Rust server overview
Rust uses the same panel as every other game, plus a RUST sidebar group with wipes, custom maps, plugins, player moderation and a log of admin actions.
Your first start
- Open your server from the store (Servers, then your server, then Manage Server). The panel overview explains the layout.
- On Console, press Start.
- On the very first start the server downloads and installs Rust, which can take several minutes. Do not restart it meanwhile.
- When the console shows Server startup complete, the server is ready and players can join.
tip
The first start after a wipe that generates a new map is also slow. While the console is scrolling, it is still working.
Ports
The Network box in Settings lists every port of your server. A Rust server uses four of them:
| Port | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 28015 | Game port. This is the one players connect to (marked Primary). |
| 28016 | RCON, for remote administration tools. See RCON. |
| 28017 | Query port, used by server lists and monitoring tools. |
| 28082 | Rust+ companion app. |
These are the defaults; Settings shows the real values for your server.
Connect from the game
- Copy the address from the SERVER ADDRESS card on the Console page (use Copy).
- Start Rust and press F1 to open the in-game console.
- Type, with your own address and port:
client.connect address:port
For example, client.connect 203.0.113.10:28015. A subdomain from Settings works in place of the IP. More options in Connect to your server.
What is in the RUST sidebar group
| Page | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Wipes | Wipe the map and blueprints now or on a schedule. Also sets server name, description, map size and seed. |
| Custom maps | Upload your own .map files and use them on the next wipe. |
| Plugins | Enable Oxide and install uMod plugins. |
| Players | Live list of connected and sleeping players with moderation actions. |
| Rust Manager Log | History of the actions taken on players. |
Three more guides use the shared panel tools:
- server.cfg: max players, RCON password and other settings.
- RCON: remote administration with tools such as RustAdmin.
- Optimization: keep the server smooth through a wipe cycle.
Where the common settings live
Rust has no startup page:
- Server name, description, map size and map seed are set in Wipes.
- Max players, RCON password and other convars go in
/server/rust/cfg/server.cfg, edited through Files. See server.cfg. - Ports, subdomain, users and SFTP are in Settings.
Good habits
- Take a backup before big changes. Wipes can create one for you automatically.
- Use Schedules for restarts and recurring tasks.
- Ask Fenix: it reads your console and explains errors.
Problems: Troubleshooting or contact support.