Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Change the Map on an Unturned Server

Stop the server, set the exact map name in Commands.dat, and restart. Workshop maps additionally require their numeric ID in WorkshopDownloadConfig.json with Workshop enabled.
Length9 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To change an Unturned server’s map, stop the server, edit the Map line in Commands.dat, save the file, and restart. A running server reads its map only during startup, so entering a map command in the live console or editing the file while the process is running will not change the current session.

For a Steam Workshop map, you must do two things: add the Workshop item ID to WorkshopDownloadConfig.json with "Workshop": true, then set Map to the map’s exact name. The ID downloads the content; the name tells Unturned which map to load.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What you need before changing the map

Have administrator or file-manager access to the server instance, and make sure nobody is playing when you stop it. The exact folder names differ between hosting companies, but the relevant files are normally inside the instance’s Server directory. One documented layout is Servers → [instance] → Server; other panels place the same files under a configuration, file manager, or game-server directory. Confirm the path shown by your host rather than assuming this example is universal. The host-dependent nature of the path is also noted in Supercraft’s 2026 map guide.

  • The server must be stopped before changing the map.
  • You need the map’s exact internal name, including capitalization.
  • For a Workshop map, you need the numeric ID from its Workshop URL and access to WorkshopDownloadConfig.json.
  • Keep a copy of the original files so you can restore the previous map if a typo or configuration error prevents startup.

Map changes affect the next server process, not a world that is already running. Players currently connected must leave, and any unsaved in-session state is subject to the normal shutdown behavior of your host.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Gaoye Blue Light Blocking Glasses
  • BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
  • EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
  • COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
  • WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.

Change to an official Unturned map

1. Stop the server cleanly

Use your host’s Stop button or the server-management command that performs a normal shutdown. Wait until the panel reports that the process has stopped before opening the files. A map is selected when Unturned starts; it cannot be switched in place during a live session.

2. Open Commands.dat

In a typical panel, open the server instance’s Server folder and then Commands.dat. Some providers expose this through a text editor, while others require an FTP or file-manager connection. If you cannot find the file, look for a configuration or server-data section and verify the instance you are editing; changing a similarly named backup or another instance will have no effect.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

3. Set the Map line

Use the command name, one space, and the map name. Do not add a colon or equals sign. For example:

Map Germany

The spelling and capitalization must match the map name recognized by the server. A guide from MintServers warns that names are case-sensitive; germany is not necessarily the same as Germany. If the name is misspelled, Unturned may fail quietly by loading its default map, PEI, rather than displaying an obvious syntax error.

If a Map line already exists, replace its value instead of creating several competing lines. Preserve unrelated commands in the file. Do not put quotation marks around the map name unless the map’s own documentation explicitly requires a special format.

4. Save and restart

Save the file, close the editor, and start the server. The server reads the new map during this startup. Allow the process to finish loading before connecting. If the old map still appears, stop the server again and check that you edited the active instance, saved the file in the correct folder, and used the exact map name.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Windex Gaming Cleaning Wipes, Pre-Moistened Wipes to Instantly Clean all Gaming Gear and Electronics, Resealable Packaging for a Freshness Lock, 25 count (Pack of 1)
  • WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
  • AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
  • PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
  • ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
  • COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed

These stop-edit-start steps are consistent with the procedures documented by Servers4Gamers and Red Switches, although the location of the files varies by host.

Install and select a Steam Workshop map

A Workshop map requires both a download declaration and a selection declaration. Putting only the Workshop ID in a file does not make that map active, and putting only the name in Commands.dat does not guarantee that the server has downloaded the map.

1. Copy the Workshop ID

Open the map’s Steam Workshop page and copy the number after id= in the page URL. For example, in a URL ending with ?id=123456789, the ID is 123456789. Copy the number exactly; do not copy the title, creator name, or the complete URL.

