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Rust Server Wipe Schedule Guide

Rust Guide • Updated Feb 8, 2026

Rust Wipe Schedule: When & Why Servers Reset

In Rust, nothing lasts forever. "Wipes" are a core mechanic where servers reset, deleting all player progress (bases, items, and/or blueprints). Understanding the wipe schedule is crucial for server owners to maintain a healthy player population.

The Global Rule: Facepunch (developers) force a global update and wipe on the first Thursday of every month at 19:00 BST (20:00 CEST / 14:00 EST). All servers must update and wipe maps at this time.

Types of Wipes

There are two main types of data wipes:

1. Map Wipe

Deletes: Buildings, player inventories, and the map itself (a new seed is generated).

Keeps: Blueprints (BPs) unlocked by players.

Frequency: Most community servers wipe maps weekly or bi-weekly. Official servers wipe monthly.

2. Blueprint Wipe (Full Wipe)

Deletes: Everything. Map, buildings, items, AND all learned blueprints.

Keeps: Nothing. Everyone starts fresh with a rock and torch.

Frequency: Usually done monthly on the forced wipe day, but some servers never wipe BPs ("No BP Wipe") or wipe bi-monthly.

Forced Wipes vs Community Wipes

Forced Wipes (The Update)

This happens when Facepunch releases a game update that changes terrain generation or save file format.

  • When: First Thursday of every month.
  • Can I skip it? No. If you don't update, players on the new client version cannot join your server.
  • Does it wipe BPs? Not always! Facepunch only forces BP wipes occasionally (usually for major progression overhauls). Most months are Map Wipes only.

Community Wipes

Server owners choose their own schedule to keep gameplay fresh. Common schedules:

  • Weekly: Intense PvP. Wipe every Thursday (or Monday/Friday).
  • Bi-Weekly: Balanced. Wipe every 2 weeks.
  • Monthly: Slower pace. Wipe only on Force Wipe day.

How to Wipe Your Server Manually

To wipe your server, you simply delete specific files while the server is stopped.

1. Stop the Server. 2. Navigate to `server/rust-server/`. 3. Delete `.sav` files (Map Wipe). 4. Delete `player.blueprints.db` (Blueprint Wipe). 5. Change `server.seed` in your startup script/cfg to generate a new map. 6. Start the Server.

Automating Wipes

You can use scripts or plugins like WipeSchedule (uMod) to announce wipes to players.

Why Stick to a Schedule?

Players look for "Fresh Wipes". A server formatted "WIPED 2/15" attracts thousands of players on that day. A server that hasn't wiped in 3 weeks will be dead because new players know they can't compete against established clans with AKs.

Managing wipes is easier with a professional host. Supercraft Hosting provides one-click wipe buttons and automated schedules for your Rust server.

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