Cosmetics and mods can also be created using the game's Unity engine, which allows them to publish creations on the Steam Workshop.

As the player progresses through the game, they gain experience points which can then be used for upgrades or, on certain maps, as a currency for trading.

Radiation damage can be obtained from getting hit by zombies or entering "deadzones" without proper hazmat protection.

The game has a chance to give players a cosmetic item, like clothing or effects for their character, or camouflage or skins for weapons.

The game supports the use of the Steam Workshop to add custom items, vehicles, armor, and weapons to either enhance or change the basic experience.

Many popular user-created maps are curated, and many custom skins for items in the base game are added with updates.

These items are essential, as the game has an intense bleeding out mechanic that can finish a player without medical supplies.

Outside the lab, there is an overrun military unit and within the building, in the basement, there are canisters containing zombies in stasis, one of which is broken.

Sexton started his career with Roblox, creating two of the most-popular games on the platform at that time, Battlefield and Deadzone.

[6][7] Sexton plans to create a sequel to the game named Unturned II using Unreal Engine.

[10][11] PC Gamer said that while Unturned had few real ideas on its own, it was a "simple, accessible survival-simulator" that players may enjoy provided they could "stomach the low production values".