How to Host a Unturned Server for Free: A Guide for Devs

Welcome, Devs! If you’re interested in hosting a free Unturned server, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to setting up and maintaining your own server, without having to spend a penny. Whether you’re a seasoned server host or a newbie, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!

Section 1: What is Unturned?

If you’re new to this game, here’s a quick overview. Unturned is a sandbox zombie survival game developed by Smartly Dressed Games. It’s available for free on Steam and is played by millions of people worldwide. In the game, players must scavenge for resources, build shelter, and fight off hordes of zombies. It’s a fun and challenging game that can be even better when played with friends on your own private server.

FAQ

Question
Answer
How many players can play on a server?
Unturned servers can support up to 24 players.
Do I need a powerful computer to host a server?
No, you don’t. Unturned is not a very demanding game, so most computers can handle hosting a server.
Do I need to pay for a server host?
No, you don’t. You can host a server for free using your own computer and an internet connection.

Section 2: Requirements

Before we get started, here are the things you’ll need:

  • A computer with at least 4GB of RAM
  • A good internet connection (at least 1Mbps upload speed)
  • The latest version of the Unturned server software

FAQ

Question
Answer
What is the latest version of the Unturned server software?
The latest version is 3.0.
Can I use an older version of the server software?
No, you cannot. The game client and server must be running the same version to work properly.
Can I use a virtual private server (VPS) to host my server?
Yes, you can. However, this will require more technical knowledge and may not be as cost-effective as hosting on your own computer.

Section 3: Installation

Now that you have all the necessary requirements, it’s time to install the server software. Here are the steps:

  1. Download the latest version of the Unturned server software from the official website.
  2. Extract the files to a folder on your computer.
  3. Open the folder and run the “Unturned.exe” file.
  4. The server software will now run and generate the necessary files for your server.

That’s it! Your server is now up and running. However, there are a few more steps you’ll need to take to make sure it’s accessible to other players.

FAQ

Question
Answer
Do I need to configure any settings for the server?
Yes, you do. We’ll cover that in the next section.
Can I use a different folder to extract the files?
Yes, you can. Just remember to update the file paths in the server configuration file.
Do I need to run the server software every time I want to play on my server?
No, you don’t. Once the server is up and running, it will continue to run in the background.

Section 4: Configuration

Now that your server is running, you’ll need to configure it to your liking. Here are the steps:

  1. Open the folder where you extracted the server files.
  2. Find the file named “Commands.dat” and open it with a text editor.
  3. Enter the following commands to change the server settings:
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Command
Description
@server Welcome to my server!
Sets the welcome message displayed to players when they join your server.
@server PvE
Changes the game mode to PvE (player versus environment).
@server MaxPlayers 10
Limits the number of players that can join your server to 10.

Save the file and restart your server for the changes to take effect.

FAQ

Question
Answer
What other server settings can I change?
You can change things like the server name, difficulty level, and spawn rate of zombies and items. Check out the Unturned wiki for more information.
Can I change the server settings while the server is running?
Yes, you can. Just remember to save the “Commands.dat” file and restart the server for the changes to take effect.
Can I set a password for my server?
Yes, you can. Just add the command “@server Password mypassword” to the “Commands.dat” file.

Section 5: Maintenance

Now that your server is up and running, you’ll need to keep it maintained. Here are a few tips:

  • Regularly check the server logs for any errors or warnings.
  • Make backups of your server files in case of a crash or corruption.
  • Monitor player behavior and enforce rules if necessary.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your server runs smoothly and remains a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

FAQ

Question
Answer
How often should I check the server logs?
It’s a good idea to check them at least once a day.
How do I make backups of my server files?
Simply make a copy of the entire server folder and store it in a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
What are some common rules for Unturned servers?
Rules can vary, but some common ones include no griefing, no cheating, and no spamming in chat.

Conclusion

Hosting an Unturned server for free is a great way to enjoy the game with friends or even start your own community. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be up and running in no time. Remember to regularly check and maintain your server to ensure it runs smoothly and remains a fun experience for everyone. Happy gaming!