--- title: "How to host an Unturned server on a Linux VPS | StreetHosting" description: "Unturned server on a Linux VPS: install it with SteamCMD, set up Commands.dat and a GSLT, add Workshop maps and OpenMod plugins, and open the ports." url: "https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server" type: "page" language: "en-US" --- VPS · 9 min · Intermediate Published on Sep 28, 2026 · Updated on Sep 28, 2026 # Unturned dedicated server on Linux: from SteamCMD to the first player Unturned ships a native Linux dedicated server and runs well on a small VPS. This guide covers installation, configuration, maps, plugins and ports, including the details that most often take down a new server. By [Equipe StreetHosting](https://streethosting.com.br/en/autores#equipe-streethosting) · StreetHosting infrastructure and support team [Linux administration](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/topics/linux) [Hardware and datacenter](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/topics/hardware) [Minecraft plugins](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/topics/plugins) [Other games](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/topics/other-games) Summarize with: [](https://chat.openai.com/?q=Summarize%20the%20key%20points%20of%20this%20StreetHosting%20guide%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fstreethosting.com.br%2Fen%2Fguides%2Fvps%2Fhost-unturned-server.%20Highlight%20the%20step-by-step%20instructions%2C%20the%20prerequisites%20and%20the%20most%20common%20mistakes. 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Unturned is lightweight: a VPS with 2 vCPU and 4 GB of RAM covers most communities. ## Requirements and VPS sizing[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#requisitos) Unturned is one of the cheapest survival games to host. The server is native to Linux, does not need a graphics card and spends most of its time on a single main thread, so what matters most is processor clock speed, not core count. Memory grows with three things: map size, the number of Workshop mods and maps, and the volume of structures and vehicles players accumulate in the world. | Scenario | Players | Server RAM | vCPU | Suggested VPS | | ----------------------------------------- | ---------- | ------------ | ------ | ----------------------------- | | Group of friends, official map, no mods | Up to 12 | Up to 1 GB | 1 vCPU | Ryzen 1 vCPU, 2 GB, R$ 40.00 | | Public community with a few plugins | 12 to 24 | 1 to 2 GB | 2 vCPU | Ryzen 2 vCPU, 4 GB, R$ 66.00 | | Large Workshop map and many mods | 24 to 48 | 2 to 4 GB | 3 vCPU | Ryzen 3 vCPU, 6 GB, R$ 92.00 | | Roleplay or two instances on the same VPS | 48 or more | 4 GB or more | 4 vCPU | Ryzen 4 vCPU, 8 GB, R$ 118.00 | The RAM figures in the table are a reference for the game process itself. The VPS needs headroom above that for Ubuntu, for SteamCMD during updates and for the spikes when many people join at once. On disk, the installation takes a few gigabytes and every Workshop map or mod adds more, so servers with a large content collection call for 40 GB of NVMe or more. The explanation of why clock speed matters more than core count for this kind of game is in [single thread vs multi thread CPU for servers](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/infrastructure/single-thread-vs-multi-thread-cpu). ## Install with SteamCMD[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#instalar) The commands below were written for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and work the same way on 22.04. SteamCMD lives in the multiverse repository and depends on 32-bit libraries, hence the first two commands. During installation, apt shows the Steam license: accept it to continue. `sudo add-apt-repository multiverse sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 sudo apt update sudo apt install -y steamcmd lib32gcc-s1 screen sudo adduser --disabled-password --gecos "" unturned` The last command creates a user just for the game. Running a game server as root is an unnecessary risk: if a plugin or the process itself gets exploited, the attacker owns the whole machine. The step-by-step for users and permissions is in [creating a sudo user on your VPS](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/create-sudo-user-linux-vps). Now log in as that user and download the server. Note that `+force_install_dir` comes before `+login`, the order SteamCMD requires. `sudo -iu unturned /usr/games/steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/unturned/servidor +login anonymous +app_update 1110390 validate +quit` The same command updates the server later on. SteamCMD only downloads the difference, but the server must be stopped during the update. ## First run and folders[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#primeira-execucao) The Linux server ships with the ServerHelper.sh script, which prepares the environment and starts the executable. The argument after the plus sign sets the server type and the name of the folder where everything gets saved. Use `+InternetServer` for a public server and `+LanServer` only for a local network. `cd /home/unturned/servidor ./ServerHelper.sh +InternetServer/MeuServidor` Wait for the map to finish loading and type `shutdown` in the console to stop with a save. The first run creates the Servers/MeuServidor folder, which holds everything that matters for that server: * **Server/Commands.dat:** commands executed at startup, such as name, map, slots and token. If the file is not there, create an empty one with that name. * **Config.json:** detailed