Server Setup Guide for [Unturned] Gamers

Game Server Requirements

Establishing a dedicated server for Unturned necessitates a careful consideration of hardware and software specifications to ensure a smooth and responsive gaming experience for all participants. The foundational elements revolve around processing power, memory allocation, storage capacity, and network bandwidth.

At its core, Unturned is a Unity engine game, and as such, its server-side operations, while less graphically intensive than client-side rendering, still demand a robust central processing unit (CPU). A multi-core processor is highly recommended, with a minimum of two physical cores operating at a clock speed of 2.5 GHz or higher. For servers intended to host a larger number of players (e.g., 20+ concurrent users) or those running numerous plugins and modifications, a quad-core CPU with a clock speed exceeding 3.0 GHz is advisable. The server's ability to handle multiple threads simultaneously directly impacts its capacity to process player actions, AI behaviors, and world updates without introducing noticeable latency or "lag".

Random Access Memory (RAM) is another critical component. The base Unturned server application typically requires a minimum of 2 GB of RAM to operate efficiently. However, this figure rapidly escalates with the number of connected players and the complexity of the server's configuration. Each player connected to the server consumes a certain amount of memory, and the presence of custom maps, extensive item packs, or resource-intensive plugins can significantly increase this demand. For a small server (up to 10 players), 4 GB of RAM is a reasonable starting point. For medium-sized communities (10-30 players), 8 GB of RAM is often necessary, while large-scale servers (30+ players) or those with heavy modding may require 16 GB or more. Insufficient RAM can lead to frequent server crashes, slow loading times, and a generally degraded player experience.

Storage requirements for an Unturned server are relatively modest for the core game files, typically ranging from 5 to 10 GB. However, this does not account for saved game data, player inventories, world backups, and any custom content. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are highly recommended over traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) due to their significantly faster read and write speeds. This translates to quicker server startup times, faster map loading, and reduced latency when the server accesses game data. While an HDD might suffice for a very small, personal server, an SSD of at least 120 GB is a prudent investment for any public or community-oriented server. For larger servers with extensive custom content and frequent backups, 250 GB or more of SSD storage would be beneficial.

Network bandwidth is paramount for any online game server. Unturned servers, while not as bandwidth-intensive as some first-person shooters, still require a stable and sufficiently fast internet connection. A minimum upload speed of 10 Mbps is generally recommended for a small server, with this requirement increasing proportionally with the number of players. For a server hosting 20-30 players, an upload speed of 25-50 Mbps is advisable. Crucially, the stability of the connection (low packet loss and consistent latency) is often more important than raw speed. A dedicated internet connection with a static IP address is ideal, as it simplifies port forwarding and ensures consistent server accessibility.

Finally, the operating system (OS) choice is also a factor. Unturned servers can run on both Windows and Linux distributions. Windows Server editions (e.g., Windows Server 2019, 2022) offer a familiar graphical user interface (GUI) and broad software compatibility, making them accessible for less experienced users. Linux distributions, particularly lightweight server-oriented versions like Ubuntu Server or Debian, are often preferred by experienced administrators due to their lower resource overhead, enhanced security features, and command-line efficiency. Regardless of the OS, it is crucial to ensure that it is a 64-bit version to fully utilize available RAM and processor capabilities.

In summary, a well-provisioned Unturned server should aim for a multi-core CPU, ample RAM (4-16 GB depending on scale), fast SSD storage, and a stable, high-bandwidth internet connection. These specifications form the bedrock of a reliable and enjoyable gaming environment.

Beginner's Guide

Embarking on the journey of hosting your own Unturned server can seem daunting at first, but with a structured approach, it becomes an achievable and rewarding endeavor. This guide will walk you through the fundamental steps, from initial setup to getting your server online and ready for players.

The very first step involves acquiring the server files. For Unturned, these are typically distributed via SteamCMD, a command-line version of the Steam client designed for installing and updating game servers. You'll need to download and install SteamCMD on your chosen server machine. Once installed, navigate to the SteamCMD directory via your command prompt or terminal. The command to log in anonymously and download the Unturned server files is login anonymous followed by app_update 304930 validate. The 304930 is the App ID for Unturned on Steam. The validate command ensures the integrity of the downloaded files ( SteamCMD Documentation ). This process will create a new directory, usually named steamapps/common/Unturned, containing all the necessary server files.

