Install Steam Workshop Mods and Maps on an Unturned Server

Overview

Vanilla Unturned is fun, but the default maps and gameplay can start feeling familiar after enough runs. Since Unturned maps are fixed rather than procedurally generated, Steam Workshop content is the usual way to add fresh locations, items, vehicles, and other server changes.

This guide explains how to install Workshop mods and maps on an Unturned server through the automatic downloader, plus how to upload files manually when a mod comes from another source.

Find the Workshop ID

1. Open the Unturned page on the Steam Workshop.
2. Select the mod or map you want to install.
3. Look at the URL and find the `?id=` section.

1. Copy the number after `?id=` and save it somewhere easy to reach.
2. Repeat this for every Workshop item you want to add.

Open the Workshop Download Config

1. Go to your server panel and stop the server.
2. Open your FTP client and log in.
3. Enter the `Servers` folder, then open the folder for your active world.

1. Find `WorkshopDownloadConfig.json` and choose the edit option.

Add Mod IDs to the Downloader

Inside `WorkshopDownloadConfig.json`, locate the `File_IDs` section.

Add a new line inside the brackets for each Workshop item you want the server to download.

Paste one Workshop ID on each line. Add a comma after every ID except the final one. JSON is picky like that, because apparently punctuation needed a career in server administration.

Save the file, then restart the server. During startup, Unturned should download the listed Workshop items automatically.

Install Mods Manually

For Steam Workshop items, the automatic downloader is usually the cleaner option. If you have a mod or map file from another source, you can upload it directly instead.

1. Open your FTP client and log in.
2. Go to `Servers`, select your world folder, then open `Workshop`.
3. Use `Maps` for map files or `Content` for most other mod files.

1. Click upload, then drag and drop the mod file into the correct folder.
2. Restart the server so Unturned can load the new files.

Load a Custom Workshop Map

Installing a Workshop map is only part of the process. The server also needs to be told which map to use.

1. Open your FTP client and go to `Servers > [Your World Name]`.

1. Navigate to `Workshop > Steam > Content > 304930`.

1. Open the folder matching your map's Steam Workshop ID.
2. Look for `map.meta` and the map folder, then copy the folder name.

1. Return to your server panel and open the configuration files section.
2. Edit `commands.dat` and add the map entry using the copied folder name.
3. Replace `[MapName]` with the folder name, then save.

Restart the server. It should now start with the selected custom map.

Troubleshooting

Mods are not installing: Check the server console during startup. Outdated Workshop items may fail after Unturned updates. If that happens, try downloading the item again or use a maintained alternative.

The custom map is not loading: Recheck `commands.dat` and confirm the map name matches the folder name exactly. If your panel has a map dropdown, set it blank, save, then review `commands.dat` again before restarting.

The server crashes on startup: Custom maps are a common cause. Remove the custom map entry and test again. If you uploaded files manually, temporarily remove those as well, then restart the server to narrow down the problem.

Helpful Link

• Steam Unturned Workshop