gameplay rules, such as item, zombie and vehicle behavior and server browser options. * **WorkshopDownloadConfig.json:** the list of Workshop maps and mods the server downloads on startup. * **Level and Players:**the saved world and each player's data. These are the folders your backup needs to cover. One installation can serve several servers. Each name after `+InternetServer/` creates an independent folder with its own world, players and configuration. Just give each one a different port. ## Configure Commands.dat and the GSLT[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#configurar) Commands.dat takes one command per line. This is a starting point for a public Brazilian server: `Name Servidor da Galera BR Map PEI Port 27015 MaxPlayers 24 Perspective Both Mode Normal Owner 76561198000000000 Welcome Bem vindo ao servidor da galera! GSLT SEU_TOKEN_AQUI` * **Name and Welcome:** the name shown in the server list and the message players see when they join. * **Map:** the map to load. PEI, Washington, Russia, Germany and Yukon are among the official ones. Workshop maps use the name set by their author. * **Port:** the base port. The server uses it and the next one, both UDP. * **Perspective and Mode:** allowed camera (First, Third, Both or Vehicle) and difficulty (Easy, Normal or Hard). * **Owner:** your SteamID64, which gets admin permission. For a private server, add a `Password sua_senha` line. The GSLT token is what makes the server show up in the public list. Generate yours on Steam's game server management page, entering app 304930, which is the Unturned app for players, and paste the value on the GSLT line. The Steam account you use has to meet Valve's rules for generating tokens, and each server must have its own token. Config.json also has a field for the token if you prefer to keep it there. Details on every command are in the [official Unturned server hosting documentation](https://github.com/SmartlyDressedGames/U3-Docs/blob/master/ServerHosting.md). A server token is a credential. Do not publish Commands.dat in a public repository or in a screenshot on Discord: with the token in hand, someone else can advertise a server using your account. ## Workshop maps and mods[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#mapas-workshop) Workshop maps and mods come in through WorkshopDownloadConfig.json. The generated file already has several options; touch only the `File_IDs` list, adding the number that appears in the URL of each Workshop item: `"File_IDs": [ 1234567890, 2345678901 ],` On the next startup the server downloads the items, and players automatically receive the same content when they connect. If one of the items is a map, change the Map line in Commands.dat to that map's name. When an author updates a mod, the server has to restart to download the new version, and players on a different version cannot join until that happens. * Add one item at a time and test before adding the next * Prefer mods with recent updates and comments from active servers * Large maps raise RAM and load time: measure after switching * Keep the IDs in a separate file so you can rebuild the server fast ## Plugins with OpenMod[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#plugins-openmod) Economy, kit, teleport, base protection and admin plugins depend on a framework. The recommended path today is OpenMod, which is actively maintained and loads plugins distributed as packages. RocketMod, which dominated for years, still ships with the server in the Extras folder, but it is treated as legacy. OpenMod's practical advantage is that it can run a good share of the old RocketMod plugins, so you do not lose the catalog when you migrate. 1. Download the OpenMod module for Unturned from the project's releases page and extract it into the Modules folder of the server installation. 2. Start the server. OpenMod creates its own configuration folder inside Servers/MeuServidor. 3. Install plugins from the console with `openmod install NomeDoPacote` and restart to load them. 4. Set up permissions per group before opening the server to the public. Every plugin takes memory and runs code on every server tick. A poorly written plugin drags down performance for everyone, which is why the rule is to install only what the community actually uses. After major Unturned updates, check that the plugins have been updated before restarting at peak hours. ## Ports, firewall and service[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#portas-servico) With base port 27015, open the pair in UDP. The [UFW firewall on your VPS](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/ufw-firewall-ubuntu-vps) guide explains how to enable UFW without locking yourself out of SSH. `sudo ufw allow 27015:27016/udp sudo ufw status` To have the server come back on its own after a VPS reboot while keeping the console reachable, run the game inside a screen session managed by systemd. Create the file `/etc/systemd/system/unturned.service`: `[Unit] Description=Servidor Unturned After=network-online.target Wants=network-online.target [Service] Type=forking User=unturned WorkingDirectory=/home/unturned/servidor ExecStart=/usr/bin/screen -dmS unturned ./ServerHelper.sh +InternetServer/MeuServidor ExecStop=/usr/bin/screen -S unturned -X stuff "shutdown^M" Restart=always RestartSec=15 [Install] WantedBy=multi-user.target` Enable it with `sudo systemctl daemon-reload && sudo systemctl enable --now unturned`. To view the console, use `sudo -iu unturned screen -r unturned` and detach without stopping with Ctrl+A followed by D. With `Restart=always`, a shutdown typed in the