Once the files are downloaded, the next crucial step is initial server configuration. Navigate to the Unturned directory. Inside, you'll find a folder named Servers. This is where individual server instances are created. To start, create a new folder within Servers and name it something descriptive, like MyUnturnedServer. Inside this new folder, you'll need to create a batch file (for Windows) or a shell script (for Linux) to launch the server.

For Windows, create a file named start.bat (or similar) and open it with a text editor. The basic command to launch the server is:

@echo off

start "" "..\..\Unturned.exe" -batchmode -nographics -port:27015 -players:16 -maxplayers:24 -name "My Awesome Server" -map "Washington" -mode "Normal" -sync

Let's break down these parameters ( Unturned Server Documentation ):

-batchmode -nographics: These are essential for running the server without a graphical interface, conserving resources.

-port:27015: This specifies the UDP port the server will listen on. 27015 is the default, but you can change it if needed.

-players:16: This sets the initial number of player slots.

-maxplayers:24: This sets the maximum number of player slots.

-name "My Awesome Server": This is the name that will appear in the server browser.

-map "Washington": This specifies the default map to load. Other options include Russia, PEI, Germany, etc.

-mode "Normal": This sets the game mode. Other options include Hardcore, Arena, Survival.

-sync: This ensures the server synchronizes with the Steam backend.

For Linux, you would create a start.sh file with a similar command, replacing Unturned.exe with Unturned.x86_64 (or Unturned.x86 for 32-bit systems) and ensuring the script is executable (chmod +x start.sh).

After creating the launch script, the next critical hurdle is port forwarding. For players to connect to your server from outside your local network, your router needs to be configured to direct incoming traffic on the specified port (e.g., 27015 UDP) to the internal IP address of your server machine. The exact steps for port forwarding vary significantly between router models and internet service providers. Generally, you'll need to access your router's administration interface (usually by typing its IP address, like 192.168.1.1, into a web browser), locate the "Port Forwarding" or "NAT" section, and create a new rule. You'll specify the external port (e.g., 27015), the internal port (e.g., 27015), the protocol (UDP), and the internal IP address of your server ( Networking for Dummies ). It is crucial to ensure your server machine has a static internal IP address to prevent it from changing and breaking the port forward rule.

Once port forwarding is configured, you can launch your server by running the start.bat or start.sh file. A console window will appear, displaying server logs and status messages. You can then attempt to connect to your server from another computer on your local network using its internal IP address, or from an external network using your public IP address. Websites like "whatismyip.com" can help you find your public IP.

Further customization involves editing configuration files. Inside your server's folder (e.g., MyUnturnedServer), a Server folder will be created after the first launch. Within this, you'll find Commands.dat and Config.json. Commands.dat allows you to set various server commands that execute on startup, such as MaxPlayers 24, Welcome "Welcome to my server!", or Loadout "Default". Config.json offers more granular control over game mechanics, such as zombie difficulty, item spawn rates, and vehicle settings. These files are plain text and can be edited with any text editor.

Regularly updating your server is also vital. Unturned receives frequent updates, and running an outdated server can lead to compatibility issues with clients or missed bug fixes and new features. To update, simply stop your server, run the app_update 304930 validate command again in SteamCMD, and then restart your server.

This beginner's guide provides the essential framework for getting your Unturned server operational. As you become more comfortable, you can explore advanced configurations, plugin installations, and custom content to tailor the experience to your community's preferences.

Hosting Service Comparison and Recommendations

Choosing the right hosting service for your Unturned server is a pivotal decision that directly impacts performance, reliability, and the overall player experience. While self-hosting offers maximum control, it demands significant technical expertise and a robust home internet connection. For most gamers, a dedicated game server host or a Virtual Private Server (VPS) provides a more practical and scalable solution. This section will delve into the nuances of various hosting options, comparing their strengths and weaknesses, and offering recommendations tailored for the Unturned community.

Dedicated Game Server Hosts: These providers specialize in hosting game servers, offering pre-configured environments optimized for specific titles like Unturned.

Pros:

Ease of Use: Often feature user-friendly control panels (e.g., TCAdmin, Pterodactyl) that simplify server management, updates, plugin installation, and configuration file editing. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for less technically inclined users ( Game Server Hosting: A Comprehensive Guide ).

Optimized Performance: Hardware is typically chosen and configured for gaming workloads, often featuring high-clock-speed CPUs, ample RAM, and SSD storage. Network infrastructure is usually designed for low latency and high bandwidth.

