Once your order is active, the goal is simple: get access, confirm the basics, and avoid making five changes at once before the server even boots.
1. Confirm where to manage everything
Use the billing area for invoices, services, and account details. Use the panel for the actual server.
- Billing: orders, invoices, account-level changes
- Panel: start, stop, files, backups, schedules, and normal server management
The main site links to both from the header, and the contact page is the place to look if you need an updated support route later.
2. Set the basics first
Before adding mods or plugins, lock in the core server details:
- Server name
- Region choice
- Password, if private
- Basic config values
- Any startup settings you already know you need
Keep the first boot simple. It is easier to test a clean base server and add complexity afterward.
3. Test the server before customizing it heavily
Do one clean launch and confirm:
- The server starts normally
- You can reach it from the panel
- Basic file access works
- The region choice makes sense for your players
If those basics are fine, you can move on to Workshop content, plugins, or custom maps with fewer variables.
4. Add content in layers
Do not dump every mod, plugin, and config change in at once.
A cleaner order is:
- Start with the base server.
- Add Workshop content.
- Add plugins or framework-specific changes.
- Add schedules, backups, and restart routines.
That sequence makes troubleshooting much easier if something breaks.
5. Set backups and routine management early
One of the easiest mistakes is waiting too long to set backups. Even a small new server should have a basic backup routine before players start building.
For day-to-day operations, continue with How to restart, back up, and manage your server from the panel.
6. Upgrade only when usage proves it
Do not assume you need a large plan on day one. Start with what fits your current server, test how it behaves, and move up when the player count or mod stack actually justifies it.
If you are still unsure about sizing, read How to choose the right Unturned hosting plan.