How to Connect to an Unturned Server via FTP
in Unturned
By Nathan Young
Overview
Setting up an Unturned server may involve installing workshop items or RocketMod to introduce unique features to the game. These can be either custom maps, modifications, or custom settings to enhance gameplay experiences. Doing any of this requires accessing the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) system, which contains all server files. This process can be complicated for some owners, especially if they’re unfamiliar with document locations. Fortunately, our panel has an easy-to-use online database that’s quickly accessible. Using this allows you to download, upload, view, and edit files on the server. However, installing an external program to do this process is another method for connecting to the FTP system. Each of these ways has their own benefits and downsides, but still accomplishes the same goal. With this in mind, we’ll be showing you how to make an FTP connection on your Unturned server and where important files are located in this Apex Hosting tutorial.
Unturned FTP Connection
Connecting to our online FTP database only requires one key piece of information, your Password. This is the same one you’ve used to log into your panel account, making it easy to gain access. Otherwise, using a third-party program to make an FTP connection requires more information. This includes the IP Address, Port, Username, and your password. Regardless of the method you choose, you’ll notice many different directories once connected. This may be confusing, as there are only a few folders that you’ll be working with to change the gameplay. However, the best way to make changes is using the online panel since this permits you to edit most file types, while an external program is mainly used for downloading or uploading documents. Keeping this in mind, choose your desired FTP method down below to get started with customizing your Unturned server.
Online Panel
As previously mentioned above, using the online panel is the best option for quick and easy access to your server files. Our simplified user interface makes it a reliable choice for experienced and inexperienced owners that want to customize their gameplay. This system allows you to download, upload, view, and edit almost every file. Whether you’re using our built-in zipping tool to obtain documents or simply tweaking their settings, the online panel permits you to do that and more. However, there are limitations such as being unable to transfer large files to the FTP database. This is the only downside to using this method, but is resolved with external programs. Besides this, review the steps below to begin accessing the FTP panel.
- Head towards your Apex server panel, then press
FTP File Access
near the top left. - Continue to enter your password in the text box and click
Login
. - Afterward, you may begin uploading, downloading, or editing the server files.
Important: Ensure you’re using the correct Server Profile for this process.
External Program
If you want the ability for larger file transfers, then using an external FTP program will help. Services like FileZilla or Cyberduck can do this and are completely safe, as they’re industry standard applications. Extra information is required to make a connection, which is available in the FTP File Access section of the panel. Once connected, you can directly download or upload any files. The main downside is that you might be unable to edit documents, depending on the program you use. Regardless of this, follow these instructions below to make the connection.
- Begin
downloading
an external FTP program, such as FileZilla, theninstall
it. - When it’s finished, open the application to prepare for the connection.
- Navigate to the
FTP File Access
area from the main server panel. - Copy the following:
FTP Address
,Port
,Username
, andPassword
. - Return to the program and proceed to enter this information accordingly.
- Once you’re done, click
Quickconnect
or a similar button to make the connection. - If successful, you can begin downloading and uploading any game files.
Important Files
Some server owners may not understand where important files are located, especially when there’s a lot of available directories. A good example of this is trying to install plugins, as they need to be uploaded in a specific pathway. Otherwise, they wouldn’t load or work on the server. However, the majority of general settings are stored in the Config Files area of the main panel for easier access. Using this is encouraged, but you’re still given the ability to navigate through their hard files. With this in mind, we’ll briefly review two key folders that are used for common configurations down below.
Whether you’re uploading worlds or mods, the Servers folder is an important directory to note. This area contains almost everything associated with your in-game experience, making it an important location. For instance, the WorkshopDownloadConfig.json file controls what modifications get automatically installed. Otherwise, the Content
, Maps
, OpenMod
and other subfolders store manual files for those mods. Accessing this directory requires you to enter this pathway: …/Servers/[world name].
If you’re wanting to install RocketMod, then the Extra folder is required. Many owners copy this folder to the Modules pathway, as it’s needed to enable it. In other words, all Unturned servers come with this preinstalled, but needs to be toggled through the FTP database. Accessing this leads you to this directory: …/Extras/Rocket.Unturned. There isn’t much else to this section of the panel, but is something that many server owners focus on to get a customized gameplay experience.
Common Issues
Sometimes, server owners will be unable to make a connection due to incorrect login information. Make sure to use your credentials from the FTP File Access area when logging into an external program. This includes the address, port, and username. Otherwise, only use your password for the online database to get access. However, there could be an issue with your internet connection if both methods are failing, such as firewall interference.
When attempting to upload or download files, it’s best to use a zipping program to compress everything into a single document. This makes it easier to obtain or transfer your data, which can be done from services like WinRAR or 7zip. These are free and completely reliable to use, as they’re industry standard tools. Additionally, it might be better to use an external FTP program with the zipping software to accomplish the transfer. Otherwise, make sure you have stable download and upload internet speeds.
If you’re having issues with files going missing or parts of an archived document not containing all its information, please try using both FTP methods to see if that helps. Additionally, using the zipping tools as mentioned above will significantly increase your chances of a successful transfer. Otherwise, double-check you’re using the correct Server Profile
since each one has a unique directory holding multiple instances of game files.
Useful Links
Additional FTP Information
How to Install RocketMod on Unturned Servers
Installing Plugins to an Unturned Server
How to Install Workshop Items on Unturned