2. Edit WorkshopDownloadConfig.json

Stop the server, then open WorkshopDownloadConfig.json in the server’s Servers directory (the precise location is host-dependent). Ensure the Workshop download switch is enabled and add the ID. A minimal configuration has this shape:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
{
  "Workshop": true,
  "File_IDs": [
    123456789
  ]
}

Use the property names and overall structure already present in your file. If several items are listed, separate IDs with commas and do not put a comma after the final ID:

{
  "Workshop": true,
  "File_IDs": [
    123456789,
    987654321
  ]
}

JSON is strict: use straight quotation marks, preserve brackets, and avoid a trailing comma. The Workshop installation instructions at Restore Monarchy and Holy.gg describe the same ID-plus-enabled-Workshop approach. If your host supplies a prefilled file with a slightly different property layout, add the ID within that existing layout rather than replacing it with an unrelated template.

Rank #3
Sale
LISEN Cell Phone Stand Phone Holder for Desk, Office Decor Gadgets for Men
  • Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
  • Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
  • Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
  • ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
  • Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)

3. Put the exact map name in Commands.dat

Open the active instance’s Commands.dat and set:

Map ExactMapName

Use the name exactly as the map creator lists it in the Workshop description or map documentation. The Workshop number identifies the item to download; the Map value is what selects it at launch. This is the step most often missed when a server downloads a map but continues loading PEI or another previously configured map.

Do not substitute the Workshop ID for the map name. This is incorrect:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Map 123456789

The correct value is the map’s in-game name, with its original spaces and capitalization.

4. Start once to download, then check the result

Save both files and start the server. On this startup, Unturned should download the listed Workshop item and then load the map named in Commands.dat. The first launch can take longer because the content is being retrieved. If the map is not available after startup, stop the server and inspect the download configuration, the ID, and the name separately.

For a custom map that you uploaded manually rather than obtained through Workshop, follow the host’s upload procedure first, then use the map name in Commands.dat. Axenthost’s custom-map instructions illustrate why upload location and map selection are separate tasks.

Use a control panel instead of editing files

Some managed hosts expose a MAP field in a Startup tab. In that setup, stop the server, open the Startup settings for the correct instance, enter the same exact map name you would have placed after Map, save, and restart. Do not enter the Workshop ID in this field. The panel normally writes the equivalent startup setting for you.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #4
Ledagic IC+RGBW USB Powered Led Light Bar with App & Remote Control, 2 Pack
  • Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
  • Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
  • 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
  • Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
  • USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC

If a panel offers both a MAP field and direct file editing, use one method consistently. A later panel save may overwrite a manual change, while a manual edit may be ignored if the host regenerates Commands.dat from Startup variables. After saving, reopen the setting or file to verify that the intended value remains.

How to verify that the new map loaded

Check the result after the server finishes starting rather than relying only on the panel’s “online” indicator.

  1. Confirm the startup log identifies the intended map, if your host exposes console or log output.
  2. Join with a client that has the required Workshop content. A client missing the map may be unable to connect or may be prompted to download it.
  3. Check the in-game environment for landmarks or terrain unique to the selected map.
  4. If the server presents PEI or the previous map, stop it and recheck the active instance, the saved file, and capitalization before changing anything else.

Keep the previous Commands.dat and WorkshopDownloadConfig.json contents until the new map has been confirmed. This gives you a known-good rollback if the panel reports a startup failure.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Troubleshoot the common failures

The server stays on the old map

  • The server was not fully stopped when the file was edited. Stop it, wait for the process to exit, save again, and restart.
  • The file was edited in the wrong instance or wrong directory. Compare the instance name in the panel with the folder you opened.
  • A control panel regenerated the file from a Startup value. Check the MAP field and save the setting there.
  • Another Map line overrides the one you changed. Remove the duplicate and leave one intended entry.

The server loads PEI instead of the requested map

This usually indicates a spelling or capitalization problem. Recopy the official map name or the creator’s Workshop name character-for-character. Because the fallback can be quiet, do not assume that a successful server start proves the name was accepted.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Workshop map is downloaded but not selected

Verify both files: the numeric ID must be in WorkshopDownloadConfig.json with Workshop enabled, and Commands.dat must contain the map’s exact name. An ID in the download list alone only makes the content available; it does not change the active map.

