Getting Started

Server Configuration

Comprehensive guide to configuring your Rust server settings

Last updated 2026-02-16

Server Configuration

This guide covers all the essential server configuration options for Rust.

Server Identity

The server identity is a unique identifier for your server's data:

+server.identity "my_server_name"

All server data (maps, blueprints, player data) will be stored in a directory with this name.

Basic Settings

Hostname

The name players see in the server browser:

+server.hostname "My Awesome Rust Server | 5x | No Decay"

Description

Appears when players view your server details:

+server.description "A friendly PvP server with custom loot rates and weekly wipes"

URL

Link to your website or Discord:

+server.url "https://discord.gg/yourserver"

Header Image

A banner image displayed in the server browser:

+server.headerimage "https://i.imgur.com/yourimage.jpg"

Player Limits

Set the maximum number of players:

+server.maxplayers 100

Queue players when server is full:

+server.queuesize 20

Map Settings

World Size

Map size in meters (default 4000, range 1000-6000):

+server.worldsize 4000

Seed

Deterministic map generation:

+server.seed 12345

Use the same seed to generate the same map layout.

Save Interval

How often the server saves (in seconds):

+server.saveinterval 600

Networking

Server Port

Game traffic port:

+server.port 28015

RCON Configuration

Remote console for admin commands:

+rcon.port 28016
+rcon.password "secure_password_here"
+rcon.web 1

Performance Settings

Tick Rate

Server update frequency (default 30):

+server.tickrate 30

Entity Budget

Performance optimization:

+server.entitybatchsize 100
+server.entitybatchtime 1

Gameplay Settings

PvP

Enable or disable player vs player:

+server.pve false

Radiation

Enable radiation zones:

+server.radiation true

Decay

Building decay settings:

+decay.scale 1.0
+decay.upkeep false

Wipe Settings

Rust servers typically wipe on a schedule. Use automation tools to:

  1. Announce wipe times
  2. Stop the server
  3. Delete player files and map
  4. Restart with new map

Example wipe script:

#!/bin/bash
# Stop server
rcon "save"
rcon "quit"

# Backup old data
cp -r ~/.rust/server/$SERVER_IDENTITY ~/.rust/backups/

# Delete wipe data
rm -rf ~/.rust/server/$SERVER_IDENTITY/UserPersistence.db
rm -rf ~/.rust/server/$SERVER_IDENTITY/proceduralmap.*

# Restart server
./start.sh

Configuration Files

Key configuration files:

  • server.cfg - Main server settings
  • users.cfg - Admin and moderator list
  • bans.cfg - Banned players

Example server.cfg:

server.hostname "My Server"
server.maxplayers 100
server.worldsize 4000
server.seed 12345
server.description "Custom PvP server"

Best Practices

  1. Use a unique, memorable hostname
  2. Set appropriate player limits for your hardware
  3. Configure regular automated backups
  4. Use a strong RCON password
  5. Document your server's custom rates/settings
  6. Set up monitoring and alerts
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