Unturned OpenMod Plugin Framework
OpenMod is the modern plugin framework for Unturned servers, succeeding the older RocketMod. This guide covers installation, loading your first plugin, and the key differences from RocketMod.
Unturned OpenMod Plugin Framework
OpenMod is the current recommended plugin framework for Unturned servers. It was written by one of RocketMod's original authors and is the modern successor to RocketMod.
OpenMod vs RocketMod
| Feature | RocketMod | OpenMod |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Legacy (still works) | Actively developed |
| Architecture | XML config | YAML config + NuGet packages |
| Plugin format | DLL in Plugins/ folder |
NuGet packages |
| RocketMod plugin compatibility | Native | Via LDM compatibility layer |
| Recommended for new setups | No | Yes |
Both can run simultaneously on the same server using OpenMod's LDM compatibility layer.
Installing OpenMod
- Go to the OpenMod releases page.
- Download the latest
OpenMod.Unturned.zip. - Extract to
U3DS/Modules/OpenMod.Unturned/:
cd /opt/unturned-server/steamapps/common/U3DS
mkdir -p Modules/OpenMod.Unturned
cd Modules/OpenMod.Unturned
wget https://github.com/openmod/openmod/releases/latest/download/OpenMod.Unturned.zip
unzip OpenMod.Unturned.zip
rm OpenMod.Unturned.zip
- Start the server normally. On first boot with OpenMod installed, the server takes longer to start as it downloads the OpenMod runtime from NuGet. This is normal.
OpenMod Directory Structure
After first startup:
U3DS/
└── Servers/<ServerName>/
└── openmod/
├── openmod.yaml ← main OpenMod config
├── plugins/ ← installed plugin data
└── data/ ← plugin databases / data files
Installing Plugins
OpenMod plugins are distributed as NuGet packages. Install via the in-game or server console:
openmod install <PackageName>
Example — install the popular OpenMod Economy plugin:
openmod install OpenMod.Economy
The server downloads and loads the plugin without restarting.
Find plugins at:
- NuGet.org — search for
openmod unturned - OpenMod plugin list in the official docs
Removing Plugins
openmod remove <PackageName>
OpenMod Permissions
OpenMod has its own permission system separate from Unturned's admin system. After installing a plugin, assign permissions to players or roles:
openmod add permission <player_name> <permission_node>
openmod add role <player_name> <role_name>
RocketMod Compatibility (LDM)
To run legacy RocketMod plugins alongside OpenMod, install the LDM layer:
openmod install OpenMod.Rocket.Unturned
Place existing RocketMod plugin DLLs in:
Servers/<ServerName>/Rocket/Plugins/
They will be loaded via the LDM compatibility shim. Not all RocketMod plugins are compatible — check the plugin's documentation.
Useful OpenMod Console Commands
openmod status Show installed plugins and their status
openmod reload <name> Reload a specific plugin
openmod reload Reload all plugins
openmod install <pkg> Install a plugin from NuGet
openmod remove <pkg> Remove a plugin