Setting up a Rust dedicated server requires a Windows or Linux machine (or VPS) with enough RAM, CPU power, and a stable internet connection. Here is the complete process.
System Requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| CPU | 4 cores, 3.0 GHz | 6+ cores, 4.0 GHz |
| Storage | 20 GB SSD | 50 GB NVMe |
| OS | Windows 10 / Ubuntu 20.04+ | Ubuntu 22.04 / Windows Server |
| Network | 10 Mbps upload | 50+ Mbps upload |
| Ports | 28015 (game), 28016 (RCON) | Same |
The steps below are for running it yourself. If you would rather skip SteamCMD and firewall rules, our Rust dedicated server hosting starts at €10.20 a month for 8 GB and 60 slots, with Oxide/uMod support included.
Step 1: Install SteamCMD
Linux
sudo add-apt-repository multiverse
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install steamcmd
Windows
Download SteamCMD from Valve and extract to a folder.
Step 2: Download Rust Server
steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/rust/server +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit
If the output ends with Error! App '258550' state is 0x486 after update job. instead of Success! App '258550' fully installed., the download did not finish; our SteamCMD 0x486 fix covers it.
Step 3: Create Start Script
Linux (start.sh)
#!/bin/bash
cd /home/rust/server
./RustDedicated -batchmode \
+server.port 28015 \
+server.level "Procedural Map" \
+server.seed 12345 \
+server.worldsize 4000 \
+server.maxplayers 100 \
+server.hostname "My Rust Server" \
+server.description "A Rust server" \
+server.identity "myserver" \
+rcon.port 28016 \
+rcon.password "changethis" \
+rcon.web 1
chmod +x start.sh
./start.sh
Step 4: Configure Ports
Open these ports in your firewall:
- 28015 UDP: game traffic
- 28016 TCP: RCON (remote console)
- 28082 TCP: Rust+ companion (optional)
Rust's server list reaches your server on the UDP query port, which is 28017 with the ports in this start script, so open that one too. If the server still does not show up, see our Rust server not showing in server list fixes.
Step 5: Map and Seed
- server.seed: a number that generates a unique map. Try different seeds at playrust.io to preview.
- server.worldsize: map size from 1000 (tiny) to 6000 (huge). Default is 4000.
- server.level: "Procedural Map" for random, or a custom map URL.
Wipe Schedule
Rust has a forced wipe on the first Thursday of each month. Many servers also do weekly or bi-weekly map wipes. Configure this manually by deleting the world save files and restarting.
Adding Plugins (Oxide/uMod or Carbon)
- Download Oxide/uMod or Carbon
- Extract to the server directory
- Restart the server
- Place plugin .cs files in the oxide/plugins/ folder
- Plugins auto-compile on server start
Hosting Options
| Option | Cost | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted VPS | 10-30 EUR/mo | High (full setup) |
| Managed hosting (Space-Node) | From 10.20 EUR/mo | Low (panel-based) |
| Home server | Free + electricity | High + port forwarding |
Space-Node Rust plans start at 10.20 EUR/month (STONE: 8 GB RAM, 60 slots) with AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs, NVMe storage, and DDoS protection. The exact Ryzen model depends on the region you pick, and the CPU is shared with other servers on the node.
FAQ
How much RAM does a Rust server need? Minimum 8 GB. Recommended 16 GB for modded servers with 50+ players.
Can I run a Rust server on a free VPS? Not reliably. Rust needs 8+ GB RAM and decent CPU. A managed plan, like the ones in the hosting table above, deploys the server for you with Oxide/uMod support included.
What is RCON? Remote Console. Allows you to run server commands remotely.
Related: Rust map seeds guide, Rust wipe schedule, Rust server performance