Rust Server

Create a Rust dedicated server

Rust is the ultimate game for fans of post-apocalyptic survival with a multiplayer element. It was developed by Facepunch Studios, who also created Garry’s Mod.
Like other survival games, it was inspired by iconic titles such as Minecraft and DayZ. Explore the world as you shape your own destiny, either by yourself or with allies. Gather resources and build a shelter to keep your hard-earned treasures safe. With many mods to choose from and constant updates to the game, Rust has remained popular since its full release in 2018. For an optimal gaming experience, we recommend opting for a server with high CPU resources and a high volume of RAM. Find out how to create a Rust server with an OVHcloud dedicated server.

Serveurs dédiés GAME

The advantages of a Rust dedicated server

Having a Rust dedicated server offers many advantages, as well as a unique gaming experience. As the administrator, you have total control. You choose which type of server you want to use: the original game (vanilla), roleplay (RP), player versus player (PvP) or even open-world exploration.
The raw power of OVHcloud Game dedicated servers is adapted to the graphics and power requirements of video games. Our servers are equipped with high-performance processors, a high volume of storage space, and bandwidth that can handle the traffic generated by your video game. You will also benefit from our powerful anti-DDoS solution, designed for online gaming and e-sports. It is compatible with Rust, and offers robust protection against distributed denial-of-service attacks.

Launch a Rust dedicated server with OVHcloud

Requirements and minimum configuration

To work properly, a Rust server requires at least 4 GB of RAM. However, we recommend 8 GB of RAM to get the best performance for the game.
The following operating systems are compatible: Windows (versions 7, 8.1 and 10) or Linux (CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu). To manage several dozen players connected simultaneously, you need a server with more than 10 GB of RAM.

Server rental and choosing your OVHcloud solution

Most of our servers are suitable for setting up a Rust dedicated machine. The Advance and Rise ranges are the most affordable options for hosting parties with friends. If you would like to organise e-sports competitions that bring together hundreds of players, we recommend our Game range with its Anti-DDoS protection. Finally, if you would like a server to be sized for more small-scale usage, our Linux VPS and Windows VPS solutions are a perfect choice.

Server configuration

When you order your server, you choose the operating system you want to use. Windows Server and Linux distributions are compatible with Rust. It is worth keeping in mind that you can always reinstall another operating system after your machine has been delivered. To cover this step and get started with your server, we recommend our dedicated guide, which contains all the answers to your technical questions on dedicated servers .

Installing SteamCMD

On Windows
After creating a folder on your disk (e.g. C:\steamcmd), download SteamCMD for Windows. Next, simply extract the contents of the file to your new folder.
To start SteamCMD, run the following command:
cd C:\steamcmd
steamcmd

On Linux
First, create a Steam user:
useradd -m steam

Then go to the root directory:
cd /home/steam

Next, install SteamCMD according to your distribution:
Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install steamcmd

Red Hat/CentOS
yum install steamcmd

Arch Linux
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/steamcmd.git
cd steamcmd
makepkg -si

Then link the SteamCMD executable:
ln -s /usr/games/steamcmd steamcmd

Opening the ports

For your players to connect to the Rust game from your server, you will need to open certain ports on your machine:

  • TCP: 28015-28016
  • UDP: 28015-28016

You can access these settings by connecting to your router’s management interface via a web browser. Once in the settings, locate the “Port Forwarding” or “Port Redirection” section, then add a rule for each port by specifying the local IP address of your Rust server.

Connecting to the server

Once you have completed all of the installation steps for your Rust dedicated server, log in to the Steam account that has a copy of the game, and launch it. Next, go to “Community” to access your private server using the name you have set, or the IP address. You are now ready to use your Rust server!

A few command lines for your Rust server

To manage your Rust server, you can use a number of different commands, including the following:

Setting

Default value

Function

+server.ip

0.0.0.0

Sets the server’s IP address. Leave the default value if you only use one IP.

+server.port

28015

Determines the UDP port used by the server.

+rcon.ip

0.0.0.0

Sets the RCON IP address.

+rcon.port

28016

Port used by RCON.

+server.tickrate

10

Server refresh rate. We do not recommend going beyond 30.

+server.hostname

‘Your Server Name’

Your server’s name.

+server.identity

‘my_server_identity’

Corresponds to your server’s data access path. Useful if you are using multiple instances.

