Why is my Project Zomboid server lagging

First look at the Usage card on the Overview page while players are lagging. If CPU or RAM is at the top of your plan, the server is short of resources: lower what costs the most, or move to a bigger plan. If both are low, the cause is more likely the players' own connection or their game build.

Step 1: read the Usage card

1. Open Overview, find Usage and click CPU, then RAM.
2. Look at the time when players lagged. A flat line at the top is the problem.

See How to read your server's usage graphs.

Step 2: ease what costs the most

Also useful: Pause when empty in the Players group of Server Settings stops game time while nobody is online.

Step 3: if the Usage card looks fine

• A single player lagging is usually their own connection. The Ping limit (ms) setting in Listing and joining kicks players whose ping is above the number you set. Leave it at 0 unless you want that: How to change the listing and joining settings of your Project Zomboid server.
• Everyone must be on the same build: How to choose Build 41 or Build 42 for your Project Zomboid server.
• Mods that fail to load or print many Lua errors slow the game. Read the Console for repeated errors: How to use the Console on your Project Zomboid server.

When to ask for help

Open a ticket with a screenshot of the Usage card and the last 50 to 100 lines of the Console: What to include in a ticket. More on memory: How much RAM does a Project Zomboid server need.