How to make a dedicated rust server

Are you curious how to make a dedicated Rust server for complete control over your survival experience? This guide will walk you through all the essential steps. Whether you plan to self-host or prefer a professional hosting service, you’ll be ready to jump into the action in no time.

Tip: If you want a simpler solution instead of configuring everything on your own, you can order a pre-configured Rust server. Check out our Rust hosting plans here.

Prerequisites

• A Steam account to install the Rust Dedicated Server files via SteamCMD or other methods.

• Basic knowledge of using the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Linux/macOS).

• A stable internet connection and enough system resources (CPU/RAM) to run a Rust server.

Step 1: Install SteamCMD

1. Windows: Download SteamCMD from the official Valve developer site (SteamCMD Wiki) and extract it to a folder (e.g., C:\steamcmd).

2. Linux: Install SteamCMD using your package manager (e.g., sudo apt-get install steamcmd) or download the .tar.gz from Valve and extract it.

Quick note: Make sure you update SteamCMD often to avoid issues when downloading or updating server files.

Step 2: Create a Folder for Your Rust Server

Before downloading the server files, create a dedicated folder where all your Rust server data will reside. For example:

• Windows: C:\rustserver
• Linux: /home/user/rustserver

Step 3: Download and Install Rust Dedicated Server Files

1. Open a Command Prompt or Terminal where SteamCMD is installed.

2. Log into SteamCMD (for anonymous access, type login anonymous).

3. Use the following command to download or update the Rust server files:

force_install_dir "C:\rustserver" (Windows) force_install_dir "/home/user/rustserver" (Linux) app_update 258550 validate 

Note: “258550” is the Rust Dedicated Server app ID. The “validate” option checks and re-downloads missing or corrupted files.

Step 4: Configure Your Rust Server

Once the download finishes, configure basic settings like server name, world seed, RCON, and more. You can do this by creating or editing a startup script or command line parameters:

RustDedicated.exe -batchmode -nographics ^ -hostname "MyRustServer" ^ -port 28015 ^ -rcon.port 28016 ^ -rcon.password "YourRconPassword" ^ -maxplayers 50 ^ -worldsize 4000 ^ -seed 12345 ^ -saveinterval 300 

Tip: Customize -hostname, -maxplayers, -worldsize, and -seed based on your preferences. Don’t forget to set a secure -rcon.password.

Step 5: Forward Ports (If Self-Hosting)

If you are hosting from home and want players outside your local network to connect:

• Log into your router’s admin panel and forward UDP ports 28015 (game port) and 28016 (RCON port) to your server’s local IP address.

• Visit a site like WhatIsMyIP to find your public IP address. Share this address with friends so they can connect.

Hurtig note: If you have firewall software on the server machine, make sure these ports are allowed through it as well.

Step 6: Launch and Test Your Server

1. Run your server startup script or use the commands above. A console window will appear, indicating the server is starting.

2. Open Rust on your computer. Press F1 to open the console and type client.connect your_server_ip:28015.

3. Check that you can join and that settings (e.g., max players, world size) are working properly.

Note: If you run into issues, review the server console for error messages or check your firewall/port forwarding settings.

Step 7: Consider Professional Hosting (Optional)

Setting up a dedicated Rust server can be resource-intensive. If you prefer convenience and guaranteed uptime, a professional hosting provider might be a better solution. Benefits include:

• Automatic server updates and maintenance

• An easy-to-use control panel for quick configuration

• Scalable CPU and RAM upgrades

• 24/7 support to resolve issues promptly

CTA: Ready for a worry-free setup? Check out our Rust hosting plans and let us handle the details!

Why Run a Dedicated Rust Server?

When you learn how to make a dedicated Rust server, you get:

• Complete control over mods, plugins, and server settings

• The freedom to customize world parameters and gameplay rules

• Better performance for your players when hosted on optimized hardware

Need Assistance?

If you encounter any issues or have questions during setup, feel free to reach out to our support team via:

• Support Center

• Live Chat in the control panel

CTA: We’re here to help you get the most out of your dedicated Rust server. Contact Support.

Now that you know how to make a dedicated Rust server, you’re set to build your own post-apocalyptic world, invite friends, and shape the survival experience your way. Happy surviving!

Don’t have a server yet? Get started with our Rust hosting packages and jump right in!