Unturned server setup with Rocket plugins

Unturned is a free-to-play zombie survival game with a massive player base, especially among younger gamers. Its low system requirements and free server hosting make it one of the most accessible multiplayer games. Plugins transform the vanilla experience into roleplay, PvP or creative servers.

Requirements

• RAM: 1 to 2 GB. Unturned is very lightweight.
• CPU: a single core is enough for most servers.
• Storage: 3 to 5 GB.
• Port: 27015 UDP (default).

Installation

1. Select Unturned in the game panel, or install via SteamCMD (app ID 1110390) on a VPS.
2. Edit Commands.dat with server settings:

   name MyServer
   port 27015
   map PEI
   maxplayers 24
   mode normal
   perspective both
   

3. Start the server.

Maps

Built-in maps:

• PEI: the classic starter map. Small, balanced.
• Washington: larger, more loot variety.
• Russia: the largest official map with the most content.
• Germany: detailed map with unique locations.

Workshop maps are installed by adding the Workshop ID to the startup parameters.

Rocket/OpenMod plugins

Rocket (RocketMod) is the plugin framework for Unturned, similar to what Bukkit is for Minecraft:

1. Install Rocket from the game panel (usually a toggle in Startup) or download from the Rocket website.
2. Place plugin .dll files in Rocket/Plugins/.
3. Restart. Configure plugins in their XML files in the same folder.

Popular plugins: Kits (free items on cooldown), TPA (teleport requests), Shop (buy/sell items), Warps (teleport points), Vault (secure storage).

Permissions

Rocket uses a permissions system similar to LuckPerms:

• Groups are defined in Rocket/Permissions.config.xml.
• Each group has a list of permissions (e.g., kits.vip, tpa.use).
• Assign players to groups with /p add [player] [group].

Is Unturned still popular?

Yes. Unturned consistently has 20,000 to 40,000 concurrent players on Steam. Its free-to-play model and low requirements keep a steady player base, especially in the 12 to 18 age range.

Can I monetize an Unturned server?

Yes, through Tebex or similar platforms. Sell kits, ranks, cosmetic items and VIP access. The same principles as Minecraft monetization apply: avoid pay-to-win.

Unturned servers run on game plans at HostValues. Even the cheapest plan handles Unturned easily.