Players cannot join your Project Zomboid server

Go down this list in order. The first three checks fix most join problems. The Can’t connect? list on the Play with friends card gives the same hints: the server is starting, the build is different, the password is different or the mods are different.

1. Is the server online?

The badge must say Online. After a start, wait for *** SERVER STARTED **** in the Console. "The server is still starting. Wait for the ready line in the Console, then try again." See What happens the first time you start your Project Zomboid server.

2. Did they type the right IP and port?

Copy both from the Play with friends card, and use the main port, not the other ports: Project Zomboid server ports and address explained. A missing or mistyped port is the most common cause. Send a fresh invite message: How to invite friends to your Project Zomboid server.

3. Same game build?

"Everyone needs the same game version or branch as the server." The player picks the branch in Steam: the game's Properties, then Betas. See How to choose Build 41 or Build 42 for your Project Zomboid server and Players cannot join your Project Zomboid server after a game update.

4. Same mods?

"Everyone needs the same mods as the server, in the same order." The game downloads them at join. A mod that updated: Players get "Workshop item version is different than the server".

5. The right password?

"The password has to match exactly, capitals included." The join password is in Server Settings, not on the card: How to set a join password on your Project Zomboid server. Asked for one you never set? Players are asked for a password you never set on your Project Zomboid server.

6. Is the server closed to new accounts?

If Anyone can make an account is off, a new player cannot create an account by joining. Add them to the whitelist: How to run a whitelist-only Project Zomboid server.

7. Is the server full or are they banned?

The Active players card shows n / n when full. Raise the limit with Edit slots if your plan allows. A banned player is refused until you lift it: How to unban a player on your Project Zomboid server.

8. Joined, then kicked?

Players are kicked from your Project Zomboid server.

9. Which version of the game do they have?

PC players on Steam can join. We have not tested the GOG version: Which platforms can join your Project Zomboid server.

Still stuck

Click Ask support in Can’t connect? on the card. It opens a ticket with the details filled in. Say what the player typed, what they see on screen and who can join and who cannot. See How to join your server.