How To Host A Server In Unturned

Unturned is not an easy game. Add in the threats of other players and you've got a massive survival challenge on your hands. So if you want to test your skills in a world of just you, your friends, and hundreds of zombies, then a private server might be the way to go.

But to set one up can be tricky, especially if you don't want to go the LAN route. So, we'll go over how to host your own private server so that you can play Unturned with your friends at ease. 

How To Make Your Own Server In Unturned

One way of playing with your friends in Unturned is to host your own internet or LAN server. LAN servers typically require the host to be online, and have their PC running, in order for everyone to continue playing on the server. LAN servers also require players to be on the same network connection, unless you're using additional third-party tools.

In recent updates, it's become much easier to host your own server in Unturned. It's recommended to do so using Valve's SteamCMD. 

How To Install Unturned Server Using SteamCMD

First, you'll need to install SteamCMD, which you can do so using these steps:

1. Download SteamCMD

2. Extract the contents of the zip somewhere you can find it again.

3. Run steamcmd.exe

Next, you'll need to download and install the sever using SteamCMD:

1. Login to Steam anonymously: (login anonymous)

2. Download the server: app_update 1110390

Note: this command can also be used to update the server.

3. Close SteamCMD

4. The server files are now in the ...SteamCMD\steamapps\common\U3DS directory.

How To Configure Unturned Server Using SteamCMD

Here's where you'll be able to determine the Unturned map type, the ServerID and more:

1. Determine the ServerID. This is the name after the +InternetServer/ or +LanServer/ command.

2. Navigate to U3DS > Servers > ServerID.

Launch commands are setup in the Server > Commands.dat file. Each line should have one command. Common useful commands are:

• Map: Specify the map to load by name (e.g. Map PEI, Map Washington, Map Germany). If no map is specified, PEI is used.

• Name: Name of the server on the server list

• Password: Requires password to join server.

• Perspective: Can be set to “First”, “Third”, “Both”, or “Vehicle” to change camera options.

• Cheats: Allows cheat commands like spawning items or vehicles from the chat.

How To Allow Friends To Join Your Private Server In Unturned

Once you've got your server set up, you'll be able to host your friends by having them input the Server Code in the Connect menu in Unturned. Players can then join your server via the internet. 

For more detailed breakdowns of setting up a server on Linux or MacOS, check out the developer's complete guide to hosting servers using SteamCMD.