Solving Player Connection Problems
If players are having trouble connecting to your Project Zomboid server, this guide will help you diagnose and fix the most common connection issues.
Diagnosing Connection Issues
First, identify what type of connection problem you're experiencing:
Common Connection Error Types
- Server Not Visible - Players can't see your server in the server browser
- Connection Timeout - Players can see the server but get a timeout when connecting
- Version Mismatch - Players get an error about mismatched game versions
- Mod Errors - Players get errors related to missing or mismatched mods
- Authentication Failure - Players can't authenticate with the server
Server Visibility Issues
If players can't see your server in the browser:
Check Server Publicity Settings
- Open your server-settings.ini file in the control panel
- Ensure PublicServer=true is set
- Verify that Open=true is also set
- Save changes and restart the server
Steam Query Port
- Verify that your SteamPort setting is correct (default: 16261)
- Ensure this port is open in your server's firewall
- Try using Direct IP connection if server browser doesn't work
Connection Timeout Issues
If players can see the server but get timeouts when connecting:
Port Forwarding
Rivix servers have all necessary ports pre-configured, but verify:
- Default game port: 16261 (UDP)
- RCON ports: 16262-16272 (TCP)
Server Overload
Server performance issues can cause connection timeouts:
- Check server resource usage in the control panel
- If RAM or CPU usage is consistently high, consider upgrading your server
- Try reducing zombie population or mod count temporarily
Firewall and Antivirus
Player-side firewalls can block connections:
- Ask players to add Project Zomboid to their firewall exceptions
- Some antivirus software may block game connections
- Temporarily disabling firewall/antivirus can test if this is the issue
Version Mismatch Issues
Version mismatches are common, especially after game updates:
Game Version
- Verify your server is running the correct Build 41 version
- In the control panel, check the "Version" tab
- Make sure players are running the same version
- If needed, update your server or instruct players to update their game
Beta Branches
Beta branches can cause version mismatches:
- Check if your server is on a beta branch
- Ensure players are on the same beta branch
- Instructions for players to change beta branch:
- Right-click Project Zomboid in Steam
- Select Properties
- Go to Betas tab
- Select the same branch as the server
Mod-Related Connection Issues
Mod mismatches are a frequent cause of connection problems:
Missing Mods
- Ensure players have all the same mods as the server
- Provide players with a complete list of required mods
- Consider creating a mod collection on Steam Workshop
Mod Version Mismatches
- Verify that players have the same versions of mods as the server
- Check for mod updates that might be causing incompatibilities
- Consider locking mod versions if updates cause issues
Authentication Issues
Problems with player authentication:
Password Issues
- Ensure players are entering the correct server password
- Passwords are case-sensitive
- Try setting a simpler password temporarily to test
Steam Authentication
- Verify that SteamVAC=true is set in server-settings.ini
- Players must have a valid Steam account
- Steam servers may be down - check Steam status
General Connection Troubleshooting
Server Restart
Sometimes a simple restart fixes connection issues:
- Save any important data
- Perform a clean restart from the control panel
- Wait for the server to fully initialize before attempting connections
Network Testing
Test if the server is reachable:
- Use online port checking tools to verify your server ports are open
- Try connecting from different networks
- Check if the issue affects all players or just specific ones
Need More Help?
If players are still unable to connect after trying these solutions, please contact our support team through the support ticket system or join our Discord server for assistance.