[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":223},["ShallowReactive",2],{"header-games":3,"article-project-zomboid-port-forwarding-guide-en":51,"help-game-articles-project-zomboid-en":80,"game-info-article-project-zomboid":207,"i-heroicons:chevron-right-20-solid":211,"i-heroicons:user-circle-20-solid":215,"i-heroicons:clock-20-solid":217,"i-heroicons:pencil-square-20-solid":219,"i-heroicons:calendar-days-20-solid":221},{"total":4,"featured":5},23,[6,13,19,24,29,35,40,45],{"slug":7,"name":8,"icon":9,"hasIcon":10,"basePrice":11,"link":12},"minecraft","Minecraft","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Ficons\u002Fminecraft.png",true,1,"\u002Fminecraft-server-hosting",{"slug":14,"name":15,"icon":16,"hasIcon":10,"basePrice":17,"link":18},"hytale","Hytale","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Ficons\u002Fhytale.png",6,"\u002Fhytale-server-hosting",{"slug":20,"name":21,"icon":22,"hasIcon":10,"basePrice":17,"link":23},"palworld","Palworld","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Ficons\u002Fpalworld.png","\u002Fpalworld-server-hosting",{"slug":25,"name":26,"icon":27,"hasIcon":10,"basePrice":17,"link":28},"rust","Rust","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Ficons\u002Frust.png","\u002Frust-server-hosting",{"slug":30,"name":31,"icon":32,"hasIcon":10,"basePrice":33,"link":34},"valheim","Valheim","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Ficons\u002Fvalheim.png",5,"\u002Fvalheim-server-hosting",{"slug":36,"name":37,"icon":38,"hasIcon":10,"basePrice":17,"link":39},"satisfactory","Satisfactory","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Ficons\u002Fsatisfactory.png","\u002Fsatisfactory-server-hosting",{"slug":41,"name":42,"icon":43,"hasIcon":10,"basePrice":17,"link":44},"enshrouded","Enshrouded","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Ficons\u002Fenshrouded.png","\u002Fenshrouded-server-hosting",{"slug":46,"name":47,"icon":48,"hasIcon":10,"basePrice":49,"link":50},"terraria","Terraria","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Ficons\u002Fterraria.png",4,"\u002Fterraria-server-hosting",{"id":52,"game_slug":53,"category":54,"title":55,"description":56,"content":57,"keywords":58,"author_name":65,"author_role":66,"is_featured":67,"is_published":10,"published_at":68,"created_at":69,"updated_at":70,"slug":71,"allSlugs":72,"author":77,"date":68,"lastUpdated":68,"game":78},"26b1c2cf-1ca0-44b3-ac5d-4a0ee1441968","project-zomboid","Troubleshooting","Project Zomboid Port Forwarding Guide (Port 16261)","Forward port 16261\u002FUDP for Project Zomboid in 5 steps. Router-by-router instructions, Windows Firewall, CGNAT fixes, and verification.","## Project Zomboid Port Forwarding Guide\n\nIf players can't connect to your Project Zomboid server, port forwarding is almost always the cause. This guide covers the exact ports needed, how to forward them on common routers, and how to verify the forward worked.\n\n> **Hosted on DoomHosting?** You don't need to port-forward anything. Our servers expose ports automatically. This guide is for self-hosted setups (your own PC or a home server).\n\n## The exact ports you need\n\nProject Zomboid (Build 41 and 42) requires **only one port** for client connections:\n\n| Port | Protocol | Purpose |\n|---|---|---|\n| **16261** | UDP | Game traffic (required) |\n\nOlder guides mention port `16262` and a port range up to `16272`. Since Build 41.65, only `16261\u002FUDP` is needed for player connections — additional ports were retired with the new networking layer.\n\nIf you also want Steam server browser visibility, also forward:\n\n| Port | Protocol | Purpose |\n|---|---|---|\n| **16261** | TCP | Steam server browser |\n| **8766** | UDP | Steam query (optional) |\n\n## Step 1 — Find your local IP\n\nOn the machine running the server:\n\n**Windows:** Open Command Prompt → `ipconfig` → look for `IPv4 Address` (e.g. `192.168.1.50`)\n\n**Linux:** `ip addr | grep inet` → use the `192.168.x.x` address\n\nWrite this down. The forward needs to point here.\n\n## Step 2 — Open your router admin panel\n\nIn a browser, navigate to your router's admin interface. Common addresses:\n\n- `192.168.1.1`\n- `192.168.0.1`\n- `10.0.0.1`\n\nLog in (default credentials are usually printed on the router itself).