3. Click the Direct Connect tab at the top of the screen.
4. In the IP field, enter your server's IP address from the Network page.
5. In the Port field, enter your server's game port from the Network page.
6. If your server has a password, enter it in the Password field.
7. Enter a username and password for your in-game account. This is not your RiverHosting password. It is a separate account stored on your server that you create the first time you join.
8. Click Connect.

3. Find your server in the server browser (optional)

If you prefer browsing for your server rather than using Direct Connect, you can also search for it in the in-game server list. This method can sometimes take longer because the list has to refresh and load all public servers.

1. From the main menu, click Join.
2. Stay on the Internet tab.
3. Use the search box to type your server's name.
4. Click your server in the results list, then click Join Server.
5. Enter your in-game username and password when prompted, then click Connect.

4. Share the server details with friends

To invite friends to your server, simply share the IP address and port from the Network page with them, along with the server password if you have set one. They can follow the same Direct Connect steps above to join.

Troubleshooting

• Connection timed out: Check that your server is actually running in the RiverHosting panel. If it is stopped or crashed, start it again from your server page.
• Wrong password: Double-check the server password in your World Settings page in the panel. You can update or remove the password from there if needed.
• Server not showing in browser: Try using Direct Connect with the IP and port from the Network page instead. The server browser can be slow to update.
• Version mismatch: Make sure everyone connecting is running the same version of Project Zomboid. If the server was recently updated, players may need to update their game client on Steam as well.
• Cannot log in with my username: If you have forgotten your in-game account password, an admin can reset it using server commands via the Console in the panel.

Need help?

If you are still having trouble connecting to your Project Zomboid server after following these steps, the RiverHosting support team is happy to help.