To make a Rust server, pick Rust, choose vanilla or a plugin framework, pick a plan with at least 8 GB of RAM and start it. The first start builds the map and takes a few minutes. Then you and your friends join with the address shown on Overview.
What you need
- Rust on Steam for every player. Rust Console Edition on Xbox and PlayStation is a different game and can’t join.
- A plan with enough RAM (the server’s memory). Rust is one of the hungriest games we host. Our guide:
| Your group | Map size | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| A few friends, no plugins | 2000 to 3000 | 8 GB |
| Up to about 50 players, some plugins | 3000 to 4000 | 12 GB |
| Big community or many plugins | 4000 to 4500 | 16 GB |
| Large public server or a 6000 map | 4500 to 6000 | 24 GB or more |
Facepunch suggests 12 GB of free memory for a typical server, and more for a 6000 map. Memory use also grows during a wipe as players build, so leave some room. The performance guide goes deeper.
Create your server
- Pick Rust from the game list.
- Choose the server type:
- Vanilla: Rust exactly as Facepunch made it. Can be listed on the Community tab of the server browser.
- Oxide (uMod) or Carbon: plugin frameworks for kits, shops, teleports and more. Plugin servers are listed on the Modded tab. See Rust plugins.
- Pick a plan from the table above.
- Pick the region closest to most of your players: EU or US East.
- Choose a name. It becomes your address, like
outpost.play.wilderack.com. Names use 3 to 32 characters: lowercase letters, numbers and hyphens.
You can change the server type later in Settings. A backup is made first.
The first start
The game files install from Steam (Facepunch’s RustDedicated server, Steam app 258550). We never ship them ourselves.
The first start also builds your map from its size and seed. That usually takes a few minutes, and up to about 10 minutes for a big map. Watch the Console: the server is ready when it prints Server startup complete. Later starts are much faster.
Set the basics
Open Settings to change the main things in plain words: server name, description, header image, max players, map size, seed and PvE. The full list of settings is in the config reference.
Changing the map size or seed builds a brand new map. Everything on the old map is gone, as if you wiped. Pick them before your friends start building.
Make yourself owner
Owners can use every admin command, like kick, ban and teleport.
- Join your server once, so it knows your Steam account.
- Open the Console in the panel and type
users. It lists everyone online with their SteamID64, a 17-digit number starting with7656. - Type
ownerid 76561198000000000 "YourName"with your own number and name. - Type
server.writecfgto save the admin list tousers.cfgstraight away. - Leave the server and join again. You now have owner powers.
If you linked your Steam account in the panel, the admin list in Settings can do this for you. For moderators, removing admins and the most useful commands, see Rust admin commands.
Invite friends to play
Send your friends the address and port from the address card on Overview, like outpost.play.wilderack.com:31500. They press F1 in Rust and type client.connect followed by the address. All the ways to join are in how to connect.
Invite friends to help run it
Open Friends and create an invite link with a role:
| Role | Good for |
|---|---|
| Co-owner | Someone you trust with everything |
| Admin | Running the server day to day |
| Moderator | Restarting the server and using the console |
| Builder | Installing plugins and changing files |
| Viewer | Watching the console |
These roles are for the panel. In-game powers come from ownerid and moderatorid, so give those separately.
Does a Rust server sleep?
Not by default. Rust servers stay awake, because Rust communities find servers on the public server list, and a sleeping server drops off that list.
For a private server for friends, you can turn sleep on in Settings > Sleep. Your server then naps when nobody’s playing, so you aren’t paying for an empty server to sit awake. It wakes when someone connects by address or from their favourites, usually in a couple of seconds.
Facepunch’s rules for server owners
Facepunch lets anyone run a community server, as long as you follow its server guidelines. The ones that matter most:
- Never call your server “official”. It should be clear it’s a community server.
- Players who bought Facepunch DLC and skins must be able to use them. You also can’t unlock DLC for players who don’t own it.
- Keep content suitable for Rust’s players, ads and items included.
Breaking the rules can get a server removed from the server browser, and serious cases can get its owner banned.
What to read next
- How to connect to your Rust server
- Rust wipe day: forced wipes and our wipe day schedule
- Rust admin commands
- Rust plugins with Oxide and Carbon
Questions
How much RAM does a Rust server need?
Plan on 8 GB for a few friends on a small map, 12 GB for a normal map of 3000 to 4000 with some plugins, and 16 GB or more for big maps, many plugins or a busy public server.
Can Xbox or PlayStation players join my Rust server?
No. Rust Console Edition is a separate game with its own servers. Only Rust on PC through Steam can join the servers you rent from us.
How long does a new Rust server take to start?
The first start builds the map, which usually takes a few minutes and can take up to about 10 minutes on a large map. Later starts are much faster.
Can I add plugins to my Rust server later?
Yes. Change the server type to Oxide or Carbon in Settings at any time. A backup is made first, and plugins then install from the Mods tab.
Sources we checked
- Creating a serverFacepunch Studios
- Community Server and Hosting GuidelinesFacepunch Studios
- Rust on SteamValve