\n\n## Step 3 — Add the port forward rule\n\nThe exact menu varies by router brand:\n\n| Brand | Menu path |\n|---|---|\n| TP-Link | Advanced → NAT Forwarding → Virtual Servers |\n| Netgear | Dynamic DNS \u002F Port Forwarding |\n| ASUS | WAN → Virtual Server \u002F Port Forwarding |\n| Linksys | Security → Apps and Gaming → Single Port Forwarding |\n| Fritz!Box | Internet → Permit Access → Port Sharing |\n\nAdd a new rule with:\n\n```\nService Name: Project Zomboid\nExternal Port: 16261\nInternal Port: 16261\nInternal IP: \u003Cyour local IP from Step 1>\nProtocol: UDP\n```\n\nSave and apply. Some routers require a reboot.\n\n## Step 4 — Allow through Windows Firewall\n\nIf the server runs on Windows:\n\n1. Search \"Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security\"\n2. Click **Inbound Rules** → **New Rule** → **Port**\n3. Select **UDP**, specific port `16261`\n4. Allow the connection, all profiles\n5. Name it `Project Zomboid Server`\n\nRepeat with TCP if you forwarded that too.\n\n## Step 5 — Verify the forward worked\n\nUse an online port checker:\n\n- Go to `canyouseeme.org` or `portchecker.co`\n- Enter port `16261` and protocol `UDP` (note: most checkers only test TCP — for UDP try `portcheckers.com`)\n- Start your PZ server first\n- Click check\n\nIf it shows \"open\" — done. If it shows \"closed\" but the server is running, the forward didn't apply or your ISP blocks it (some CGNAT setups do).\n\n## CGNAT — when port forwarding can't work\n\nSome ISPs (especially mobile\u002F4G\u002F5G internet) put you behind CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT). You don't get a real public IP, so port forwarding is impossible. Symptoms:\n\n- Your \"public IP\" from `whatismyip.com` doesn't match the WAN IP shown in your router\n- Port checker says closed even with everything configured correctly\n\n**Fix:** Either ask your ISP for a public IP (usually a paid extra), use a VPN with port-forwarding support (Mullvad, AirVPN), or rent a dedicated hosting tier instead. Self-hosting is genuinely impossible on CGNAT without one of these workarounds.\n\n## Tell players how to connect\n\nOnce forwarded, players connect using:\n\n- **IP:** Your public IP (from `whatismyip.com`)\n- **Port:** `16261`\n- **Server name:** Whatever they want — local label only\n\nIn the Join Server screen, the IP and port go in the obvious fields.\n\n## Common errors\n\n**\"Connection failed\" \u002F timeout** — port not actually forwarded, or wrong protocol (must be UDP, not TCP).\n\n**Players in your house can't join via public IP** — NAT loopback isn't enabled on your router. They should use the local IP `192.168.x.x:16261` instead.\n\n**Server visible to you but not others** — Windows Firewall is blocking UDP 16261. Re-check the inbound rule.\n\n**Public IP keeps changing** — your ISP gives you a dynamic IP. Use a Dynamic DNS service (DuckDNS, No-IP) so players use a hostname instead.\n\n## FAQ\n\n**Do I need to forward port 16262 like older guides say?**\nNo. Build 41.65+ retired the per-player port range. Only `16261\u002FUDP` matters now.\n\n**Can I change the default port?**\nYes — edit `DefaultPort` in `servertest.ini`. Then forward whatever port you set.\n\n**Why is my server slow with players from far away?**\nSelf-hosting from home means upload bandwidth and routing matter. Most home connections have 10–40 Mbps upload — fine for 4–8 players, painful for 16+. A dedicated hosting tier sits on a 1 Gbps line in a datacenter near your players.\n\n**Do I need a static IP?**\nNo, but a Dynamic DNS hostname is much friendlier than telling players a new IP every week.",[59,60,61,62,63,64],"project zomboid port forwarding","pz port 16261","project zomboid cant connect","port forwarding project zomboid server","pz dedicated server ports","project zomboid open ports","Andreas","Technical Writer",false,"2026-05-07T14:05:18.346+00:00","2026-05-07T14:05:17.946466+00:00","2026-05-07T14:39:45.412795+00:00","project-zomboid-port-forwarding-guide",{"da":73,"de":74,"en":71,"pl":75,"sv":76},"project-zomboid-port-forwarding-guide-da","project-zomboid-port-forwarding-anleitung","project-zomboid-przewodnik-port-forwarding","project-zomboid-port-forwarding-guide-sv",{"name":65,"role":66},{"slug":53,"name":79},"Project