Customer Support: Dedicated support teams are often knowledgeable about game-specific issues and can assist with common server problems.

DDoS Protection: Many providers include robust Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection as a standard feature, safeguarding your server from malicious attacks.

Instant Setup: Servers are often provisioned and ready to use within minutes of purchase.

Cons:

Cost: Generally more expensive than VPS options for comparable raw resources, as you're paying for the convenience, specialized infrastructure, and support.

Limited Customization: While control panels offer many options, they can sometimes restrict access to the underlying operating system, limiting advanced customization or the installation of non-game-related software.

Resource Sharing (sometimes): While dedicated game servers, the underlying physical hardware might still be shared with other game servers, though resource allocation is usually managed effectively.

Virtual Private Servers (VPS): A VPS provides a virtualized slice of a physical server, offering dedicated resources (CPU, RAM, storage) and root access to the operating system.

Pros:

Cost-Effectiveness: Often more affordable than dedicated game server hosts for a given amount of CPU and RAM, especially for users comfortable with command-line interfaces.

Full Control: Root access allows for complete customization of the operating system, installation of any software, and fine-tuning of server parameters. This is ideal for users who want to run multiple applications or have specific technical requirements.

Scalability: Resources can often be easily upgraded or downgraded as your server's needs change.

Learning Opportunity: Managing a VPS provides invaluable experience in server administration, Linux commands, and networking.

Cons:

Technical Expertise Required: Requires a solid understanding of server administration, command-line operations (especially for Linux VPS), and network configuration (e.g., port forwarding, firewall rules).

No Game-Specific Support: Support is typically limited to the VPS infrastructure itself, not the Unturned server application. You're responsible for all game-related troubleshooting.

Manual Setup: Setting up the Unturned server, SteamCMD, and all configurations is a manual process.

DDoS Protection (variable): While some VPS providers offer DDoS protection, it's not always as robust or game-specific as what dedicated game hosts provide, and may come at an additional cost.

Recommendations for Unturned Gamers:

For the majority of Unturned players looking to host a server, especially those new to server administration, a dedicated game server host is often the most suitable choice. The ease of use, specialized support, and optimized performance significantly reduce the learning curve and potential frustrations. When selecting a provider, consider the following:

Location of Data Centers: Choose a host with data centers geographically close to your player base to minimize latency.

CPU Clock Speed: Unturned benefits from high single-core performance. Inquire about the CPU models and clock speeds offered.

RAM Allocation: Ensure sufficient RAM is provided based on your anticipated player count and mod usage (refer to "Game Server Requirements").

SSD Storage: Prioritize hosts offering SSDs for faster load times and overall responsiveness.

Control Panel: Look for a user-friendly control panel with features relevant to Unturned (e.g., easy mod installation, configuration file editor).

Customer Support: Read reviews about their support responsiveness and knowledge.

DDoS Protection: Confirm robust DDoS mitigation is included.

For experienced users, developers, or those with specific budget constraints and a desire for ultimate control, a VPS can be an excellent option. Providers like DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, or OVHcloud offer reliable VPS services. When choosing a VPS:

Operating System: Opt for a lightweight Linux distribution like Ubuntu Server or Debian for optimal resource utilization.

Resource Allocation: Carefully calculate the required CPU cores, RAM, and SSD storage based on your server's needs.

Network Speed: Ensure the VPS comes with a high-speed network interface and sufficient bandwidth allowance.

Backup Solutions: Implement a robust backup strategy, as the responsibility for data integrity lies entirely with you.

Ultimately, the best hosting solution depends on your technical comfort level, budget, and the specific needs of your Unturned community. Thorough research and reading user reviews are crucial before making a commitment.

Troubleshooting

Even the most meticulously configured Unturned server can encounter issues. Effective troubleshooting requires a systematic approach, starting with identifying the symptoms and then methodically narrowing down the potential causes. This section outlines common problems faced by Unturned server administrators and provides actionable steps to resolve them.

1. Server Not Appearing in Game Browser / Players Cannot Connect:

This is arguably the most frequent issue.

Symptom: Players cannot see your server in the in-game browser or receive "Connection Failed" errors when attempting to connect via direct IP.

Potential Causes & Solutions:

Port Forwarding Issues: This is the prime suspect.

Verification: Use an online port checker tool (e.g., "canyouseeme.org") to verify if your Unturned server port (default 27015 UDP) is open and reachable from the internet.

