Starting Your Own Rust Server

Creating a Rust server involves understanding the prerequisites, undertaking the installation process, and configuring the server according to your preferences. The setup procedure varies between Windows, Linux, and rented servers. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step overview for each method.

1. Hardware Requirements:

Minimum Specifications:

• CPU: 3.0 GHz Quad-Core Processor
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: SSD with at least 20 GB of free space
• Network: High-speed internet connection with at least 10 Mbps upload

Recommended Specifications:

• CPU: 4.0 GHz Quad-Core Processor or better
• RAM: 16 GB or more
• Storage: Fast SSD with 40 GB or more of free space
• Network: High-speed internet connection with 20 Mbps upload or more

2. Installation:

Self-Hosting:

Windows:

1. Download and Install SteamCMD:
   • SteamCMD is a command-line utility from Steam tailored for downloading and updating server applications.
   • Download it from Steam’s official site and follow their installation instructions.
2. Install Rust Server:
   • Start SteamCMD.
   • Log in using login anonymous.
   • Set the desired installation directory with force_install_dir C:\path\to\your\rustserver\.
   • Install the Rust server with: app_update 258550 validate.
3. Starting the Server: Head to your Rust server directory and launch RustDedicated.exe.

Linux:

1. Install SteamCMD:
   • In a terminal, first update your package list: sudo apt-get update.
   • Install necessary libraries: sudo apt-get install lib32gcc1.
   • Download SteamCMD: mkdir ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd && curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar zxvf -.
2. Install Rust Server:
   • Initiate SteamCMD: ./steamcmd.sh.
   • Log in using login anonymous.
   • Set the install directory with force_install_dir ./rustserver/.
   • Install the Rust server application with: app_update 258550 validate.
3. Starting the Server: Within your Rust server directory, execute ./RustDedicated.

Renting a Server:

1. Select a Hosting Provider: There are many Rust server hosting providers available. Choose one based on your budget, desired server location, and additional features offered.
2. Server Installation:
   • Most hosting providers offer a simplified control panel that enables a one-click installation or a straightforward web interface to set up your server. Simply follow the provider's specific guidelines.

3. Server Configuration:

Configuring your Rust server involves adjusting the settings to suit your desired gameplay experience and managing the overall server environment. Proper configuration ensures smooth operation, provides a unique playing experience for your users, and safeguards against potential issues.

Configuration File Access:

The primary configuration file for a Rust server is named server.cfg. It contains essential server settings that dictate how the game runs on your server.

Key Settings to Configure:

1. Basic Server Information:
   • servername: This is your server's name, which players will see in the server browser. Make sure it's unique and easily identifiable.
   • server.description: A brief description or tagline for your server, providing more context about the gameplay or community.
   • server.url: An associated website for your server, if available. This can be a community forum or a related website.
   • server.headerimage: A direct link to your server's banner image. This provides a visual representation of your server in the list.
   • server.maxplayers: Set the maximum number of players that can be on your server at one time. This depends on your server's hardware capabilities.
2. Gameplay Tweaks:
   • server.worldsize: Dictates the size of the game map. The larger the size, the more resources it requires.
   • server.seed: Every map is generated based on a seed. By changing this number, you can create entirely different map layouts.
   • server.saveinterval: The frequency (in minutes) at which the server saves game progress. A shorter interval ensures data safety but may impact server performance.
   • decay.scale: Adjusts the rate at which player-made structures degrade over time. Higher values mean faster decay.
3. Security and Administration:
   • server.secure: Enables Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) on the server. Turning this off can expose your server to cheaters.
   • server.admin: This allows you to add admins to the server using their Steam64ID. Admins have powers to kick, ban, and manage the server in-game.
   • server.banlisturl: An external URL from which the server will fetch a list of banned users. Useful if you want to share ban lists with other server administrators.
4. Performance Settings:
   • gc.interval: Adjusts the garbage collection interval. By default, it’s set to -1, which automatically manages the memory cleanup process. Adjusting this might affect server performance.
   • server.tickrate: Number of updates the server processes per second. Higher values can provide smoother gameplay but demand more server resources.
5. Chat and Interaction:
   • server.globalchat: Enables or disables the global chat. If disabled, players can only chat with others nearby.
   • server.voip: Toggles Voice over IP on or off. If disabled, players cannot communicate using voice in-game.

Modifications (Mods):

Rust servers can be enhanced with various modifications (mods). These mods can change gameplay elements, introduce new content, or even automate certain administrative tasks.

• Oxide/Umod: It's a popular modification framework for Rust servers. By installing Oxide/Umod, server administrators can use a wide range of plugins to customize the gameplay experience.
• Plugin Configuration: Each plugin installed via Oxide/Umod typically comes with its own configuration file. Administrators must read the documentation for each plugin to understand how to configure them appropriately.

4. Platform-Specific Considerations:

Windows:

• Adjust your firewall settings to allow incoming traffic on the Rust server's port (the default is 28015 TCP/UDP).
• You might want to configure your server to run as a service, ensuring it starts automatically with Windows.

Linux:

• Employ tools like screen or tmux. These allow the Rust server to run in a session that can be detached, ensuring the server remains active even if the terminal is closed.
• Configure your firewall to permit incoming traffic on port 28015 TCP/UDP.

Rented Servers:

• Ensure you have the necessary permissions to modify the server's configuration, manage mods, and restart the server when needed.
• Regularly back up your server data. While many hosting providers offer automatic backups, it's good practice to have your own backups as well.