Menu
  Log out
 

Fixing Rust EAC & Connection Errors

Rust Guide • Updated Feb 8, 2026

Rust Connection Errors: The Ultimate Fix Guide

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to join a server and getting kicked with "EAC Disconnected" or "Steam Auth Timeout". These errors can happen on both the client (your PC) and the server side.

Common Error Messages & Fixes

1. "EAC Disconnected" or "Easy Anti-Cheat Violation"

This means the anti-cheat system failed to verify your game files or connection.

Client Fix (Player)

  1. Close Rust completely.
  2. Go to your Rust installation folder: `\Steam\steamapps\common\Rust\EasyAntiCheat`.
  3. Run `EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe` as Administrator.
  4. Select "Rust" and click "Repair Service".
  5. Restart your PC.

Server Owner Fix

Ensure your server files are up to date. Sometimes a server update corrupts EAC files.

Run `app_update 258550 validate` in SteamCMD to verify server integrity.

2. "Steam Auth Timeout"

This error occurs when the server cannot verify your Steam ID with Valve's master servers.

For Players:

  • Restart Steam: Log out and log back in. Steam's session token may have expired.
  • Check Steam Status: Is Steam down? Check steamstat.us.
  • Opt out of Steam Beta: Beta clients sometimes cause auth issues.

For Server Owners:

  • Update Server: An outdated server version will fail to authenticate newer clients.
  • Port Forwarding: Ensure the Steam Query Port (default 28016 or 28017 UDP) is open in your firewall.

3. "Packet Flooding: Player Tick"

Often caused by lag or bad internet connection, but can also be a server performance issue.

For Players:

  • Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
  • Close bandwidth-heavy apps (Netflix, huge downloads).

For Server Owners:

If many players get this, your server might be overloaded.

  • Check CPU Usage: Are you hitting 100%? Upgrade your hosting plan.
  • Physics step: Sometimes `physics.steps` needs adjustment, but default is usually best.
  • DDOS Protection: Ensure you have robust DDoS mitigation.

General Troubleshooting Steps

If you still can't connect, try these universal fixes:

Verify Game Integrity (Client)

  1. Right-click Rust in Steam Library > Properties.
  2. Go to "Installed Files".
  3. Click "Verify integrity of game files".

Flush DNS (Client)

Open Command Prompt as Admin and type: `ipconfig /flushdns`

Reinstall Rust (Last Resort)

Sometimes a fresh install is the only way to fix deep corruption.

Running a server and tired of constant errors? Move to Supercraft Hosting where our automated systems handle updates and integrity checks for you.

← Back to Rust Guides
Top