How to Host a Dedicated Unturned Server

Hello Dev, Are you looking for a way to host your own dedicated Unturned server? Whether you want to play with your friends, create a community, or just explore the game on your own terms, hosting a dedicated server can be a great option. In this article, we will guide you through the process from start to finish, covering everything from hardware requirements to troubleshooting common issues. So let’s get started!

1. Understanding the Basics

If you are new to hosting a dedicated server, it is important to understand some of the basic concepts and terminology. A dedicated server is a computer that is used solely for the purpose of hosting a specific program, like a game server. Unlike playing on a public server, a dedicated server gives you complete control over the gameplay experience, including the ability to set rules, mods, and more.

To host an Unturned server, you will need to download and install the dedicated server software from the game’s official website. There are two versions available: one for Windows and one for Linux. In this guide, we will be focusing on the Windows version, but the steps are similar for Linux.

Hardware Requirements

Before you begin, you will need to ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements for hosting a dedicated Unturned server. These requirements are:

Component	Minimum Requirement
CPU	Dual-core processor, 2.4 GHz or higher
RAM	4 GB or higher
Storage	50 GB or higher
Internet Connection	Upload speed of at least 1 Mbps

Keep in mind that these are just the minimum requirements, and your server’s performance may be affected if you have a slower internet connection or less powerful hardware.

Setting up Port Forwarding

Another important step before you start hosting your server is to set up port forwarding on your router. This will allow players outside of your local network to connect to your server. The specific steps for port forwarding will vary depending on your router model, so you may need to consult your router’s documentation or website for instructions.

The default port for Unturned servers is 27015, so you will need to forward that port to your computer’s local IP address. You can find your local IP address by opening the command prompt and typing “ipconfig” (without quotes). Look for the “IPv4 Address” entry under your network adapter’s information.

Configuring Server Settings

Once you have the server software installed and port forwarding set up, you can start configuring the server settings. You can do this by opening the “Commands.dat” file in the server folder using a text editor like Notepad.

The Commands.dat file contains a list of all the server settings, including things like game mode, map, player count, and more. You can use the “set” command followed by the setting name and value to change the settings. For example, to set the game mode to survival and the map to PEI, you would use the following commands:

set GameMode survival

set Map PEI

There are many different settings you can configure, so be sure to read through the documentation to get a better idea of what is available.

2. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best preparation, it’s not uncommon to run into issues when hosting a dedicated Unturned server. Here are some common issues you might encounter, along with some solutions:

Server Not Showing up in Server List

If your server isn’t showing up in the server list, it might be because it hasn’t been added to the master server list yet. This can take up to 30 minutes after you start the server. If it still doesn’t show up after that time, try restarting the server or checking your port forwarding settings.

Server Crashing or Freezing

If your server is crashing or freezing, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure you have the latest version of the server software installed. You can download the latest version from the game’s official website. If that doesn’t work, try reducing the number of players or lowering the game settings to reduce the server’s workload. You can also check the server logs for any error messages that might help identify the problem.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I host a dedicated server on a virtual machine?

A: Yes, you can host a dedicated server on a virtual machine, but keep in mind that it may not perform as well as a physical server. Virtual machines have some overhead that can affect the server’s performance, so make sure your hardware is powerful enough to handle it.

Q: Can I use mods on my server?

A: Yes, you can use mods on your server. You can download and install mods from the Steam Workshop or other sources, just like you would for a regular game. Keep in mind that players will need to have the same mods installed in order to connect to your server.

Q: How many players can my server support?

A: The number of players your server can support will depend on a variety of factors, including your hardware, internet connection, and server settings. The recommended maximum is around 24 players, but you may be able to support more or less depending on your specific setup.

Q: Do I need to keep my computer running all the time to host a server?

A: Yes, you will need to keep your computer running in order to host a dedicated server. If you want to shut down the server, you can use the “shutdown” command to gracefully shut down the server and save your progress.

Q: How can I make my server more secure?

A: There are a few things you can do to make your server more secure. First, make sure you are using a strong password for your server’s admin account. You can also enable anti-cheat measures like VAC and BattlEye to help prevent cheating. Finally, consider using a VPN to protect your server’s IP address from potential attackers.

Conclusion

Hosting a dedicated Unturned server can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With the right hardware and software setup, you can create a unique and engaging gaming experience for yourself and your friends. Keep in mind that there may be some bumps along the way, but with patience and persistence, you can overcome them and enjoy all that Unturned has to offer.