If you're a fan of Unturned and want to take your gameplay to the next level, why not try hosting your own Unturned server?
Not sure where to begin?
Don’t worry – it’s easier than you think! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Unturned server hosting, from the benefits and must-have features to tips on finding the best hosting provider. Let’s get your server up and running!
What Is Unturned Server Hosting?
Unturned server hosting refers to the setup of a dedicated environment for running an instance of the Unturned game independently from your own PC. This server can be rented from a hosting provider or set up manually on your hardware.
It enables players to:
- Create custom game modes and maps.
- Run 24/7 multiplayer sessions without needing to be online personally.
- Maintain administrative control over rules, player permissions, and plugins.
- Improve latency and performance by choosing optimal server locations.
Hosting a dedicated server is ideal for both casual players who want to enjoy a smoother experience with friends, and for community leaders aiming to run modded, roleplay, or PvP-focused servers for dozens or even hundreds of players.
Key Benefits Of Unturned Server Hosting
Hosting your own Unturned server unlocks a wide range of advantages that go far beyond what peer-to-peer or public servers can offer. From full gameplay customization to better performance, mod support, and community growth, here are the top reasons why dedicated server hosting is the ideal choice for serious players and server owners alike.
Custom Gameplay Experience
With dedicated hosting, you're not limited to vanilla Unturned gameplay. You can install custom maps, enable unique rulesets (like PvE zones or no-griefing areas), and create immersive experiences that go beyond the default setup. Whether it’s a zombie survival server with realistic mods or a creative RP world with economy systems, you have full control.
Improved Performance And Uptime
Compared to peer-to-peer hosting, where game stability depends on the host player’s connection, dedicated hosting ensures consistent uptime and server availability. Premium hosts often use enterprise-grade hardware, so you’ll notice faster load times, smoother gameplay, and reduced latency.
Mod And Plugin Support
Unturned has a rich ecosystem of mods and plugins thanks to Steam Workshop, RocketMod, and OpenMod. Hosting your own server gives you the ability to customize your game with:
- Custom weapons, vehicles, and building tools.
- Server-side plugins for permissions, shops, and events.
- Unique mechanics like quests, factions, or skill trees.
Community Building
Running a server means creating a space that others can return to. Players can build, roleplay, and grow their characters over time. Many servers evolve into active Discord communities, YouTube series, or long-term friend groups. A dedicated server helps your world persist and thrive.
Automated Backups And Updates
Professional server hosting companies often provide automatic backup systems to prevent data loss. That means if something crashes or gets corrupted, you can restore your world in minutes. Plus, software updates—including game patches and mod updates—can be managed automatically or manually with a few clicks.
Scalability
You can start small and expand. If your server grows, many hosting providers let you scale up your resources (RAM, slots, CPU) to accommodate more players and content. This flexibility makes hosting future-proof as your needs evolve.
Is An Unturned Server Necessary For Gaming?
While hosting a server isn’t required to play Unturned, it significantly enhances the experience in many scenarios:
- Single-player limitations: Single-player Unturned lacks multiplayer fun, mod control, and persistent world advantages.
- Peer-to-peer reliability: If your friend hosting the game disconnects or lags, everyone suffers. Peer-hosted games are unstable and unsuited for larger groups.
- Modding limitations: Steam Workshop mods and plugins like RocketMod require consistent uptime and admin access to function smoothly—something only possible on a dedicated server.
In short:
If you want a professional, lag-free, modded, or community-driven Unturned experience, then yes—a dedicated server is practically essential.
7 Features To Look For In Unturned Server Hosting
Finding the best Unturned server hosting can make or break your gameplay experience. Beyond just choosing a provider that supports Unturned, it’s important to evaluate the technical features and services that will impact your server’s performance, security, and flexibility. Here are seven must-have features to look for:
1. DDoS Protection
Multiplayer games are frequent targets for DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks. Without protection, your server could go down from even small attacks. Reliable providers offer built-in DDoS mitigation to keep your server online 24/7.