Router Configuration: Double-check your router's port forwarding rules. Ensure the correct internal IP address of your server machine is specified, the protocol is UDP, and both external and internal ports match.

Firewall: Your server machine's operating system firewall (Windows Firewall, ufw on Linux) might be blocking the connection. Create an inbound rule to allow UDP traffic on your Unturned server port.

Incorrect IP Address: Players might be trying to connect to the wrong IP. Ensure they are using your public IP address, not your local network IP.

Server Not Running: Verify that the server process is actually active. Check the console window or process list (Task Manager on Windows, htop or ps aux on Linux).

Steam Master Server Issues: Occasionally, there might be delays or issues with Steam's master server list. Give it some time, or try connecting directly via IP.

ISP Blocking: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) block certain ports or types of traffic. Contact your ISP if all other steps fail.

2. High Latency (Lag) / Server Choppiness:

Symptom: Players experience noticeable delays between actions and responses, rubber-banding, or general unresponsiveness.

Potential Causes & Solutions:

Insufficient Bandwidth:

Verification: Use online speed tests to check your server's upload and download speeds.

Solution: Upgrade your internet plan or reduce the number of concurrent players if your bandwidth is a bottleneck.

Overloaded CPU:

Verification: Monitor CPU usage (Task Manager, htop). If it's consistently near 100%, the CPU is struggling.

Solution: Reduce player count, remove resource-intensive plugins/mods, or upgrade to a more powerful CPU.

Insufficient RAM:

Verification: Monitor RAM usage. If it's consistently maxed out, the server is swapping to disk, causing slowdowns.

Solution: Increase available RAM, reduce player count, or remove memory-intensive mods.

Poor Network Routing: The path between players and the server might be inefficient. This is often beyond your direct control but can sometimes be mitigated by choosing a hosting provider with better network peering.

Excessive Plugins/Mods: Some plugins or custom content can be poorly optimized and consume significant resources.

Solution: Temporarily disable plugins one by one to identify the culprit.

3. Server Crashing / Freezing:

Symptom: The server process unexpectedly terminates, or the console stops responding.

Potential Causes & Solutions:

Out of Memory (OOM) Errors: The most common cause.

Verification: Check server logs for "Out of Memory" messages.

Solution: Increase RAM, reduce player count, optimize or remove memory-intensive mods.

Corrupted Files: Game files or configuration files can become corrupted.

Solution: Stop the server, run app_update 304930 validate in SteamCMD to verify and repair files, then restart.

Buggy Plugins/Mods: A poorly coded plugin can cause instability.

Solution: Review recent plugin installations. Disable them one by one to identify the problematic one. Check plugin documentation for known issues.

Operating System Issues: Underlying OS problems (e.g., disk errors, driver issues) can affect server stability.

Solution: Ensure your OS is up-to-date, check system logs for errors, and perform disk checks.

Hardware Failure: Rare, but possible with self-hosted servers.

Solution: Run hardware diagnostics.

4. Configuration Changes Not Taking Effect:

Symptom: You modify Commands.dat or Config.json, but the server behaves as if the old settings are still active.

Potential Causes & Solutions:

Server Not Restarted: Most configuration changes require a full server restart to take effect.

Solution: Stop the server completely and then restart it.

Incorrect File Location: You might be editing the wrong Commands.dat or Config.json file.

Verification: Ensure you are editing the files within your specific server instance folder (e.g., Servers/MyUnturnedServer/Server/Commands.dat).

Syntax Errors: JSON files are sensitive to syntax. A missing comma, bracket, or quotation mark can invalidate the entire file.

Solution: Use a JSON validator tool online to check Config.json for errors. Carefully review Commands.dat for typos.

5. Mod/Plugin Issues:

Symptom: Mods aren't loading, causing errors, or conflicting with each other.

Potential Causes & Solutions:

Incorrect Installation:

Solution: Follow the mod/plugin's installation instructions precisely. Ensure files are in the correct directories (e.g., Bundles/Workshop/Content for workshop items, Plugins for RocketMod plugins).

Compatibility Issues: Mods might be outdated or incompatible with your current Unturned server version.

Solution: Check the mod's documentation or community forums for compatibility information. Update the mod or the server if necessary.

Conflicts: Two or more mods might be trying to modify the same game aspect, leading to conflicts.

Solution: Disable mods one by one to identify the conflicting ones. Look for alternative mods or seek support from the mod authors.