The Workshop map is not downloaded

  • Check that "Workshop": true is present as a Boolean, not the text value "true".
  • Check that the ID is numeric and that commas and brackets make the JSON valid.
  • Restart after saving; a running process will not reread the download list.
  • Confirm that you edited the WorkshopDownloadConfig.json belonging to the active server instance.

The server fails to start after editing JSON

Restore the backup, then make one change at a time. A missing quote, bracket, or comma can invalidate the file. If your host provides a reset or default configuration, save a copy of your current file before using it and re-add the Workshop ID carefully.

Best Value
Sale
HUANUO FlowLift™ Dual Monitor Stand, Fully Adjustable Gaming Monitor Desk Mount for 13–32″ Computer Screens, Full Motion VESA 75x75/100x100 with C-Clamp & Grommet Base, Each Arm Holds 4.4 to 19.8 lbs
  • Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
  • Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
  • Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
  • Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
  • Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.

The map’s difficulty or other settings revert

Some Workshop maps include their own configuration behavior. A Steam Community discussion reports a map developer stating that a map can overwrite configuration when its default option is used and suggesting edits to the map’s own configuration file: Steam Workshop discussion. Treat this as map-specific guidance rather than a universal Unturned rule. First confirm that the map itself is loading; then read that map’s documentation and edit its supplied configuration only when the creator identifies the relevant file and option.

Safe map-change workflow

Use this checklist whenever you change maps or switch between official and Workshop content:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Announce maintenance and stop the correct server instance.
  2. Back up Commands.dat and, when applicable, WorkshopDownloadConfig.json.
  3. Identify whether the target is an official map, an uploaded custom map, or a Workshop item.
  4. For an official map, change only the Map value.
  5. For a Workshop map, add its ID with Workshop enabled and also set the exact map name.
  6. Check capitalization, spaces, commas, and quotation marks before saving.
  7. Restart and allow the first Workshop download to finish.
  8. Verify the map in logs and in-game before announcing that the change is complete.
  9. Keep the backup until players have connected successfully.

File and setting reference

Target Where to set it Required value When it takes effect
Official map Commands.dat or a panel’s MAP field Map followed by the exact map name Next server startup
Workshop map download WorkshopDownloadConfig.json Numeric Workshop ID and "Workshop": true Next startup that processes Workshop downloads
Workshop map selection Commands.dat or a panel’s MAP field The creator’s exact map name, not the numeric ID Next server startup
Custom uploaded map Host’s upload location, then Commands.dat Uploaded map’s exact recognized name After upload and the next startup

The table describes the configuration roles, not a universal folder layout. Providers expose different paths and editors, so use the instance-specific location shown by your host.

Changing back or switching to another map

Switching again uses the same process. Stop the server, replace the value after Map, save, and restart. If the next map is another Workshop item, add its ID to the download list before starting. You can leave previously downloaded IDs listed if you still want those items available, or remove IDs you no longer need after confirming that no other active configuration depends on them. Never remove an ID as a substitute for changing the Map line: download availability and map selection are separate settings.

When returning to an official map, remove or retain Workshop entries according to your server’s mod requirements, set the official name in Commands.dat, and perform a full restart. If the server falls back to PEI, revisit the exact spelling first; do not repeatedly restart with an unverified name.

Key points to remember

  • Map selection is a startup setting, so stop, edit, and restart.
  • Official maps are selected with the Map line in Commands.dat.
  • Workshop maps need both a numeric ID in WorkshopDownloadConfig.json and an exact name in Map.
  • Names are case-sensitive, and a typo can silently load PEI.
  • File paths and panel labels differ by host; verify the active instance before editing.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Set Up a RedM (RDR2) Server in 2026: License Key, txAdmin and server.cfg, Step by StepBlog11min
  2. Best RedM (RDR2) Server Hosting in 2026: Comparing Four Hosts on Slots, Memory and PriceBlog10min
  3. How to Host a Mindustry Server in 2026: server-release.jar, Port 6567 and the Commands That MatterBlog7min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.