Rust is a hardcore survival game where players build, raid and cooperate. Your own Rust server gives you full control over the map, wipe schedule and rules. This guide covers how to set one up on a VPS from HostValues.
System requirements
A Rust server is fairly resource-intensive. Plan for at least 8 GB RAM for a server with 50 slots on a standard map. With 100 or more slots, custom maps or many plugins, that grows to 12 to 16 GB. CPU: at least 3 cores, preferably with high single-thread performance.
Installation via SteamCMD
- Install SteamCMD:
apt install steamcmd(or download manually). - Download the Rust server:
app_update 258550 validate. - Create a start script, for example
start.sh:./RustDedicated -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.level "Procedural Map" +server.seed 12345 +server.maxplayers 50 +server.hostname "My Rust Server" +rcon.port 28016 +rcon.password "yourpassword" +rcon.web 1 - Make it executable with
chmod +x start.shand start.
Wipe schedule
Rust has two types of wipes:
- Map wipe: the entire map is reset, including all buildings. Facepunch forces this on the first Thursday of every month with a game update.
- Blueprint (BP) wipe: all learned blueprints are reset. This does not happen automatically; you choose when. Many servers wipe BPs every 1 to 3 months.
During a forced wipe, update the server via SteamCMD and restart. The map is automatically regenerated with a new seed (or the same one, if you prefer).
Oxide and plugins
Oxide (also known as uMod) is the plugin framework for Rust. To install:
- Download the latest Oxide release for Rust.
- Extract the archive into the root directory of your Rust server (overwrite existing files).
- Restart the server. Oxide creates an
oxide/pluginsfolder. - Drop plugin .cs files into
oxide/plugins. They are compiled and loaded automatically.
Popular plugins: Gather Manager (adjust harvest rates), Teleportation, Clans, Economics and Better Chat.
RCON (Remote Console)
RCON lets you manage the server remotely. Use a tool like RustAdmin or the web RCON interface (default on port 28016). Make sure your rcon.password is strong and the port is only accessible from your own IP via the firewall.
Performance tips
- Use a custom map size of 3000 to 4000 instead of the default 4500. Smaller maps perform better.
- Limit the maximum number of entities with
server.maxunloadedentities. - Schedule automatic restarts every 12 to 24 hours to counter memory leaks.
- Use NVMe storage for fast save writes. Rust saves the world regularly and that is I/O intensive.
How often should I wipe?
The forced map wipe is monthly (first Thursday). Beyond that, many servers opt for weekly or biweekly wipes to keep gameplay fresh. BP wipes are optional and usually monthly or at season changes.
How much RAM for 100 players?
Expect 12 to 16 GB RAM for 100 slots with a standard map size and a handful of plugins. With large custom maps or many plugins it can rise to 20 GB.
Can I run Rust on Linux?
Yes, the Rust dedicated server runs natively on Linux. Most hosting runs on Linux due to lower overhead. All HostValues VPS packages run on Linux with KVM virtualisation and root access.