Zomboid: How to save and backup server data

Project Zomboid is a popular survival horror game that offers a rich multiplayer experience. Running a dedicated server for Project Zomboid can enhance the multiplayer experience, but it also requires proper setup and maintenance. This article will guide you through the steps of setting up your server environment, installing and configuring the Project Zomboid server, and most importantly, saving and backing up your server data to ensure your progress is never lost.

Key Takeaways

• Always ensure your server is stopped before attempting to save or restore data to prevent file corruption.
• Regularly back up your server data to avoid losing progress due to unexpected issues.
• Proper configuration and management of multiple server instances require careful planning, including setting up multiple accounts and configuring different ports.

Setting Up the Environment

Before diving into hosting your Project Zomboid server, you need to set up the right environment. This involves enabling the non-free repository, installing SteamCMD, and creating a dedicated user for running the server. Let’s break down each step to get you started.

Installing and Configuring Project Zomboid Server

Downloading Server Files

To get started with your dedicated server, you’ll need to download the server files. This can be done through Steam or SteamCMD.

Through Steam:

1. Open your Steam library and filter for tools.
2. Locate ‘Project Zomboid Dedicated Server’ and download/install it.

Through SteamCMD:

1. Download and extract SteamCMD to a folder of your choice.
2. Run steamcmd.exe from the command line.
3. Set the installation directory for the server files.
4. Log in anonymously to Steam: login anonymous.
5. Download the server files: app_update 380870 validate.
6. Once you see the message "Success! App ‘380870’ fully installed", close SteamCMD with quit.

Configuring the Server

After downloading the server files, you need to configure your server settings. This involves editing the SERVERNAME.ini file to set up your server preferences.

1. Navigate to the server installation directory.
2. Locate and open the SERVERNAME.ini file.
3. Adjust the settings according to your preferences, such as server name, password, and game settings.

Starting the Server

Once your server is configured, you can start it up.

For Windows:

1. Navigate to the download folder you specified.
2. Locate the StartServer batch files.
3. Run the appropriate batch file for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).

For Linux:

1. Start tmux to prevent the server from shutting down if the terminal is closed.
2. Run the server start command within tmux.

Remember, the first time you start the server, you’ll be prompted to set a password for the admin account. Make sure to keep this password secure.

By following these steps, you’ll have your Project Zomboid server up and running, ready for you and your friends to survive the zombie apocalypse together.

Saving and Backing Up Server Data

Manual Save Procedures

To manually save your Project Zomboid server data, you need to access the server console or use admin commands. Ensure you have admin privileges to execute these commands. You can use the /save command to force a save of the current game state. This is particularly useful before making any significant changes or updates to your server.

Creating Backups

Creating backups is crucial to prevent data loss. You can set your server to automatically create backups by configuring the BackupsOnStart and BackupsOnVersionChange settings in your server’s configuration file. These settings ensure that a full backup is created after each restart and on each game update. Additionally, you can specify a BackupsPeriod to create backups at regular intervals.

To create a backup manually via the web interface:

1. Log on to your hosting provider’s website.
2. Navigate to the "My Servers" section.
3. Select your server and go to the "Administration" menu.
4. Click on "Backup" and then "Create Backup".
5. The server will stop temporarily to create the backup and will restart automatically once done.

Restoring Backups

Restoring backups is straightforward. If you need to roll back your server data, follow these steps:

1. Log into your server’s control panel.
2. View your game service and stop the server.
3. Click the ‘Restore Backup’ icon.
4. Select the desired backup from the dropdown menu.
5. Press the ‘Run’ option to initiate the restore process.

Regular backups are essential to safeguard your server data. Use this mod before you wipe your server. You will no longer need to worry about losing progress or configurations.

By following these procedures, you can ensure that your server data is always safe and can be restored whenever necessary.

Managing Multiple Server Instances

Managing multiple instances of a Project Zomboid server can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely doable with the right steps. This guide will walk you through setting up multiple accounts, configuring ports, and running multiple instances efficiently.

Setting Up Multiple Accounts

To run multiple server instances, you’ll need to create separate user accounts on your server. This ensures that each instance runs independently and avoids conflicts.

1. Create separate user accounts: Use the adduser command to create new users for each server instance.
2. Install SteamCMD for each user: Run SteamCMD under each user account to set up the necessary files.
3. Configure server files: Ensure each user has their own set of server files to avoid any overlap.

Configuring Ports

Each server instance requires its own set of ports to function correctly. By default, Project Zomboid uses specific ports, but you’ll need to assign different ports for each instance.

• Default Ports:
  • 16261 UDP
  • 8766, 8767 UDP
• Additional Ports: For each new instance, increment the port numbers (e.g., 16262, 16263, etc.).

Update the SERVERNAME.ini file for each instance to reflect these new port settings.

Running Multiple Instances

Once you’ve set up the accounts and configured the ports, you can start running multiple instances of the server.

1. Log in as each user: Switch to the user account created for each server instance.
2. Start the server: Run the server start script for each instance. Ensure that each instance is using its designated ports.
3. Monitor the servers: Keep an eye on each server instance to ensure they are running smoothly and not conflicting with each other.

Tip: Using a tool like tmux can help you manage multiple terminal sessions, making it easier to monitor and control each server instance.

By following these steps, you can efficiently manage multiple Project Zomboid server instances on a single machine. This setup allows for better resource utilization and provides a more robust gaming experience for your players.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing and safeguarding your Project Zomboid server data is crucial for maintaining a seamless gaming experience. By following the outlined steps for saving and backing up your server data, you can ensure that your game progress is secure and easily recoverable in case of any issues. Whether you are using Windows or Linux, the detailed instructions provided will guide you through the process of setting up, saving, and restoring your server data effectively. Regular backups and proper server management practices will help you avoid data loss and keep your multiplayer sessions running smoothly.