console becomes a restart; to stop for good, use `sudo systemctl stop unturned`. For backups, stop the service or use the overnight hours and copy the entire Servers/MeuServidor folder off the VPS. The [automated backup with Restic and cron](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/vps-backup-restic-cron) guide solves that with retention and an off-site copy. ## Which VPS to choose[](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#onde-rodar) Since Unturned uses little memory and depends on a fast core, the most balanced choice is the [Ryzen 9 9950X VPS](https://streethosting.com.br/en/vps/ryzen), with clocks up to 5.7 GHz, DDR5 memory and NVMe in São Paulo. The R$ 40.00 plan, with 1 vCPU, 2 GB and 20 GB of NVMe, handles a group of friends on an official map. The R$ 66.00 plan, with 2 vCPU, 4 GB and 40 GB, is the sweet spot for a public community with plugins and a few Workshop maps. Roleplay servers or two instances on the same machine do well on the R$ 92.00 plan (3 vCPU, 6 GB) or the R$ 118.00 plan (4 vCPU, 8 GB). If you want the lowest possible cost for a small server, also look at the Xeon line, which starts at R$ 26.00 with 2 vCPU and 2 GB. It delivers more vCPU per real spent, with a lower clock per core. Both lines are in the [VPS hub](https://streethosting.com.br/en/vps), with Anti-DDoS included, root access and activation within 60 seconds after payment. If the community grows, the upgrade is done from the control panel, charges only the prorated difference for the cycle and requires a VM reboot. To compare with another game that uses the same SteamCMD flow, see [how to host a Garry's Mod server](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-garrys-mod-server), and to understand what the network protection does in your case, read [Anti-DDoS for game servers](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/infrastructure/anti-ddos-game-server-brazil). In this guide * [Requirements and VPS sizing](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#requisitos) * [Install with SteamCMD](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#instalar) * [First run and folders](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#primeira-execucao) * [Configure Commands.dat and the GSLT](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#configurar) * [Workshop maps and mods](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#mapas-workshop) * [Plugins with OpenMod](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#plugins-openmod) * [Ports, firewall and service](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#portas-servico) * [Which VPS to choose](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-unturned-server#onde-rodar) ## Frequently asked questions How much RAM does an Unturned server need? A server on an official map with no mods usually stays under 1 GB of memory. Large Workshop maps, lots of mods and dozens of players push usage to 2 to 4 GB. A VPS with 4 GB covers most communities with headroom for the system. Does Unturned have a dedicated server for Linux? It does. The official dedicated server is SteamCMD app 1110390 and runs natively on Linux, started by the ServerHelper.sh script that ships with the installation. No Wine or Windows needed. Do I need a GSLT for my Unturned server to show up in the server list? Yes. Without a Game Server Login Token the server stays off the public internet list, although it still accepts direct connections by IP. The token is generated for free on Steam's game server management page, using app 304930, which is the game's app ID. Which ports does an Unturned server use? The server uses the port set in Commands.dat plus the next one, both UDP. With the default port 27015, open 27015 and 27016 UDP in the VPS firewall. If you change the port, open the new pair. OpenMod or RocketMod for Unturned plugins? For a new server, OpenMod. It is the framework being maintained today, installs plugins as packages from the console and can load a good share of the old RocketMod plugins. RocketMod is still available as legacy in the server's Extras folder, but it is no longer evolving. Next step See VPS plans Root VPS in Brazil with NVMe and Anti-DDoS. [See VPS plans](https://streethosting.com.br/en/vps) [See Ryzen VPS Ryzen 9 9950X VPS in São Paulo with root access, NVMe and gamer Anti-DDoS.](https://streethosting.com.br/en/vps/ryzen) ## Related guides [VPS Intermediate How to host a Garry's Mod server on a Linux VPS The Garry's Mod server runs natively on Linux and is a free download through SteamCMD. See how much VPS each game mode needs, how to configure it, distribute Workshop addons, administer with ULX and keep the database backed up. 10 min Read guide](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/host-garrys-mod-server) [VPS Beginner UFW on Ubuntu VPS: firewall rules without losing SSH UFW makes the Ubuntu firewall simpler, but one rule in the wrong order locks you out of your VPS. Learn how to enable it without losing SSH, open only what you need, deal with Docker, and get back in through the console if something goes wrong. 10 min Read guide](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/ufw-firewall-ubuntu-vps) [VPS Intermediate How to create a sudo user on a Linux VPS Running as root all the time is risky: one wrong command affects everything. The best practice is to create a regular user with sudo and keep root for when you really need it. 3 min Read guide](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides/vps/create-sudo-user-linux-vps) [← Back to the Guide Center](https://streethosting.com.br/en/guides)