Missing Dependencies: Some plugins require other plugins or libraries to function.

Solution: Read the plugin's requirements carefully and ensure all dependencies are installed.

General Troubleshooting Tips:

Check Server Logs: The server console and log files (usually in Servers/MyUnturnedServer/Server/Logs) are your best friends. They often contain error messages that pinpoint the problem.

Restart First: A simple restart can often resolve transient issues.

Isolate the Problem: If you've made multiple changes, revert them one by one until the issue disappears, or test changes individually.

Consult Community Resources: The Unturned community forums, Discord servers, and wikis are excellent sources of information and support.

Backup Regularly: Before making significant changes or installing new mods, always back up your server files. This allows you to revert to a working state if something goes wrong.

By approaching troubleshooting systematically and utilizing available resources, you can effectively diagnose and resolve most Unturned server issues, ensuring a stable and enjoyable experience for your players.

Performance Optimization Tips

Achieving optimal performance for your Unturned server is a continuous process, focusing on maximizing resource utilization and minimizing latency. Beyond simply meeting the minimum system requirements, several strategies can be employed to fine-tune your server for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, especially crucial for competitive or heavily populated servers.

1. Hardware and Infrastructure Optimization:

Prioritize CPU Clock Speed: Unturned, like many Unity-based games, is often more reliant on single-core CPU performance than raw core count. When choosing a server or VPS, prioritize processors with higher clock speeds (e.g., 3.5 GHz+) over those with many cores but lower individual core speeds. This directly impacts the server's ability to process game logic efficiently.

Utilize SSDs: As previously mentioned, Solid State Drives are non-negotiable for performance. They drastically reduce load times for maps, player data, and asset streaming, minimizing I/O bottlenecks that can cause micro-stutters or delays. Ensure your server's operating system and game files reside on an SSD.

Ample RAM: While Unturned has a base RAM requirement, allocating more than the minimum is a form of optimization. More RAM means the server can cache more game data, reducing the need to constantly read from slower storage. This is particularly important for servers with many players, large custom maps, or numerous plugins. Monitor RAM usage and aim to keep it below 80% utilization during peak times to allow for overhead.

Stable Network Connection: A low-latency, high-bandwidth, and stable internet connection is paramount. Packet loss and jitter can severely degrade the player experience, even with powerful hardware. If self-hosting, ensure your network is not saturated by other activities. For hosted solutions, choose providers with robust network infrastructure and good peering to your target player base.

2. Server Configuration and Game Settings:

Player Count Management: While tempting to host as many players as possible, exceeding your server's capacity is a primary cause of lag. Experiment with different MaxPlayers settings in your launch script or Commands.dat to find the sweet spot where performance remains acceptable. A lower player count on a stable server is always preferable to a high player count on a laggy one.

Map Choice and Size: Larger, more complex maps with a high density of objects (trees, buildings, props) naturally demand more resources. If performance is an issue, consider using smaller or less graphically intensive maps, or optimizing custom maps by reducing unnecessary detail.

Game Mode and Difficulty: Certain game modes (e.g., Arena) or higher difficulty settings (more zombies, faster spawns) can increase server load. Adjust these settings in Config.json to balance challenge with performance.

Zombie Spawns and AI: The number and behavior of AI-controlled entities (zombies, animals) significantly impact CPU usage. In Config.json, you can adjust Zombie_Spawn_Rate, Max_Zombies, and Zombie_Aggro_Range to reduce the load. Lowering these values can yield noticeable performance gains.

Item Spawns: High item spawn rates can increase server load as it constantly tracks and manages numerous entities. Adjust Item_Spawn_Rate in Config.json if necessary.

Vehicle Spawns: Similar to items, a large number of active vehicles can consume resources. Consider reducing Vehicle_Spawn_Rate or Max_Vehicles if vehicles are contributing to lag.

Save Interval: The Save_Interval setting (in Config.json) determines how frequently the server saves world data. While frequent saves are good for data integrity, very short intervals can cause brief hitches. A balance of 300-600 seconds (5-10 minutes) is often optimal.

3. Software and Operating System Tuning:

Lightweight Operating System: For VPS or dedicated servers, a minimal installation of a Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu Server, Debian) is generally more resource-efficient than a full-fledged Windows Server installation with a GUI. Linux typically has lower overhead, freeing up CPU and RAM for the game server.

Keep OS and Drivers Updated: Ensure your operating system and, if applicable, hardware drivers (especially network drivers) are up-to-date. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.

