Corallium Studios
SteamFree template

Project Zomboid Dedicated Server

This free NautilusControl template sets up a Project Zomboid dedicated server on ports 16261, 16262 with 4 GB of RAM recommended. This page covers the ports to open, hardware requirements, the Docker image and step-by-step setup.

Deploy with NautilusControl
  • Version v1.0.0
  • Updated
  • 0 downloads
  • By Corallium Studios

Project Zomboid at a glance

Category
Steam (Steam dedicated server)
Docker image
steamcmd/steamcmd:latest
Default version
latest
Ports
16261/UDP, 16262/UDP
RAM
4 GB
CPU
2 cores
Disk
10 GB
Console
Interactive console (stdin)
Steam game
Yes
Steam app ID
380870
Template version
v1.0.0

Project Zomboid server ports

A Project Zomboid dedicated server built from this template listens on these 2 ports. Open them in your firewall so players and clients can connect.

PortProtocolUsed for
16261UDPGame
16262UDPDirect
Ubuntu firewall (ufw)
sudo ufw allow 16261/udp
sudo ufw allow 16262/udp

Project Zomboid server requirements

4 GBRAM
2 coresCPU
10 GBDisk

These are the template's recommended starting values. Increase it for more players, mods or plugins.

Run Project Zomboid in Docker

The template uses the steamcmd/steamcmd:latest image, default version latest. NautilusControl pulls it automatically; to fetch it yourself:

Pull the image
docker pull steamcmd/steamcmd:latest
Start command
./start-server.sh -servername pzserver -port {port}

The game files are installed with SteamCMD (app ID 380870). NautilusControl runs it for you on first start.

Files and folders

  • /data/server — Server
  • /data/save — Save

How to set up a Project Zomboid dedicated server with NautilusControl

  1. Install NautilusControl

    Install the NautilusControl panel and agent on the machine that will run the server. The installation guide covers it, and the 14-day free trial includes 1 node and 5 servers.

  2. Import the Project Zomboid template

    Download this template (a single JSON file) with the button above, then open Templates in NautilusControl and choose Import JSON.

  3. Create the server

    Create a new container and pick Project Zomboid. NautilusControl pulls steamcmd/steamcmd:latest and creates the folders for you.

  4. Open the ports

    Allow ports 16261, 16262 through your firewall, and forward them on your router if people connect from outside your network.

  5. Start it

    Press Start and follow the startup log in the panel, then use the interactive console (stdin) for commands.

Project Zomboid FAQ

What ports does a Project Zomboid server use?

This template uses ports 16261 (Game), 16262 (Direct). Open them in your firewall and forward them on your router if players connect from outside your network.

How much RAM does a Project Zomboid server need?

The template recommends 4 GB of RAM, 2 cores, 10 GB of disk space. Increase it for more players, mods or plugins.

Can I run Project Zomboid in Docker?

Yes. The template uses the Docker image steamcmd/steamcmd:latest. NautilusControl pulls it and creates the container for you.

Is the Project Zomboid template free?

Yes. Every template in the Corallium Studios library is free to download. You need NautilusControl to deploy it; there is a 14-day free trial.