Getting Started

Getting Started

Learn the basics of setting up and managing your Rust server

Last updated 2026-02-16

Getting Started

Welcome to Rust Admin Tips! This guide will help you set up and configure your Rust server for optimal performance and player experience.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A dedicated server or VPS with at least 8GB RAM
  • Basic command line knowledge
  • SteamCMD installed
  • Port 28015 (game) and 28016 (RCON) open on your firewall

Installing Rust Server

Using SteamCMD

First, install SteamCMD if you haven't already:

# On Ubuntu/Debian
sudo add-apt-repository multiverse
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install steamcmd

Download Rust Server Files

Create a directory for your Rust server and download the files:

mkdir -p ~/rust-server
cd ~/rust-server
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ~/rust-server +app_update 258550 validate +quit

Basic Server Configuration

Create a startup script start.sh:

#!/bin/bash
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:~/rust-server/RustDedicated_Data/Plugins/x86_64

~/rust-server/RustDedicated \\
  -batchmode \\
  -nographics \\
  +server.hostname "My Rust Server" \\
  +server.identity "my_server_identity" \\
  +server.maxplayers 100 \\
  +server.worldsize 4000 \\
  +server.seed 12345 \\
  +server.port 28015 \\
  +rcon.port 28016 \\
  +rcon.password "your_secure_password" \\
  +rcon.web 1

Make the script executable:

chmod +x start.sh

Starting Your Server

Run the startup script:

./start.sh

Your server should now be starting up! It will take a few minutes to generate the map and initialize.

Next Steps

Now that your server is running, you should:

  1. Configure server settings
  2. Install essential plugins
  3. Set up admin permissions
  4. Configure automated backups

Common Issues

Server won't start

Check that all required ports are open and not in use by another application.

Can't connect to server

Verify your firewall rules allow traffic on ports 28015 and 28016.

Server crashes on startup

Check the output log file in the server directory for specific error messages.

Getting Help

If you run into issues:

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