How to make a Rust server

Running your own Rust server lets you control the map size, the rules, the plugins and when it wipes. Here's how to get started.

1. Get enough RAM

Rust is one of the heaviest games to host. Plan on 8 GB for a small group on a smaller map, and 12 GB or more for bigger maps, more players or lots of plugins.

2. Create the server

With VantaHost, choose a Rust plan and pay. The server installs from Steam, the game, query and RCON ports are set up, and a secure RCON password is generated. The first start takes a few minutes while the map generates.

3. Connect

In Rust, press F1 to open the console and type client.connect address:port using the address from your client area.

4. Make yourself an admin

In the game panel console, run ownerid YourSteamID64 "YourName", then server.writecfg, and reconnect.

5. Add plugins with Oxide or Carbon

Set the framework to Oxide (uMod) or Carbon in the game panel under Startup, restart, then upload plugins to the plugins folder. Popular ones include Kits, Better Chat, Stack Size Controller, Gather Manager and Remover Tool.

6. Use RCON

Tools like RustAdmin connect over RCON with your server address, RCON port and password, all shown in your client area, so you can manage players and run commands without being in the game.

7. Wiping

A map wipe resets the world by changing the seed or deleting the map files; a blueprint wipe also resets what players have learned. Rust's forced wipe happens monthly with the game update, so plan your wipe schedule around it.