Managing a Rust server doesn't mean you need to be glued to the console 24/7. RustAdmin is a free Windows tool that gives you full remote control over your server through RCON.
Setting Up RustAdmin
Download RustAdmin from the official site. It connects to your server via RCON (Remote Console), the same protocol that the in-game F1 console uses.
In your server configuration, make sure RCON is enabled:
+rcon.ip 0.0.0.0
+rcon.port 28016
+rcon.password "your_secure_password"
+rcon.web 1
In RustAdmin, enter your server IP, RCON port, and password. Click connect. You now have full remote access.
Key Features
Player Management
Right-click any player for options:
- Kick with reason
- Ban with duration and reason
- Mute in chat
- Teleport to location
- View inventory and stats
Automated Commands
Set up scheduled commands that run automatically:
| Command | Schedule | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
server.save | Every 15 min | Regular world saves |
say "Server restart in 5 minutes" | Before restart | Player warning |
oxide.reload * | After restart | Reload all plugins |
server.writecfg | Every hour | Save server config |
Chat Monitoring
RustAdmin shows all server chat in real-time. You can respond from the tool without joining the game. This is essential for handling reports, questions, and disputes while you're not in-game.
Advanced Features
Scheduler for Wipe Days
Set up your wipe sequence as a chain of timed events:
T-30min: say "Wipe in 30 minutes. Prepare accordingly."
T-15min: say "Wipe in 15 minutes. Log your valuables."
T-5min: say "Wipe in 5 minutes."
T-1min: say "Wipe in 60 seconds."
T-0: server.save
T+10sec: map.wipe
T+20sec: server.restart
This automates the entire wipe process so you don't need to be at your keyboard at 2 AM on a Thursday.
Logging
RustAdmin logs every command, chat message, connection, and disconnection. These logs are invaluable for:
- Investigating hacking reports
- Tracking player behavior patterns
- Documenting admin actions for your team
- Evidence for ban appeals
Best Practices
Never share your RCON password. Anyone with RCON access has full server control, including the ability to ban everyone, wipe data, or run destructive commands.
Use WebSocket RCON with a strong password. Keep rcon.web 1 on and pick WebRcon as the server type in RustAdmin. The connection is not encrypted, so use a long, unique RCON password and change it when an admin leaves your team.
Log everything. Enable RustAdmin's logging and save logs to a separate location. If there's ever a dispute about admin actions, you have proof.
For Space-Node Rust hosting, RCON comes pre-configured. You just need to set your password and connect with RustAdmin. The CPU behind the server depends on the region you pick: Ryzen 9 3900X-class in the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Canada and India, Ryzen 9 7950X3D in the USA, and Ryzen 9 5950X in Singapore and Australia.