Zomboid",[81,96,110,123,137,151,164,177,190,203],{"id":82,"slug":83,"game_slug":53,"title":84,"description":85,"category":86,"is_featured":10,"published_at":87,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":89,"author":94,"date":87,"lastUpdated":87,"game":95},"471ba89c-f3e2-4312-a5c2-41fe4efa8cc9","project-zomboid-server-ram-requirements","Project Zomboid Server RAM Requirements (Build 41 vs Build 42)","Real RAM benchmarks for Project Zomboid B41 and B42 servers. Tables by player count and modlist, signs of OOM, and tuning advice.","Configuration","2026-05-07T14:30:17.366+00:00",null,{"da":90,"de":91,"en":83,"pl":92,"sv":93},"project-zomboid-server-ram-krav","project-zomboid-server-ram-anforderungen","wymagania-ram-serwera-project-zomboid","project-zomboid-server-ram-krav-sv",{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"id":97,"slug":98,"game_slug":53,"title":99,"description":100,"category":101,"is_featured":10,"published_at":102,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":103,"author":108,"date":102,"lastUpdated":102,"game":109},"2f94e669-1c0c-4b40-9ba1-a5d7c2a3a184","how-to-become-admin-project-zomboid-server","How to Become Admin on a Project Zomboid Server","Grant admin access on your Project Zomboid server in 3 steps. Console commands, access levels, and the 10 commands you actually use day-to-day.","Administration","2026-05-07T14:01:48.204+00:00",{"da":104,"de":105,"en":98,"pl":106,"sv":107},"sadan-bliver-du-admin-project-zomboid-server","admin-werden-project-zomboid-server","jak-zostac-adminem-project-zomboid-serwer","hur-du-blir-admin-project-zomboid-server",{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"id":111,"slug":112,"game_slug":53,"title":113,"description":114,"category":86,"is_featured":10,"published_at":115,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":116,"author":121,"date":115,"lastUpdated":115,"game":122},"286f47b6-0527-4666-ae10-9a8aa0c4fecd","project-zomboid-sandbox-settings-explained","Project Zomboid Sandbox Settings Explained (Build 42)","Every Project Zomboid sandbox setting explained — population, loot, zombies, weather, vehicles. Real Pterodactyl paths and B42 defaults.","2026-05-07T13:56:47.242+00:00",{"da":117,"de":118,"en":112,"pl":119,"sv":120},"project-zomboid-sandbox-indstillinger-forklaret","project-zomboid-sandbox-einstellungen-erklaert","ustawienia-sandbox-project-zomboid-wyjasnione","project-zomboid-sandbox-installningar-forklarade",{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"id":124,"slug":125,"game_slug":53,"title":126,"description":127,"category":128,"is_featured":10,"published_at":129,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":130,"author":135,"date":129,"lastUpdated":129,"game":136},"6c43ff8f-efa1-4b09-b49b-ff905c2f062d","how-to-install-mods-project-zomboid-server-build-42","How to Install Mods on a Project Zomboid Server (Build 42)","Add Steam Workshop mods to your Project Zomboid Build 42 dedicated server. Step-by-step guide with real Pterodactyl paths, load order, and troubleshooting.","Mods & Customization","2026-05-07T13:52:33.693+00:00",{"da":131,"de":132,"en":125,"pl":133,"sv":134},"sadan-installerer-du-mods-project-zomboid-server-build-42","mods-installieren-project-zomboid-server-build-42","jak-zainstalowac-mody-project-zomboid-serwer-build-42","hur-du-installerar-mods-project-zomboid-server-build-42",{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"id":138,"slug":139,"game_slug":53,"title":140,"description":141,"category":142,"is_featured":10,"published_at":143,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":144,"author":149,"date":143,"lastUpdated":143,"game":150},"e44c4001-5a2a-4321-9f21-d6a975979ecc","how-to-switch-to-project-zomboid-build-42-server","How to Switch to Project Zomboid Build 42 Server","Learn how to switch your Project Zomboid server to Build 42, the unstable beta branch, with our step-by-step guide and troubleshooting tips for a seamless transition to the latest update.","Getting