How To Play With Friends On Unturned: The Definitive Multiplayer Setup Guide

Playing multiplayer on Unturned requires understanding the distinction between client-hosted listening servers, dedicated Steam servers, and third-party hosters. By matching your game version, forwarding the correct UDP port (default 27015), and configuring your Steam matchmaking settings, you can establish a stable cooperative session in under ten minutes.

Pre-Operation & Equipment Checklist

Setting up a multiplayer session in Unturned demands careful preparation regarding your network infrastructure, hardware allocation, and software configuration. Because Unturned relies heavily on the Steam datagram relay and peer-to-peer networking architecture, both the host and incoming players must align their client environments to prevent connection time-outs and desynchronization errors.

Essential Gear and Tools: A stable broadband internet connection (minimum 10 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload for hosts), a dedicated Steam client installation, and the latest stable version of Unturned installed on a solid-state drive to ensure fast map-loading times.
Mandatory Prerequisite Knowledge: Familiarity with basic router administration, static IP address assignment, Windows Defender firewall management, and Steam ID matching.
Estimated Budget and Duration Benchmarks: Total monetary cost is zero if you host locally or use official maps; setup duration ranges from five to fifteen minutes depending on whether you configure port forwarding or use direct Steam invitations.

Step-by-Step Server Configuration and Connection Workflow

Step 1: Choosing Your Multiplayer Method

Determine whether you want to host a single-session listening server directly from the game client or spin up a dedicated server for persistent worlds. If you only want a quick session with one or two friends, the in-game host menu is the fastest route. Navigate to Play, select Host, choose your desired map (such as PEI, Washington, or Russia), set your server mode to Easy, Normal, or Hard, and designate the access type as Whitelisted or Password-protected to keep griefers out.

Pro-Tip: Always assign a strong password to your server before making it public or semi-private to prevent random players from occupying your player slots and spawning in your base area.

Step 2: Configuring Network Ports and Firewall Rules

If you are hosting a dedicated server or experiencing "Server Not Found" errors on a listening server, you must configure your network hardware. Unturned uses UDP packets for data transmission. Log into your router's administrative dashboard, locate the Port Forwarding section, and forward port 27015 (along with 27016 for the query port if running a dedicated instance) to your local machine's static IP address. Additionally, create an inbound firewall rule in Windows Security allowing Unturned through both Public and Private networks.

Warning: Never disable your entire firewall to troubleshoot connection issues. Create specific port exceptions for Unturned to maintain your operating system's security posture.

Step 3: Launching and Inviting Players via Steam

Once your server instance is running, launch the game and verify that your server appears in the Internet or LAN server lists. To bring your friends in immediately without making them search through thousands of public listings, open your Steam overlay (Shift + Tab) while in-game, right-click your friend's profile name in your friends list, and select Invite to Game. Your friends will receive a direct URI protocol link that automatically launches Unturned and connects them to your active IP and port combination.

How To Make A Raft In Unturned

Unturned Multiplayer Hosting Methods Comparison

Hosting Method	Hardware Impact	Persistence	Technical Setup Complexity	Best Suited For
In-Game Host (Listen)	Moderate (Runs on client PC)	Session-only (Unless saved)	Low (No port forwarding required for Steam invites)	Casual sessions with 2-4 close friends
Dedicated Server (Local)	High (Requires background app)	Permanent 24/7 world state	High (Requires port forwarding & command line)	Long-term survival builds and clans
Third-Party Server Host	None (Cloud-hosted hardware)	Permanent 24/7 world state	Low (Dashboard-managed)	Communities requiring high uptime and zero lag

Common Connection Failures & Field Fixes

Root Cause: Version mismatch between the host and connecting players. Unturned updates frequently, and running an outdated client prevents handshake completion.
- Actionable Fix: Ensure both host and all participating players verify their game files through Steam by right-clicking Unturned, selecting Properties, navigating to Installed Files, and clicking Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Root Cause: Port forwarding misconfiguration or CGNAT (Carrier-Grade NAT) blocking incoming traffic to a dedicated server.
- Actionable Fix: Use an online port-checking tool to verify if port 27015 is open. If your ISP uses CGNAT, switch to using Hamachi, Radmin VPN, or upgrade to a third-party dedicated server host.
Root Cause: Antivirus or third-party firewall software blocking the Unturned server executable from binding to the network socket.
- Actionable Fix: Add an explicit exclusion path for the Unturned directory in your antivirus software settings and run both Steam and Unturned with administrator privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Unturned multiplayer without port forwarding?

Yes, if you use the in-game host feature and invite your friends directly through the Steam overlay, Unturned utilizes Steam datagram relay services to bypass traditional port-forwarding requirements for casual sessions.

Why is my server not showing up on the public server list?

Your server may be missing the proper match_ticket configuration, or your designated port is blocked by your router's firewall. Verify your Server.ini configuration file ensures the PvE or PvP flags match the master server query parameters.

How many players can join a single Unturned server?

While the default listening server cap is typically set to 12 players to preserve host CPU performance, dedicated servers can theoretically support up to 24 or more players depending on your hardware specifications and server tick rate configuration.

What is the difference between a BattlEye-secured server and an unsecure server?

BattlEye is anti-cheat software integrated into Unturned. Enabling it prevents unauthorized memory modifications and script injections, whereas disabling it allows players to run custom plugins and unverified mods freely.