How to set up an Unturned server

Unturned's server is light, easy to run and very configurable. Your Unturned server is created with the game installed. This guide covers the Steam token you need, the main settings, admins, Workshop content and getting players in.

How much RAM does an Unturned server need?

• 2 GB: a small private server on a standard map.
• 4 GB: our recommended size, for a community server or a larger map.
• 6 to 8 GB: busy servers, big custom maps and lots of Workshop content.

1. Get a Game Server Login Token

Unturned needs a free Game Server Login Token (GSLT) from Steam before an internet server will show in the server list.

1. 1Sign in at steamcommunity.com/dev/managegameservers. Your Steam account must not be a limited account.
2. 2Enter 304930, which is Unturned's app ID, and a memo such as your server's name, then create the token.
3. 3Copy the token and treat it like a password.
4. 4Add it to your server: in the Startup tab if there is a field for it, or as a GSLT line in Commands.dat (see below).

2. The main settings

Unturned keeps each server's files in a folder under Servers, named after the server. Inside it, Server/Commands.dat holds the core settings, one per line. Stop the server before editing, then start it again to apply your changes.

• Name: your server's name in the list.
• Map: the map to load, such as PEI, Washington, Russia or Yukon.
• MaxPlayers: how many players can join.
• Password: set one to make the server private.
• Perspective: First, Third, Both or Vehicle.
• Mode: Easy, Normal or Hard.
• PvE: add this line on its own to turn off player-versus-player damage.
• Owner: your SteamID64, which makes you the owner with full admin rights.
• GSLT: your Game Server Login Token.

Config.json, in the same server folder, covers detailed gameplay options such as item spawns, zombies and structure decay. It is split into Easy, Normal and Hard sections, so edit the one that matches your Mode.

3. Admins

The Owner line makes you the server owner. To give someone else admin rights, type admin followed by their SteamID64 into the console in our game panel, and unadmin to take it away. Admins can then use commands in game chat, such as /kick and /ban.

4. Workshop maps and mods

Unturned servers can download Steam Workshop content for you. Add the IDs of the maps, items and vehicles you want to the File_IDs list in WorkshopDownloadConfig.json, inside your server folder, then restart. Players download the same content when they join. For a Workshop map, set the Map line in Commands.dat to the map's name once it has downloaded.

Server plugins, such as kits, shops and permissions, run on a plugin framework like OpenMod or RocketMod and are installed on the server only. Pick one framework and check each plugin supports it.

Inviting players

Players can search for your server name in Unturned's server list. They can also connect directly: choose Play, then Connect, and enter your server's IP and port as shown at the top of our game panel.

Backups

Daily backups are included, and you can take your own from the panel any time. Take one before changing maps, adding a big batch of Workshop content or installing a plugin framework.

Troubleshooting

• Server not in the list: check your token is set and has not been deleted, and give the server a few minutes after starting.
• Workshop content not loading: check the IDs in WorkshopDownloadConfig.json and watch the console for download errors.
• Changes not applying: edit files while the server is stopped, then start it again.
• Players kicked for mismatched files: after a Workshop item updates, restart the server so everyone is on the same version.

Still stuck? Ask us on live chat or Discord.