2. Mod And Workshop Integration
Look for services that offer one-click mod installations, automatic mod syncing, or built-in Steam Workshop support. Full support for RocketMod and OpenMod is a must if you want to customize gameplay with advanced plugins.
3. Automated Backups
A server crash, power failure, or accidental deletion can wipe out your entire world. Hosts with daily or on-demand backup options give you peace of mind.
4. High Performance Hardware
The server’s hardware directly impacts gameplay. SSD storage, modern CPUs, and generous RAM allocations reduce lag and support smoother performance, which is especially important for large maps or player counts.
5. Easy Configuration And Panel Access
A beginner-friendly control panel like Pterodactyl, Multicraft, or TCAdmin simplifies server setup. You should be able to install mods, manage players, and edit config files without needing to SSH or edit code manually.
6. 24/7 Dedicated Support
Problems don’t follow business hours. Choose a host with 24/7 live chat or ticket support, especially if you're not experienced with server management.
7. Location Options
Low ping equals better gameplay. Look for hosts with servers in multiple regions—North America, Europe, Asia, etc.—to pick the closest one to your player base.
How To Find The Best Unturned Server Host
There are dozens of hosting companies out there. Use these tips to narrow down the best option:
Check User Reviews And Reputation
Community forums, Trustpilot, Reddit, and even Steam discussions are great places to find honest feedback. Be cautious of companies with repeated complaints about downtime or poor support.
Compare Pricing And Plans
Look at more than just the price. What resources (RAM, slots, CPU priority) are included? Does the host charge for basic features like mod installation or backups? Some providers may offer “cheap” plans that lack essentials.
Assess Customization Options
You want full control over your server. Make sure your host allows:
- Full FTP access.
- Command-line arguments or launch options.
- Plugin and config file editing.
- Scheduled restarts or tasks.
Evaluate Support Quality
Try sending a support question before buying—see how fast and helpful they are. A knowledgeable and responsive support team can save hours of frustration later.
Explore Pine Hosting’s Unturned Server Hosting Options
Pine Hosting is one of the best Unturned server hosting providers, offering a balance of performance, ease of use, and reliable support. Whether you're hosting a private world for a few friends or building a large modded server for a community, Pine Hosting delivers the tools and infrastructure you need.
What Are The Perks With Pine Hosting:
- Instant Setup- With Pine Hosting, your Unturned server is up and running within minutes after purchase. The deployment process is fully automated—no manual configuration or waiting periods required
- One-Click Mod Support- Installing mods and plugins can often be a time-consuming task—but not with Pine Hosting. Quickly install Steam Workshop mods or manage RocketMod/OpenMod plugins without needing technical knowledge.
- User-Friendly Control Panel- Manage your server with ease using our custom web-based panel, including file management with built-in FTP or web-based file editing, console commands, backups, and more. This gives you full control without needing to mess with complex server commands or external tools.
- DDoS Protection- Your server is protected 24/7 with enterprise-grade DDoS mitigation. Whether you’re hosting a competitive PvP environment or a peaceful survival world, your players won’t have to worry about lag spikes or downtime caused by malicious traffic.
- Daily Backups- Mistakes happen—whether it’s a corrupted save, a rogue plugin update, or simply wanting to roll back to an earlier version of your map. Pine Hosting's automatic backups ensure your server is always protected. It allows you to plan backups with our automated schedules and restore your server quickly, so you are always prepared in case something goes wrong.
- Global Server Locations- Latency makes a huge difference in Unturned. Pine Hosting offers a wide range of global server locations, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and more. You can choose the location closest to your player base to ensure the lowest ping and smoothest gameplay possible.
- 24/7 Support- Whether you need help installing a plugin, troubleshooting lag, or customizing server settings, Pine Hosting’s technical support team is available around the clock. You can reach them via the ticket system, live chat, or email.
Whether you're starting your first Unturned server or scaling an existing one, Pine Hosting provides a flexible and dependable solution to support your gaming ambitions.
Embark on a more reliable Unturned server hosting journey today by purchasing any of our game server packages.
