Finding the Right Item ID for Unturned: Why You’re Doing It Wrong

You're staring at the console. The zombies are beating down the door of your base in PEI, and you’ve got exactly zero shells left for your bluntforce. We’ve all been there. You hit J, or whatever your console key is, and you realize you have no clue what the item id for unturned is for the specific mag you need. It’s annoying. Nelson Sexton, the solo dev behind this masterpiece, didn't exactly make a built-in encyclopedia for these things within the UI itself. You have to know them. Or you have to have a second monitor open with a massive, messy list that hasn't been updated since 2022.

The game has changed a lot. With the constant curated map updates—think A6 Polar or the recent tweaks to Kuwait—the ID system has bloated into the thousands.

Most people just Google a list and hope for the best. But here’s the thing: if you’re playing on a modded server or a specific curated map, those generic lists are going to fail you. You’ll try to spawn a Maplestrike (ID 363) and end up with something completely different because of ID conflicts or mod overrides. It’s a mess.

The Logic Behind the Item ID for Unturned

Every single thing in the game, from a piece of scrap metal to the massive heavy tanks, is assigned a numerical value. It's how the Unity engine keeps track of assets without losing its mind.

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When you use the @give command, you're basically telling the server's database to fetch a specific asset index. If you’re playing solo, you have all the power. On a server? You better be the admin or have "cheats enabled" in the config.json.

Why numbers matter more than names

Computers are dumb. They don't know what a "Timberwolf" is. They know that ID 18 is a high-caliber bolt-action sniper rifle. If you type the name, the console won't do anything but stare back at you.

The system is categorized loosely, but it’s not as organized as you’d think. Nelson added items as he went. This means the IDs for basic clothing might be right next to a high-tier military firearm just because they were coded in the same week back in 2015.

• Weapons usually live in the low hundreds.
• Ammo and attachments are scattered nearby.
• Vehicles use a completely separate ID pool (use @vehicle instead).

Honestly, trying to memorize them is a fool's errand. You just need to know the clusters. For example, the Ranger gear is generally separated from the Military gear. If you want a Zubeknakov, you’re looking for ID 122. If you want a Maplestrike, it's 363. See the gap? That’s years of development filled in between them.

Getting Specific: Curated Maps and Modded IDs

This is where it gets hairy. If you’re playing on Elver or Arid, the item id for unturned shifts. These aren't "official" vanilla items in the sense that they exist in the core game files. They are workshop content that Nelson officially recognized.

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Arid, for instance, uses a totally different progression system. You aren't just spawning in a MRE (ID 81). You’re looking for specific barter items that have IDs way up in the 50,000 range.

Pro Tip: If you are running a server and a modded item isn't spawning, check the "English.dat" file in the mod folder. It lists the ID right at the top.

Most players don't realize that IDs can conflict. If two modders use ID 6000 for their custom gun, the game will usually just load whichever one it found first in the file directory. It leads to some hilarious, albeit frustrating, bugs where you try to spawn a sword and get a pair of pants.

Essential IDs You Actually Need

Let's talk utility. You don't need a list of every single shirt color. You need the stuff that keeps you alive when the horde is coming.

Medicals are king.

1. Medkit: 15
2. Suture: 388 (for bleeding)
3. Antibiotics: 389 (for radiation)
4. Bloodbag: 394

The "Standard Issue" Kit.
If you're testing a base build or just want to mess around, you're going to want the Maplestrike (363) because it accepts almost every attachment. Pair it with a Military Magazine (6) and a Vertical Grip (145). If you prefer the AK-style platform, the Zubeknakov (122) uses Ranger Magazines (123).

The Tactical Stuff.
GPS is 1176. It’s essential if you don’t know the map by heart. Night vision goggles come in two main flavors: Military (334) which is the green tint, and Civilian (1044) which is that grainy white/blue tint.

How to Actually Use the Commands Without Breaking Things

You can't just type the number. There’s a syntax.

If your username is "Survivor," you type: /give Survivor/363/1.
The "1" at the end is the quantity. Don't be that guy who tries to spawn 1,000 of something and crashes the local server. It happens. The physics engine tries to calculate a thousand items hitting the floor at once and—pop—there goes your frame rate.

Troubleshooting the Console

Sometimes it doesn't work. Why?

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• Cheats aren't on. In your world save folder, find the Commands.dat file. Type Cheats Enabled and save it.
• Permissions. If you're on a server, you need to be an Admin. Use /admin [YourName].
• Typos. The console is picky. A stray space will kill the command.

Wait, there’s more. Most people forget about the quality flag. You can actually spawn items with specific durability if you add another slash, but honestly, just spawn it and use a blowtorch (ID 76) to fix it if it's a vehicle or a sharpening stone (ID 1041) for blades.

The Hidden Complexity of Attachments

The item id for unturned isn't just for the gun itself. This is where the game gets granular. If you spawn a Honeybadger (ID 116), it has an integrated silencer. But if you're using a Muzzletech (ID 149), you need to know the barrel IDs.

Tactical Lasers are 151.
Tactical Lights are 152.

If you're doing a stealth run on a military base like Holman Isle, you need these. But remember: attachments have their own IDs and they must be compatible. You can't put a Ranger silencer (ID 144) on a Military weapon. It won't even show up in the attachment UI.

Why the Community Lists Are Often Wrong

You've probably noticed that some websites have IDs that just... don't work. That's because Unturned went through a massive "ID migration" a few years back to accommodate more workshop content. Old lists from 2017 are basically digital trash now.

Always look for lists that mention "3.0" or "version 3.23+" specifically.

Actionable Steps for Mastering the ID System

Instead of just scrolling through a 2,000-line webpage every time you need a snack in-game, do this:

• Create a Cheat Sheet: Keep a physical or digital sticky note with your "Top 10." Usually, this is: 363 (Maplestrike), 6 (Mag), 17 (Drum), 15 (Medkit), 81 (MRE), 334 (NVG), 1176 (GPS).
• Use the Search Bar: If you're using a web-based ID list, Ctrl+F is your best friend. Don't scroll. Search for the specific name.
• Check the Files: If you are a modder or a serious server owner, go to SteamApps\common\Unturned\Bundles\Items. Every single item in the game is there. You can open the .dat files with Notepad and see the exact ID assigned by the developer. This is the only 100% accurate way to find an ID for a newly released update.
• Validate the Map: Before spawning items, make sure they actually exist on the map you’re playing. Spawning a desert-themed item on a winter map works, but it might look weird or lack the proper spawn tables for ammo later on.

Managing items in Unturned is a skill in itself. Once you get the hang of the common IDs, the game shifts from a survival struggle to a creative sandbox. Just remember to use the power wisely—spawning in a tank (Vehicle ID 120) is fun until you realize you have no way to refuel it without a gas can (ID 28).