Started","2026-04-10T15:19:24.635+00:00",{"da":145,"de":146,"en":139,"pl":147,"sv":148},"sadan-skifter-du-til-project-zomboid-build-42-server","so-wechseln-sie-zu-project-zomboid-build-42-server","jak-przeaczyc-serwer-project-zomboid-na-build-42","sa-har-vaxlar-du-till-project-zomboid-build-42-server",{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"id":152,"slug":153,"game_slug":53,"title":154,"description":155,"category":101,"is_featured":10,"published_at":156,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":157,"author":162,"date":156,"lastUpdated":156,"game":163},"3478a3d9-c169-4464-8d99-9f695f02f7ab","project-zomboid-server-commands-guide","Project Zomboid Server Commands Guide","Complete list of Project Zomboid server commands for administrators and moderators. Learn how to manage your server, moderate players, and use admin commands effectively.","2024-01-23T00:00:00+00:00",{"da":158,"de":159,"en":153,"pl":160,"sv":161},"project-zomboid-server-kommandoer-guide","project-zomboid-server-befehle-anleitung","project-zomboid-komendy-serwera-poradnik","project-zomboid-server-kommandon-guide",{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"id":165,"slug":166,"game_slug":53,"title":167,"description":168,"category":101,"is_featured":67,"published_at":169,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":170,"author":175,"date":169,"lastUpdated":169,"game":176},"ac6b423f-e9c4-4014-a460-7451f0b90b02","how-to-setup-whitelist-project-zomboid-server","How to Set Up a Whitelist on a Project Zomboid Server","Lock your Project Zomboid server to approved players only. 4-step whitelist setup with adduser, addalltowhitelist, and SQLite storage details.","2026-05-07T14:27:44.697+00:00",{"da":171,"de":172,"en":166,"pl":173,"sv":174},"sadan-opretter-whitelist-project-zomboid-server","whitelist-project-zomboid-server-einrichten","jak-skonfigurowac-whitelist-project-zomboid-serwer","hur-satter-upp-whitelist-project-zomboid-server",{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"id":178,"slug":179,"game_slug":53,"title":180,"description":181,"category":101,"is_featured":67,"published_at":182,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":183,"author":188,"date":182,"lastUpdated":182,"game":189},"5391546a-ac25-4fad-8013-b753daefca1a","how-to-backup-restore-project-zomboid-server","How to Back Up and Restore a Project Zomboid Server","Back up and restore your Project Zomboid server safely. Full restore, world-only restore, character-only restore, and migration between hosts.","2026-05-07T14:21:26.617+00:00",{"da":184,"de":185,"en":179,"pl":186,"sv":187},"sadan-tager-backup-gendanner-project-zomboid-server","project-zomboid-server-sichern-wiederherstellen","jak-backup-przywrocic-serwer-project-zomboid","hur-du-backar-aterstaller-project-zomboid-server",{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"id":191,"slug":192,"game_slug":53,"title":193,"description":194,"category":101,"is_featured":67,"published_at":195,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":196,"author":201,"date":195,"lastUpdated":195,"game":202},"94484ae7-a734-4cc4-a25a-06d239b86b26","how-to-reset-wipe-project-zomboid-server-map","How to Reset or Wipe a Project Zomboid Server Map","Reset your Project Zomboid map — soft reset (keep characters), hard reset (wipe everything), or chunk-level refresh. Real Pterodactyl paths.","2026-05-07T14:17:40.006+00:00",{"da":197,"de":198,"en":192,"pl":199,"sv":200},"sadan-reset-wipe-project-zomboid-server-kort","project-zomboid-server-map-zuruecksetzen-wipen","jak-zresetowac-wipe-mape-serwera-project-zomboid","hur-aterstaller-wipear-project-zomboid-server-karta",{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"id":52,"slug":71,"game_slug":53,"title":55,"description":56,"category":54,"is_featured":67,"published_at":68,"content":88,"keywords":88,"allSlugs":204,"author":205,"date":68,"lastUpdated":68,"game":206},{"da":73,"de":74,"en":71,"pl":75,"sv":76},{},{"slug":53,"name":79},{"slug":53,"name":79,"icon":208,"cardImage":209,"description":210},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Ficons\u002Fproject-zomboid.png","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.doomhosting.com\u002Fgames\u002Fproject-zomboid.webp","Project Zomboid is the ultimate isometric zombie survival sandbox — set in a meticulously detailed Knox County overrun by the undead, where every choice could be your last. Scavenge, fortify a base, manage hunger and sanity, and survive as long as you can with friends in punishing co-op. 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