How to Host a Rust Server in 2026
Rust dedicated servers are more involved than most games — map size, RAM, RCON and wipe scheduling all matter. This guide covers everything from install to your first live community server.
RAM requirements — don't undersize
Rust is one of the most RAM-hungry games to host. The minimum for a functional dedicated server is 8 GB. A 3500-size map on a low-pop server needs ~8 GB at idle and more under load. 12 GB is the comfortable tier for a community server. Anything under 8 GB will struggle with map generation and crash under player load.
Install RustDedicated via SteamCMD
Rust's dedicated server is Steam app ID 258550. Install SteamCMD, log in anonymously, and run: `+force_install_dir /opt/rustserver +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit`. The download is 8–10 GB. Subsequent updates are incremental. Auto-update scripts that run `app_update 258550` keep the server on the latest Facepunch patch.
Configure the server launch command
Key launch parameters: `-server.hostname` (display name), `-server.maxplayers` (default 50), `-server.worldsize` (1000–6000, default 3000), `-server.seed` (procedural map seed), `-server.port 28015`, `-rcon.port 28016`, `-rcon.password YourPassword`, `-rcon.web true` (for web RCON). Set these in a shell script or systemd unit.
Open ports 28015 and 28016
UDP 28015 is the game port. TCP/UDP 28016 is the RCON port (used by web RCON tools like RustAdmin and Rustority). Both need to be open. Without 28015, players can't connect. Without 28016, you can't send admin commands remotely.
Set up RCON
Rust uses a WebSocket-based RCON (not the standard Valve RCON protocol). Use a web RCON tool like RustAdmin or the Rust+ app to connect. RCON lets you kick, ban, give items, change the map, wipe the server and run any in-game command remotely without console access.
Install uMod (Oxide) plugins
uMod is the standard Rust plugin framework. Download the uMod Rust build, extract over your server directory, and the plugin folder appears on first boot. Drop `.cs` plugin files into `/oxide/plugins/`. Popular plugins: Clans, Friends, Kits, ZLevels Remastered, Economics. Server restarts load new plugins automatically.
Schedule wipes
Rust players expect regular wipes. Forced wipes happen on the first Thursday of each month (Facepunch requirement). Blueprint wipes are optional and less frequent. Set up a cron job or use a plugin like Automated Events to handle map wipes on a schedule. Most community servers wipe every 1–4 weeks.
FAQ
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