Dedicated server guide

Zombie Panic! Dedicated Server

Manage zpsserver with AlphaGSM. Choose a runtime supported by the recorded module capabilities.

Authentication required · Support evidence: 2026-10-16.

Build setup commands

Runtime familysteamcmd-linux

Declared runtimes: Docker or a Linux host process.

Network bindings

Default game port: 27015. Protocols and additional port values are unknown; review the game guide.

Mods and plugins

No mod support is declared in this snapshot; review the game guide before adding mods.

Backup hook

A module-specific backup hook is declared. Review the game guide for its scope, restore procedure and shutdown requirements.

Choose a supported runtime

Linux and Docker quickstart

Authentication is required before installation; follow the game guide for credentials, ownership and login prerequisites.

Docker

Complete interactive setup and review game-specific configuration before starting the server. Authentication is required before installation; follow the game guide for credentials, ownership and login prerequisites.

Start the Docker manager ./alphagsm-docker start
Create the game instance ./alphagsm-docker my-zpsserver create zpsserver
Complete interactive setup ./alphagsm-docker my-zpsserver setup
Start the game server ./alphagsm-docker my-zpsserver start
Check the instance status ./alphagsm-docker my-zpsserver status

./alphagsm-docker start
./alphagsm-docker my-zpsserver create zpsserver
./alphagsm-docker my-zpsserver setup
./alphagsm-docker my-zpsserver start
./alphagsm-docker my-zpsserver status

Host process

Create the game instance ./alphagsm my-zpsserver create zpsserver
Complete interactive setup ./alphagsm my-zpsserver setup
Check the host prerequisites ./alphagsm my-zpsserver doctor
Start the game server ./alphagsm my-zpsserver start
Check the instance status ./alphagsm my-zpsserver status

./alphagsm my-zpsserver create zpsserver
./alphagsm my-zpsserver setup
./alphagsm my-zpsserver doctor
./alphagsm my-zpsserver start
./alphagsm my-zpsserver status

This guide covers the zpsserver module in AlphaGSM.

zpsserver is currently ENABLED (AUTH) on the documented Ubuntu 24.04 Linux baseline. The current GitHub integration lane still exercises both process and Docker runtime selection around that provider-managed authentication prerequisite, while local runs remain process-backed by default unless you opt into the Docker backend.

Requirements

docker
SteamCMD runtime libraries (lib32gcc-s1, lib32stdc++6)
Python packages from requirements.txt

Quick Start

Create the server:

alphagsm myzpsserve create zpsserver

Run setup:

alphagsm myzpsserve setup

Start it:

alphagsm myzpsserve start

Check it:

alphagsm myzpsserve status

Stop it:

alphagsm myzpsserve stop

Setup Details

Setup configures:

the game port (default 27015)
the install directory
the executable name
SteamCMD downloads the dedicated server files
default configuration and backup settings

Useful Commands

alphagsm myzpsserve update
alphagsm myzpsserve backup

Notes

Module name: zpsserver
Default port: 27015
Current status: ENABLED (AUTH). SteamCMD app 4523420 stages the current GoldSrc dedicated payload, and the dedicated launch contract now matches SteamDB (hlds_run -game zp -steam -secure), but the validated Linux lane still expects a real authenticated Steam client session. Fresh Docker probes still stop at SteamAPI_IsSteamRunning() did not locate a running instance of Steam / SteamAPI_Init() failed; create pipe failed before A2S readiness.

Server variables

After create zpsserver, inspect or change these with set:

alphagsm myserver set --list
alphagsm myserver set KEY --describe
alphagsm myserver set KEY VALUE

Key	Aliases	Type	What it does
`map`	gamemap, startmap, level, worldname	string	The currently selected map or level. Example: `zph_industry`.
`maxplayers`	users	integer	Maximum number of player slots. Example: `20`.
`port`	gameport	integer	The primary game port. Example: `27015`.
`rconpassword`	rconpass, querypassword, query_administrator_password	string	Remote console password for administrative access. Stored as a secret.
`servername`	hostname, name	string	The server's public name shown to players. Example: `AlphaGSM Zombie Panic!`.
`serverpassword`	sv_password, password	string	Password required for players to join the server. Stored as a secret.

Developer Notes

Run File

Executable: hlds_run
Location: <install_dir>/hlds_run
Engine: GoldSrc
SteamCMD App ID: 4523420

Server Configuration

Config file: zp/server.cfg
Key settings:
- hostname — Server name
- rcon_password — Remote console password
Default port: 27015
Default map: zph_industry
Max players: 20
Ports:
- Game port: 27015 (UDP)
- Client port: 27005 (UDP)
Template: No checked-in template; the staged payload ships zp/server.cfg

Maps and Mods

Map directory: zp/maps/
Mod directory: zp/
Workshop support: No
Mod notes: The old Source-era addon assumptions no longer match the current dedicated app. The live 2026 payload is a GoldSrc zp/ server tree.
Map install: Copy .bsp files into zp/maps/ and add them to zp/mapcycle.txt.

Configuration templates

Reference files from this source revision. Review paths, passwords and game-specific settings before use.

server.cfg

Share your server

Sector Alpha server directory

When your server is ready, you can publish its connection details and community information on Sector Alpha. Review your listing and keep the information current.

Find a community

Browse the directory for game servers and their published connection details.

Browse server directory

Publish your server

Prepare a name, address and description for your listing.

Publish a server

Manual server sharing instructions

Frequently asked questions

What support evidence is recorded for Zombie Panic! Dedicated Server?

Authentication required. Authentication is required before installation; follow the game guide for credentials, ownership and login prerequisites.

Which runtimes can run Zombie Panic! Dedicated Server?

Declared runtimes: Docker or a Linux host process.

Which ports does Zombie Panic! Dedicated Server use?

Default game port: 27015. Protocols and additional port values are unknown; review the game guide.

Can I add mods to Zombie Panic! Dedicated Server?

No mod support is declared in this snapshot; review the game guide before adding mods.

How should I back up Zombie Panic! Dedicated Server?

A module-specific backup hook is declared. Review the game guide for its scope, restore procedure and shutdown requirements.

Source and support evidence

This guide mirrors AlphaGSM’s upstream documentation at 32cef5ba9e03053c8e461fffa0ba133b160b528d. Commands and prerequisites can change. Check current support notes before installation.

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