Fix Unturned Asset Bundle Version Mismatch
The "Asset bundle version mismatch" error is one of the most common issues in Unturned multiplayer. It occurs when the server and client have different versions of the same mod, preventing players from connecting.
Understanding the Error
When you see this error, it means:
- The server has a different version of a mod than you do
- The mod's asset bundle doesn't match between server and client
- Steam failed to update the mod properly on one side
Server Update Required
Server needs to restart to download latest mod versions
Client Resubscribe
Player needs to resubscribe to force mod download
Workshop Cache Clear
Corrupted mod files need to be re-downloaded
Solution 1: Server-Side Fix (For Server Owners)
Force Server Mod Update
- Stop your Unturned server
- Navigate to your server's workshop directory
- Delete the entire
Workshopfolder - Restart the server - it will automatically re-download all mods
Update WorkshopDownloadConfig.json
- Check your
WorkshopDownloadConfig.jsonfile - Ensure all mod IDs are correctly listed:
{
"File_IDs": [123456789, 987654321, 555666777],
"Priority": 0
}
- Restart the server to trigger mod downloads
Solution 2: Client-Side Fix (For Players)
Resubscribe to Problematic Mods
- Unsubscribe from the mods causing the error
- Restart Unturned completely
- Clear your workshop cache (see below)
- Re-subscribe to the same mods
- Launch Unturned and let mods download
Clear Workshop Cache
- Close Unturned completely
- Navigate to:
Steam\steamapps\workshop\content\304930 - Delete the folders for problematic mods
- Restart Steam and Unturned
Solution 3: Advanced Troubleshooting
Identify Problematic Mods
To find which mod is causing the issue:
- Check the server console for error messages
- Look for mod names in the error dialog
- Ask the server owner for their mod list
- Compare versions in the Steam Workshop
Verify Mod Versions
- Check the Workshop page for each mod
- Look for "Updated" dates
- Ensure server and client have the same version
- Some mods show version numbers in descriptions
Preventing Future Version Mismatches
For Server Owners
- Set up a regular restart schedule (daily or weekly)
- Use mod collections to ensure consistency
- Test mods after updates before going live
- Keep a backup of working mod configurations
For Players
- Enable auto-updates for Unturned and workshop items
- Don't manually modify workshop files
- Follow server mod update announcements
- Clear cache periodically if you experiment with mods
Troubleshooting Table
| Error Message | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Asset bundle error: "modname" version mismatch | Server restart required, or client resubscribe |
| Asset Bundle Error: 4 of 5 installed | Clear workshop cache and re-download |
| Client and server have different assets | Both sides need to update to latest version |
| Failed to load asset bundle | Mod is corrupted - clear cache and re-download |
Using Mod Collections
The best way to prevent version mismatches is through Steam Collections:
- Create a collection with all your server's mods
- Share the collection link with players
- Update the collection when mods change
- Players automatically get the correct versions
Pro Tip: Some server owners use Discord bots to announce mod updates. This helps players know when to expect potential downtime or version conflicts.
When All Else Fails
If you've tried everything and still get version errors:
- Contact the server owner - they may need to update specific mods
- Check the mod's Steam Workshop comments for known issues
- Try joining without certain mods to isolate the problem
- Consider using a fresh Unturned installation
Keep your Unturned server and client mods synchronized to prevent version mismatch errors and ensure smooth multiplayer gameplay.