Rust: Server Configuration Guide

Proper Rust server configuration determines everything from player experience to server performance. This comprehensive guide covers all essential configuration files, RCON setup, mod installation, and gameplay tuning for optimal Rust servers.

Essential Configuration Files

Creating server.cfg

The server.cfg file is located in your Rust server's root directory. Create this file with following settings:

Basic Server Information

// Server Identity
hostname "My Rust Community Server"
description "Welcome to our awesome server!"
url "http://your-website.com"
headerimage "http://your-image.png"  // Optional loading screen image
logoimage "http://your-logo.png"      // Optional logo

Authentication & Security

// Server Security
server.identity "rust_server_1"
server.level "Procedural Map"
server.seed 1234567890  // Specific seed for map generation
server.worldsize 3000      // Map size (3000x3000 meters)
server.maxplayers 50
server.saveinterval 300    // Auto-save every 5 minutes

// Passwords
server.password ""        // Leave empty for public
rcon.password "your_secure_rcon_password"
rcon.ip "0.0.0.0"
rcon.port 28017

Network Settings

// Network Configuration
server.ip 0.0.0.0
server.port 28015        // Main game port
server.queryport 28016   // Query port for server browser
server.tickrate 30       // Network update rate (30 is standard)

RCON Configuration

RCON (Remote Console) provides full server administration capabilities:

Enabling RCON

rcon.password "your_secure_password"
rcon.ip "0.0.0.0"
rcon.port 28017

Using RCON

• In-game: Press F1, type rcon.password YOUR_PASSWORD
• External tools: Use RustAdmin, Carbon, or web-based RCON clients
• Command line: Use Rust's RCON CLI tool

Gameplay Configuration

Progression Settings

// XP and Leveling
server.level "Procedural Map"
server.seed 1234567890
server.worldsize 3000
server.pve "false"      // PVE mode (false = PVP enabled)
server.stability "true"  // Building stability enabled

// Crafting & Gathering
craft.instant "false"
craft.instantadmin "true"
gather.rate dispenser 1    // Resource gathering rate multiplier
dispenser.gather.rate 1   // Same as gather.rate

Raiding & Decay

// Raid Settings
server.radiation "true"      // Radiation damage enabled
decay.upkeep "true"          // Decay active
decay.scale 1.0              // Decay rate multiplier
decay.brick.scale 1.0
decay.toptier.scale 1.0      // High-tier decay rate
corpse.duration 300           // Corpse despawn time (seconds)

Chat & Communication

// Chat Settings
chat.serverlog "true"     // Log chat to console
chat.muted "false"         // Mute all chat
chat.moderation 1           // Chat moderation level (0-2)

Performance Optimization

Server Performance Settings

// Performance Tuning
server.tickrate 30           // 30 ticks per second (standard)
ai.horde.population 1.0       // AI hordes
ai.npc_a_d_spawn_rate 1.0     // NPC spawn rate
animal.population 1.0          // Animal population
bracket.peacefulmode 1          // Peaceful mode for brackets
bracket.time 30                 // Time between bracket spawns

Entity Limits

// Entity Optimization
entitylimit 100000              // Maximum entities
entitylimit.server 500000        // Server entity cap
nav_mesh.max_updates 200         // Nav mesh updates per tick
ai.nav_mesh_update_rate 20       // AI navigation update rate

Advanced Configuration

Map Generation

// Map Settings
server.level "Procedural Map"      // or "Barren", "Flat", "Custom"
server.seed 0                      // 0 = random, or specific seed
server.worldsize 3000              // Map size in meters
server.spawnrate "2"               // Spawn rate multiplier
server.randomseed "true"

Anti-Cheat & Security

// Security Settings
antihack.enabled "true"            // Enable anti-cheat
antihack.maxdesync 1.0           // Desync tolerance
antihack.maxviolations 10          // Max violations before kick
antihack.maxfullviolations 5       // Max serious violations before ban
antihack.admincheat "true"        // Admins bypass anti-cheat

Time & Weather

// Time Control
env.time 1.0                      // Time of day (0.0-1.0)
env.timescale 1.0                   // Time speed multiplier
env.daytime 0.0                    // Start daytime
env.nighttime 0.5                  // Start nighttime
env.progresstime "true"             // Enable time progression

Mod Configuration (Oxide/uMod)

Installing Oxide

1. Download latest Oxide version for your Rust branch.
2. Copy Oxide.Rust.dll to your Rust server's root directory.
3. Restart server to initialize Oxide.

Installing Plugins

1. Download plugin files (.cs files).
2. Copy to oxide/plugins/ directory.
3. Restart server to load plugins.

Common Essential Plugins

Plugin	Purpose	Why It's Essential
Group Manager	Permission management	Set up admin, VIP, and player groups
Admin Tools	Admin commands	Essential for server administration
Death Notes	Kill notifications	Show who killed whom and how
Collector	Resource collection	Gather resources automatically
Zone Manager	Area management	Create PVP/PVE zones and safe areas

Essential RCON Commands

Server Management

restart                       // Restart server gracefully
save                          // Force save server state
kick player_name "reason"        // Kick player
ban player_name "reason"        // Ban player
unban player_name              // Unban player

Player Information

status                        // Show all connected players
find player_name              // Find player by name
playerlist                    // List players with IDs
net.info                      // Network information

World Management

notice.all "message"          // Send server message to all
notice.all "Server restart in 10 minutes"
broadcast "message"            // Alternative broadcast command
global.kickall               // Kick all players

Cheat Commands (For Testing)

godmode 1                   // Enable god mode
noclip                       // Toggle fly mode
spawn item_name              // Spawn item by name
teleport x y z              // Teleport to coordinates

Server Wipe Configuration

Manual Wipe Command

wipe                          // Wipe server (resets map)
wipe all                      // Wipe everything including blueprints

Automated Wipes

For scheduled wipes, use server startup scripts or external tools:

• Weekly Wipe: Every Thursday at 2 PM (standard)
• Monthly Wipe: First Thursday of each month
• Force Wipe: When Facepunch updates Rust

Performance Tuning Guide

Optimizing for Player Count

Player Count	Recommended RAM	Recommended CPU	World Size
20-30 players	16GB	4 cores	2500x2500
50-100 players	32GB	8 cores	3000x3000
200+ players	64GB+	16+ cores	4500x4500

Advanced Performance Settings

// High Performance Settings
server.tickrate 30
ai.nav_mesh_update_rate 40
ai.pathfinding_threads 2
ai.npc_a_d_spawn_rate 0.5
animal.population 0.5
server.saveinterval 600

Troubleshooting Configuration Issues

Issue	Cause	Solution
Server not appearing in browser	Query port blocked or incorrect	Check port 28016 is open, verify queryport setting
RCON not working	Incorrect password or port	Verify rcon.password and rcon.port in server.cfg
High CPU usage	Too many entities or AI	Reduce animal population, AI spawn rates, or world size
Plugins not loading	Oxide not installed or outdated	Update Oxide to latest version, check plugin compatibility
Players can't build	Building privilege issues	Check tool cupboard placement, verify admin permissions

Best Practices

• Backup Regularly: Schedule automatic backups of server data
• Test Changes: Apply configuration changes on test server first
• Document Settings: Keep notes on custom configurations
• Monitor Performance: Use RCON to monitor server FPS and tick rate
• Update Plugins: Keep plugins updated for compatibility and security

Configure your perfect Rust server. Host your Rust server with Supercraft for optimized performance and easy mod installation.