How to Make a Rust Server

Creating your own Rust server is a great way to customize your gameplay experience and host matches with friends or a community.

A private server allows you to control settings, experiment with mods, or set up creative scenarios. While the process may seem daunting at first, this guide will walk you through the essential steps for setting up a Rust server.

Key Takeaways

• In Rust, you can create your own server.
• Making your own Rust server is not easy but it’s not impossible either. Just follow the steps detailed in the guide.

System Requirements for Hosting a Rust Server

Before diving into the setup, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for hosting a Rust server. Running a server alongside the game can be resource-intensive, so it’s recommended to use a dedicated machine if possible.

Minimum Requirements

• Processor: Quad-core (e.g., Intel i5 or better).
• RAM: 8 GB minimum; 16 GB recommended for larger servers.
• Storage: At least 20 GB of free space.
• Network: A stable internet connection with good upload speed (10 Mbps or higher for larger player counts).

For larger public servers, consider renting a dedicated server from a hosting provider.

Step 1: Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is Valve’s command-line tool used for installing and updating Steam-based game servers.

Steps to Install SteamCMD:

1. Download SteamCMD:
   Visit the SteamCMD download page and download the version for your operating system.
2. Extract SteamCMD:
   • On Windows: Extract the downloaded .zip file to a folder (e.g., C:\steamcmd).
   • On Linux: Extract the file using a terminal command like tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz.
3. Run SteamCMD:
   Launch steamcmd.exe (Windows) or ./steamcmd (Linux). Allow it to update itself during the first run.

Step 2: Download Rust Server Files

Once SteamCMD is installed, you can use it to download the necessary server files.

Steps:

1. Open SteamCMD and log in anonymously: login anonymous
2. Set an installation directory for your server files: force_install_dir C:\rustserver
3. Download the Rust Dedicated Server files: app_update 258550 validate

This command downloads the latest version of the Rust server files into your specified directory.

Step 3: Configure Your Rust Server

After downloading the server files, you need to configure your server settings.

Steps:

1. Navigate to your server directory (e.g., C:\rustserver).
2. Locate the file start.bat (Windows) or start.sh (Linux). If it doesn’t exist, create one.
3. Edit the file with the following basic configuration:

Windows Example (start.bat)

@echo off 

RustDedicated.exe -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.level “Procedural Map” +server.seed 12345 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.maxplayers 50 +server.hostname “My Rust Server” +server.description “Welcome to my Rust server!” +server.identity “rust_server” +rcon.port 28016 +rcon.password “yourpassword” 

pause 

Linux Example (start.sh)

./RustDedicated -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.level “Procedural Map” +server.seed 12345 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.maxplayers 50 +server.hostname “My Rust Server” +server.description “Welcome to my Rust server!” +server.identity “rust_server” +rcon.port 28016 +rcon.password “yourpassword”

Key Parameters

• +server.port: The port your server will run on (default is 28015).
• +server.level: The map type (e.g., “Procedural Map” or “HapisIsland”).
• +server.seed: Controls map generation randomness. Changing this will create a different map.
• +server.worldsize: The size of the map (default is 4000; max is 6000).
• +server.maxplayers: Maximum number of players allowed on the server.
• +server.hostname: The name displayed in the server browser.
• +server.description: A short description shown in the server browser.

Step 4: Port Forwarding

To allow players to connect to your server, you must enable port forwarding on your router.

Steps:

1. Log into your router’s admin page (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Find the Port Forwarding section.
3. Forward the following ports to your server’s local IP address:
   • 28015 (Game Port)
   • 28016 (RCON)

Check guides specific to your router model if you’re unsure how to set this up.

Step 5: Run Your Rust Server

Once everything is configured, start your server:

• Windows: Double-click start.bat.
• Linux: Run start.sh using a terminal.

Your server will launch, and you can check the console for status updates.

Step 6: Customize Further with Plugins (Optional)

For more advanced features, you can use plugins through the Oxide modding framework. Oxide allows you to install mods for server management, gameplay tweaks, and more.

Steps to Install Oxide:

1. Download the latest Oxide build from umod.org.
2. Extract and overwrite the files in your server directory.
3. Restart your server.
4. Browse and install plugins from the uMod website to enhance your server.

Tips for Managing Your Rust Server

Here are some tips for managing your Rust server:

1. Backups: Regularly back up your server files and save data to prevent loss during crashes or updates.
2. Monitoring: Use tools like RCON software to manage players, monitor activity, and enforce rules remotely.
3. Rules and Community Management: Set clear server rules and maintain active communication to foster a positive community.

Summary

Setting up a Rust server may require some initial effort, but the rewards are worth it. Whether you want to host custom games for friends or build a thriving public community, a dedicated server gives you complete control over the Rust experience.

Frequently Asked Questions