How to Set Up an Unturned Server
Launch your own Unturned dedicated server — install with SteamCMD, configure it, add RocketMod or OpenMod plugins and Workshop maps. Plus the managed route.
Unturned is a free, hugely popular survival game with a big modding scene. You host the dedicated server with SteamCMD (app 1110390) and extend it with RocketMod or OpenMod plugins.
You can self-host on a VDS, or use managed Unturned hosting with a panel that handles installation, plugins and Workshop content.
What you'll need
A quick checklist before you begin — have these ready and the rest is easy.
- SteamCMD installed, and Steam app 1110390 downloaded.
- A server configuration (name, map, mode, player count).
- Port 27015 (and following) open.
- (Optional) RocketMod or OpenMod for plugins, plus any Workshop IDs.
Set up an Unturned dedicated server
Install SteamCMD
SteamCMD downloads the dedicated server files. Install it on your server first.
Download the Unturned server (app 1110390)
Use SteamCMD to install the Unturned dedicated server.
steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update 1110390 validate +quit
Create a server configuration
Set up a server instance with a name, map, mode (PvP/PvE) and player count in the Servers folder Commands.dat / Config.json.
Add RocketMod or OpenMod (optional)
For plugins — kits, economy, roleplay, admin tools — install RocketMod or the modern OpenMod and drop in your plugins.
Add Workshop content
Add Workshop map and mod IDs to load custom maps (like Elver) and content automatically on start.
Start and connect
Launch the server, then in Unturned use Play > Connect with your IP and port (27015 by default).
your-server-ip:27015
Unturned best practices
Use OpenMod
OpenMod is the modern successor to RocketMod with active plugin support.
Anti-DDoS
Survival communities get attacked. Filtering keeps your server online.
Workshop collections
Bundle your maps and mods into a collection for one-click loading.
Common problems & fixes
Hit a snag? These are the issues people run into most — and how to solve them.
Server doesn't appear online
Check that port 27015 and the following ports are open and that your config is valid.
Plugins don't load
Install RocketMod or OpenMod correctly and confirm each plugin supports your Unturned version.
Workshop content isn't downloading
Double-check the Workshop IDs in your config and that the items are public.
Server crashes on start
A bad config value or an incompatible mod is usually the cause — check the log for the first error.
Skip the setup — host it with ESAGAMES
Skip SteamCMD and config files. Our Unturned hosting handles installation, RocketMod/OpenMod and Workshop on NVMe behind a multi-Tbps Frankfurt network — protected and instant.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an Unturned server?
Install SteamCMD, download the Unturned dedicated server (app 1110390), create a server configuration, optionally add RocketMod/OpenMod plugins and Workshop content, then start it.
RocketMod or OpenMod?
OpenMod is the modern, actively-maintained successor; RocketMod is the classic. Choose based on which your plugins support.
What port does Unturned use?
Unturned uses port 27015 by default (plus following ports). Make sure they're open.
Can I use custom maps like Elver?
Yes — add Workshop map IDs to your config and the server downloads them on start.
Is it DDoS protected with you?
On our managed Unturned hosting, yes — filtered through our multi-Tbps Frankfurt network.
How fast is managed setup?
Automatic — your server is ready within minutes of checkout.
Keep reading
Unturned is a trademark of Smartly Dressed Games. ESAGAMES is an independent hosting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Smartly Dressed Games. The dedicated server is installed via Valve's SteamCMD.
