Unturned: Can't connect to server? Every fix
Fix an Unturned connection. Match the game version, finish Workshop downloads, join with a Server Code or address, and check both consecutive UDP ports.
If Unturned cannot connect, begin with the build and server startup state. A patch can leave the client on a different version, while a large Workshop map can keep the server busy for several minutes.
Try each fix with one player.
1. Match the client and server versions
The client and dedicated server need the same Unturned build.
Update the player's game
Close Unturned and let Steam finish the update. Use the branch selected by the server.
Update the dedicated server
Stop the server. On berrybyte, Auto Update pulls the current dedicated build on the next start.
Compare the build numbers
Read the main-menu version and the version printed in Console. They should match.
For automatic updates, rent an Unturned server that updates on start.
2. Wait for Workshop maps to finish
The dedicated server loads its Workshop content before players can join. A client may also download the map during its first connection.
Watch Console
Wait for the Workshop pass and level load to finish. The server prints its Server Code after startup.
Check repeated Workshop errors
A recurring file ID error points to the server's Workshop configuration. Fix the named entry and restart.
Allow the client download to complete
Large maps need time and disk space. Keep Unturned open while the progress indicator moves.
3. Join with the 17-digit Server Code
Unturned's official Server Code guide uses Connect Directly as the main join route. This path runs through Steam Datagram Relay.
Copy the Server Code
On berrybyte, open Console after the level loads and copy
the 17-digit code. The CopyServerCode console command
also copies it.
Enter the code
Open Play → Connect Directly and paste only the code into Host Or Server Code. Then select Connect.
The code can change after a restart. An official Game Server Login Token keeps it linked between sessions and allows Internet browser listing.
4. Join by address and check both UDP ports
Connect Directly also accepts an IP address or hostname. Every Unturned server binds two consecutive UDP ports, as described in the official port-forwarding guide.
Copy Server address
On berrybyte, copy Server address from Overview. Put the part before the colon in Host Or Server Code and the number after it in Port.
Keep the two port roles clear
The configured Port value is the server-list query port.
Its next number carries game traffic. Defaults are UDP
27015 and UDP 27016.
Forward the pair on a self-hosted server
Allow UDP Port through the router and host firewall,
along with UDP Port+1. A server set to 27017 therefore
uses 27017 and 27018.
berrybyte opens the allocated pair. Self-hosters dealing with NAT can rent an Unturned server with reachable ports.
5. Share or clear the password
A password mismatch can stop the join after the server responds.
Read the configured password
On berrybyte, open Settings → Game Settings.
Test the exact value
Check capitalisation and copied spaces. Clear the password for a public test, restart, and try one connection.
6. Check RocketMod or OpenMod join kicks
A plugin can reject a player after network contact succeeds.
Read Console during the attempt
A plugin kick usually prints its reason beside the player's connection.
Run one vanilla test
Pause the framework and restart. A successful join points to a plugin rule or Workshop dependency.
If none of the six fixes worked
Read Console during one fresh attempt. Check the browser's map filter, Steam status, and berrybyte status.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I connect to an Unturned server?
Match the client and server builds, let Workshop downloads finish, and try Play → Connect Directly with the 17-digit Server Code. Direct IP joins also need both consecutive UDP ports open.
How do I join an Unturned server by IP?
Open Play → Connect Directly. Put the host or IP in Host Or Server Code and the port from the server address in Port. On berrybyte, copy both values from Overview → Server address.
How do I join an Unturned server with a Server Code?
Copy the 17-digit Server Code from Console, open Play → Connect Directly, and paste the code into Host Or Server Code. A Server Code uses Steam Datagram Relay and does not require an IP or port forward.
Why does Unturned sit on downloading before I can join?
The dedicated server may still be downloading Workshop files, or the client may be fetching them during the join. Wait for Console to finish loading the level and allow the client download to complete.
What ports does an Unturned dedicated server use?
Each server uses two consecutive UDP ports. The default 27015 handles server-list queries, while 27016 carries game traffic. A custom Port value uses that port for queries and Port+1 for game traffic.
Why is my Unturned server missing from the browser?
Internet listing requires a GSLT and either Fake IP or port forwarding. Players can still join with the current 17-digit Server Code through Connect Directly.