Disable Unnecessary Services: On your server machine, disable any operating system services or background applications that are not essential for the Unturned server's operation. This frees up CPU cycles and RAM.

Firewall Configuration: While necessary for security, ensure your firewall rules are optimized and not causing unnecessary processing overhead. Only open the ports absolutely required for Unturned and SSH/RDP access.

RocketMod and Plugins:

Selective Plugin Use: Only install plugins that are truly necessary for your server's vision. Each plugin adds overhead.

Monitor Plugin Performance: Some plugins are poorly optimized. If you notice performance degradation after installing a new plugin, temporarily disable it to see if performance improves.

Keep Plugins Updated: Plugin developers often release updates that include performance enhancements and bug fixes.

Regular Server Restarts: While not a direct optimization, regular server restarts (e.g., daily or every 12-24 hours) can help clear memory leaks, refresh server processes, and ensure a clean state, preventing gradual performance degradation over time. Automate this process using cron jobs (Linux) or Task Scheduler (Windows).

4. Network Optimization (Advanced):

Quality of Service (QoS): If self-hosting, configure QoS on your router to prioritize game server traffic over other network activities (e.g., streaming, downloads).

Server Location: Choose a hosting provider with data centers geographically close to the majority of your player base to minimize ping.

DNS Optimization: While less impactful for direct IP connections, ensuring your server's DNS resolution is efficient can contribute to faster initial connections.

By diligently applying these performance optimization tips, you can significantly enhance the stability, responsiveness, and overall enjoyment of your Unturned server, providing a superior gaming experience for your community.

Technical Q&A

This section addresses common technical questions that arise during the setup, maintenance, and optimization of an Unturned server. The answers aim to provide clear, concise, and actionable information for both novice and experienced administrators.

Q1: What is the difference between a dedicated server and a listen server in Unturned?

A dedicated server is a standalone application that runs independently of any player's game client. It is designed solely to host the game world and manage player connections, typically running on a separate machine or a hosting service. Dedicated servers offer superior performance, stability, and uptime, as they are not tied to a player's game session. A listen server, conversely, is hosted directly from a player's game client. When a player starts a "Host" game from the Unturned main menu, they are creating a listen server. This type of server is convenient for casual play with friends but suffers from performance limitations (as the host's machine is simultaneously running the game client and server), is dependent on the host's internet connection, and shuts down when the host leaves the game. For any serious or public Unturned community, a dedicated server is the only viable option.

Q2: How do I install RocketMod and plugins on my Unturned server?

RocketMod is a popular server modification framework for Unturned that enables the use of plugins to extend server functionality.

Download RocketMod: Obtain the latest stable release of RocketMod from its official GitHub repository or website. It typically comes as a .zip file.

Extract Files: Extract the contents of the RocketMod .zip file directly into your Unturned server's main directory (the one containing Unturned.exe or Unturned.x86_64). This will usually add a Rocket folder and modify some existing files.

Launch Server: Start your Unturned server. RocketMod will initialize and create necessary folders, including a Plugins folder within your server instance (e.g., Servers/MyUnturnedServer/Server/Rocket/Plugins).

Install Plugins: Download desired RocketMod plugins (usually .dll files). Place these .dll files directly into the Plugins folder.

Restart Server: Restart your Unturned server to load the newly installed plugins.

Configuration: Many plugins generate their own configuration files (often .json or .xml) within their respective plugin folders after the first launch. Edit these files to customize plugin behavior.

Q3: What are the common ports Unturned uses, and why is port forwarding necessary?

Unturned primarily uses UDP port 27015 for game client connections. If you are running multiple Unturned servers on the same machine, each server will need a unique port (e.g., 27015, 27016, 27017). Additionally, Unturned servers often communicate with Steam's master server list and authentication services, which typically use UDP ports 27016 and 27017, though these are usually handled automatically by the server application and Steam's backend.

Port forwarding is necessary because your home router acts as a firewall, blocking unsolicited incoming connections from the internet to devices on your local network. When a player tries to connect to your Unturned server, their connection request arrives at your router's public IP address. Without port forwarding, the router doesn't know which internal device (your server machine) should receive that request and simply drops it. Port forwarding creates a rule that tells the router: "Any incoming UDP traffic on port 27015 should be directed to the internal IP address of my Unturned server machine". This allows external players to bypass your router's firewall and reach your server.