Host Unturned Server 2021: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Dear Dev, hosting an Unturned server can be a challenging task, especially if you don’t have prior experience in server setup and management. However, with the right tools and guidelines, it can also be a rewarding experience. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to host an Unturned server in 2021. Let’s get started!

Section 1: Understanding Unturned Server Hosting

Before diving into the technicalities, it’s essential to understand what Unturned server hosting entails. Unturned is a popular sandbox survival game that allows players to explore an open-world environment, gather resources, and craft items. Hosting an Unturned server means creating a virtual space for players to join and play together.

There are different types of Unturned server hosting, such as self-hosting, renting a server from a hosting provider, or joining an existing server. In this guide, we will focus on self-hosting, which provides more control and customization options.

What is Self-Hosting?

Self-hosting refers to hosting an Unturned server on your own computer or a dedicated server. It requires installing and configuring the necessary server software, opening the required ports, and managing server settings and plugins.

The benefits of self-hosting include more control over server management, lower costs than renting a server, and flexibility to customize the server to your liking. However, it also requires technical expertise and can be challenging to set up initially.

What are the Requirements for Self-Hosting?

Self-hosting an Unturned server requires meeting specific hardware and software requirements. Here are some of the essential components:

Component	Minimum Requirements
CPU	Intel Core i3 or higher
RAM	4GB or higher
Storage	At least 20GB of free space
Bandwidth	10Mbps or higher
Operating System	Windows 7 or higher

Note: These are minimum requirements, and your server’s performance may vary depending on the number of players and the server’s settings.

Section 2: Setting Up Unturned Server Software

Now that you have an understanding of Unturned server hosting and its requirements, it’s time to set up the server software. Here’s how:

Step 1: Download and Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is a command-line tool that allows you to install and update game server software. Here’s how to download and install SteamCMD:

1. Go to the official SteamCMD website and download the latest version for your operating system.
2. Create a new folder named “SteamCMD” on your computer, and extract the downloaded files.
3. Open a command prompt or terminal and navigate to the “SteamCMD” folder.
4. Type “steamcmd.exe” to launch SteamCMD.

Step 2: Install Unturned Server Software

Now that you have SteamCMD installed, it’s time to install the Unturned server software. Follow these steps:

1. Type the following command to log in to your Steam account:

“login your_steam_username your_steam_password”

2. Type the following command to download and install the Unturned server software:

“app_update 304930 validate”

3. Wait for the installation to finish; this may take some time depending on your internet speed.

Section 3: Configuring Unturned Server Settings

Now that you have the server software installed, it’s time to set up the server settings. Here are the essential settings to configure:

Step 1: Server Name and Description

The server name and description are essential for players to identify and join your server. To set the server name and description, follow these steps:

1. Open the “Servers” folder where you installed the Unturned server software.
2. Open the “ServerConfig.json” file using a text editor.
3. Scroll down to the “ServerName” and “ServerDescription” fields and edit them to your liking.
4. Save the changes and close the file.

Step 2: Port Forwarding

Port forwarding is necessary to allow players to connect to your server from outside your network. Here’s how to port forward:

1. Log in to your router’s admin panel.
2. Navigate to the “Port Forwarding” section.
3. Add a new rule for port 27015 (UDP) with your computer’s IP address.
4. Save the changes and exit the admin panel.

Section 4: Installing Plugins and Mods

Plugins and mods add additional functionality and customization to your Unturned server. Here’s how to install plugins and mods:

Step 1: Download Plugins and Mods

There are several websites and forums where you can download Unturned plugins and mods. Some popular sites include:

• https://unturned.org
• https://steamcommunity.com/workshop/browse/?appid=304930
• https://unturnedsl.com

Step 2: Install Plugins and Mods

Once you have downloaded the plugins and mods, follow these steps to install them:

1. Open the “Servers” folder where you installed the Unturned server software.
2. Create a new folder named “Plugins” for plugins or “Workshop” for mods.
3. Copy the downloaded plugin or mod files into the respective folder.
4. Restart the server for the changes to take effect.

Section 5: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many players can join my Unturned server?

The number of players that can join your Unturned server depends on your server settings and hardware specifications. Generally, a server can host up to 24 players, but you can adjust the maximum player limit in the server settings.

Q2. Can I run an Unturned server on a VPS or cloud server?

Yes, you can host an Unturned server on a VPS or cloud server, although it may require more technical expertise and configuration than self-hosting.

Q3. Can I use mods and plugins on my Unturned server?

Yes, you can use mods and plugins on your Unturned server to add additional functionality and customization.

Q4. How can I protect my server from hackers and cheaters?

To protect your server from hackers and cheaters, you can use plugins and mods that provide anti-cheat and anti-hack measures. Additionally, you can set up server password protection and keep server software and plugins updated to the latest versions.

Q5. How can I advertise my Unturned server?

You can advertise your Unturned server on popular gaming forums, social media, and Unturned server directories such as https://unturnedsl.com/servers or https://unturned.org/servers.

Conclusion

Congratulations, Dev! You have successfully learned how to host an Unturned server in 2021. We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary information and tools to set up and manage your server effectively. Remember to keep your server software and plugins updated, ensure port forwarding is correct, and monitor server performance regularly. Happy gaming!