Host a Project Zomboid Server Without Port Forwarding

Hosting a Project Zomboid dedicated server usually means opening ports on your router, which can be a hassle or simply impossible on a shared network. This guide shows you how to run a server that your friends can join without any port forwarding, using a free VPN tool like ZeroTier or Radmin VPN. You’ll set up a virtual LAN, configure the server to use it, and share an invite link—no router access needed.

What You’ll Need

• A copy of Project Zomboid (the host needs it; friends need it too).
• A PC that can run the server while you play (8 GB RAM minimum recommended).
• A VPN tool that creates a virtual LAN—ZeroTier and Radmin VPN are free and popular choices.
• An invite link or network ID from that VPN tool to share with friends.

Step-by-Step

1. Install a virtual LAN tool. Download and install ZeroTier (for Windows, macOS, or Linux) or Radmin VPN (Windows only). These tools create a private network that acts like a LAN over the internet.
2. Create your virtual network.
   • ZeroTier: Create an account at my.zerotier.com, create a new network, and note the Network ID (a 16-character code).
   • Radmin VPN: Install the app, create a network, and set a name and password. Share the network name and password with friends.
3. Join the network on your host PC. Open the VPN app, join the network you created (for ZeroTier, enter the Network ID and click Join). Your PC will get a virtual IP address (like 10.x.x.x or 25.x.x.x).
4. Have your friends join the same network. Send them the Network ID (ZeroTier) or network name/password (Radmin). They install the same app and join. Make sure they also get a virtual IP.
5. Find your host PC’s virtual IP. In the VPN app, look for your own device and note its IP address. On Windows, you can also run ipconfig in Command Prompt and look for the adapter named after the VPN (e.g., “ZeroTier Oneâ€� or “Radmin VPNâ€�).
6. Start a Project Zomboid server. Launch Project Zomboid, go to Host → Start Server. Configure your server settings (name, password, max players) as usual. The server will start and listen on the default port 16261.
7. Find your server’s local IP. In the server console window (the black window that appears), you’ll see lines like “Server listening on port 16261â€�. You need your PC’s LAN IP (like 192.168.x.x) or the virtual IP from step 5. The virtual IP is what friends will use.
8. Share the connection info. Tell your friends to open Project Zomboid, go to Join → Enter IP, and type your virtual IP address (e.g., 10.147.18.5). They do NOT need to add a port—the default is 16261 and will be used automatically.
9. Test the connection. Have one friend try to join while your server is running. If they get a connection error, double-check that they are on the same VPN network and that your firewall allows Project Zomboid through.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong IP. Friends must use your virtual IP from the VPN, not your public IP or your regular LAN IP (like 192.168.1.5).
• Not joining the VPN network. Both host and friends must be on the same virtual network. If someone forgets to join, they’ll get a timeout.
• Firewall blocking the server. Windows Firewall may block the server. When you first start the server, a prompt may appear—click “Allow accessâ€�. If you missed it, go to Windows Firewall settings and allow Project Zomboid (both private and public).
• Server not fully started. The server takes a minute to load the world. If friends try to join too early, they’ll see “Connection refusedâ€�. Wait for the console to show “Server is upâ€� or similar.

Tips

• Use a dedicated server (optional). Instead of hosting from the main menu, you can run the dedicated server tool (in your Steam folder under Project Zomboid Dedicated Server). It’s more stable and lets you configure more settings, but the steps are the same—just point it to the same virtual IP.
• Keep the VPN app open. If the host closes the VPN app, the virtual IP disappears and friends get disconnected.
• Set a server password. Since anyone on your VPN network could join, set a password in the server settings to keep random people out.
• Check your VPN IP periodically. Some VPN tools assign a new IP each time you join. If friends can’t connect, re-check your IP and send the new one.
• For larger groups, consider a cloud server. If you have more than 4-5 players, hosting on your own PC may lag. A cloud VPS with a VPN installed can work, but that’s more advanced.

Troubleshooting

• Friends can’t see the server in the list. They must use the “Enter IPâ€� option, not the server browser. The server browser only shows LAN servers, and the VPN may not appear there automatically.
• Connection timeout. Check that everyone is on the same VPN network. In ZeroTier, the host must “authorizeâ€� new devices in the web dashboard—go to my.zerotier.com, click your network, and check the boxes next to each member to allow them.
• Firewall still blocking. If Windows Firewall prompts don’t appear, manually add an inbound rule for TCP/UDP port 16261. Go to Windows Defender Firewall → Advanced Settings → Inbound Rules → New Rule → Port, and allow both TCP and UDP on 16261.
• Server crashes on start. Make sure you have enough RAM. In the server settings, lower the “Max Playersâ€� and disable PvP if you don’t need it. Also, check that your game is updated to the same version as your friends.
• Friends get “Version mismatchâ€�. Ensure everyone has the same game version (including beta branches). If you’re using mods, make sure they’re installed on all clients and the server.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work with any VPN tool?

Yes, any tool that creates a virtual LAN (like ZeroTier, Radmin VPN, Hamachi, or Tailscale) will work. The key is that all players get a virtual IP on the same network.

Do my friends need to install the same VPN?

Yes, they need the same tool and must join the same network. You can’t mix different VPN tools.

Is this safe? Can strangers join?

It’s safe as long as you don’t share your network ID publicly. Set a server password to be extra secure. Only people you invite can join your virtual network.

Will this work if my internet is behind a strict NAT?

Yes, that’s the main advantage. The VPN tool establishes a direct or relayed connection without needing to open ports on your router.

Can I host a dedicated server this way?

Absolutely. Download “Project Zomboid Dedicated Server� from Steam Tools, run it, and follow the same steps—just make sure the server uses the same virtual IP.

What if my friends can join but get high ping?

Ping depends on your internet speeds and distance. Using a VPN relay may add a bit of latency. For best performance, host the server on the PC with the fastest upload speed.

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