+server.maxplayers

50

Maximum number of players allowed to connect simultaneously to your server.

+server.worldsize

3,000

Determines the size of the map that will be generated. Minimum value 1,000, maximum value 6,000.

+server.seed

50,000

Map generator seed number.

+server.saveinterval

600

The rate in seconds that server backups are started.

+rcon.password

‘YourPassword’

Sets the RCON password.

-silent-crashes

-

Will not display an error message in the event of a failure, and will restart automatically if the server is installed as a service.

Why should I create my own Rust dedicated server?

Creating your own Rust dedicated server gives you complete control over the gaming environment, allowing you to customise settings and moderate your community without outside interference.

How much does a Rust dedicated server cost?

There are several options for creating your Rust server. A dedicated server is the best solution for performance, stability and protection. With a Game dedicated server, you get our powerful anti-DDoS protection, which is perfect for hosting events like a LAN party or an e-sports tournament. For standard usage, in small groups or with friends, we also offer a range of more affordable dedicated servers to give you tailored performance while respecting your budget.

 

What are the advantages of hosting my Rust server on a VPS?

A Rust virtual private server offers resources at an affordable price. Unlike a dedicated server, a VPS is adapted to your specific needs, with the possibility of adjusting its capacities according to your usage. Its flexibility also allows you to add resources in a few clicks if needed. You also have the total freedom to customise your virtual server, from choosing your operating system to the access rules and software you want to install. It is scaled to suit your needs, making it one of the most budget-friendly solutions for gaming.

What is the maximum number of players that a Rust dedicated server can support?

A Rust dedicated server can host anywhere from a few dozen to several hundred players, depending on its hardware specifications and configured game settings. The amount of storage space required, for example, will depend on the expected number of players, the size of the map used, and the need to back up additional data such as mods or backups. For a small community of up to 50 players with a medium-sized map and without frequent backups, 50 to 100 GB of storage space may suffice. However, a larger community or map will require more storage capacity.

Which map should I choose for my Rust server?

The choice of map for your Rust server depends mainly on the type of gaming experience you want to offer your players. The most commonly used maps are the procedural map, the barren map and the Savas map. The procedural map is randomly generated and offers a dynamic gaming experience with varied landscapes. The barren map is an empty map on which you can build your own world from start to finish, while the Savas map is a pre-made map designed for PvP, with automatically generated monuments and resource areas. Make sure you choose a map that matches your gaming community’s style and offers a good variety of environments for a satisfying gaming experience.

How do I connect to my Rust server console?

Your Rust server console is a powerful tool for managing your server, monitoring its status, and troubleshooting technical issues. To access it, you must first connect to your server using a Rust game client. Once you are logged in, press F1 to open the in-game console, where you will see a text field where you can enter commands to interact with your server. Some of the most commonly used commands are “status” to display information about connected players, “ban” to ban a player, and “kick” to kick a player off the server. Be sure to use these commands wisely, and refer to the official Rust documentation for more information on the other commands available.

Which version of Windows is best for hosting a Rust server?

To host a Rust server on a Windows system, it is recommended that you use a version of Windows Server, such as Windows Server 2012 or 2016. These versions are specially designed for applications and server services, offering great stability and performance for online game hosting like Rust. You can also host a Rust server on a newer version of Windows 10, although this may be less stable and less efficient than on a dedicated Windows Server system. For an optimal gaming experience, be sure to check the Rust system requirements and make sure your system meets the minimum requirements.

How do I install mods on my Rust server?

To install mods on a Rust server, it is important to note that this requires installing Oxide, a popular modding framework for Rust. Once installed, you can download the desired mods from trusted sources, such as the official Oxide website or reputable mod forums, making sure they are compatible with the version of Oxide and Rust you are using. Next, navigate to your Rust server directory where Oxide is installed (usually the folder where you extracted the Oxide files during installation). In this directory, place the files for the downloaded mods in the “Plugins” folder. Ensure that the mod files have the extension ".cs" for C# scripts or ".lua" for Lua scripts, depending on the language used by the mod. After adding the mod files, reboot your Rust server. Check the server console to make sure that the mods have loaded successfully. Some mods may require a specific configuration — please refer to their documentation for more information. Finally, test the mods to make sure they work properly and that they improve the gaming experience in a positive way.