Panel/ControlPanel/docs/games/rust.md

Rust — Complete Dedicated Server Guide

Startup Parameters

Default command line

RustDedicated.exe -batchmode -nographics +server.port 28015 +server.identity "my_server" +server.hostname "My Rust Server" +server.maxplayers 100 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.seed 1234567

Parameters (exhaustive, server-relevant only)

• -batchmode — Run in batch mode (no graphics).
• -nographics — Disable graphics rendering.
• +server.port <port> — Server port. Default: 28015.
• +server.identity "<name>" — Server identity folder name.
• +server.hostname "<name>" — Server name in browser.
• +server.maxplayers <num> — Maximum players (1-500).
• +server.worldsize <size> — World size (1000-8000).
• +server.seed <num> — World generation seed.
• +server.level "<map>" — Map name (Procedural Map, custom maps).
• +server.tickrate <rate> — Server tickrate (10-30).
• +rcon.port <port> — RCON port.
• +rcon.password "<pass>" — RCON password.
• +rcon.web <0|1> — Enable web RCON.
• +server.saveinterval <seconds> — Save interval.
• +server.globalchat <true|false> — Global chat enabled.
• +server.description "<text>" — Server description.
• +server.headerimage "<url>" — Header image URL.
• +server.url "<url>" — Server website URL.
• +server.pve <true|false> — PvE mode.
• +decay.scale <multiplier> — Decay rate multiplier.
• +fps.limit <fps> — FPS limit.
• -logfile <path> — Log file path.

Ports

• Game: UDP 28015 (primary)
• RCON: TCP 28016 (game port + 1)
• App: TCP 28082 (Rust+ companion app)

Config Files & Locations

Windows:

• Data/ — Game data directory
• Logs/ — Log files directory
• ServerConfig/ — Configuration files (varies by game)

Linux:

• ~/rust/Data/ — Game data directory
• ~/rust/Logs/ — Log files directory
• ~/rust/ServerConfig/ — Configuration files

Key Files:

• Configuration file names and locations vary significantly between Unity games
• Common patterns: server.cfg, config.json, settings.xml
• Check game-specific documentation for exact file locations

Steam Workshop

Workshop Integration:

• Check Steam Workshop for community content
• Subscribe to collections via Steam client
• Server automatically downloads subscribed content
• Configure workshop content loading in server configuration

Common Mods (curated)

• Oxide/uMod

  • Purpose: Modding framework for Rust servers with extensive plugin ecosystem.
  • Install: Download from umod.org, extract to server directory.
  • Configure: Plugin configuration in oxide/config/ directory.

• AdminHammer

  • Purpose: Advanced admin tools and server management.
  • Install: Install via Oxide plugin manager or manual download.
  • Configure: Admin permissions in oxide/data/AdminHammer.json.

• Economics

  • Purpose: Server economy system with currency and rewards.
  • Install: Download plugin, place in oxide/plugins/.
  • Configure: Economy settings in oxide/config/Economics.json.

• Kits

  • Purpose: Predefined item kits for players (starter kits, VIP kits).
  • Install: Install via Oxide plugin system.
  • Configure: Kit definitions in oxide/config/Kits.json.

Database

Engine: SQLite (built-in) for basic data, JSON files for Oxide plugins

Server Data Storage:

• Player data: server/my_server_identity/storage/
• World saves: server/my_server_identity/saves/
• Oxide data: oxide/data/ directory

Oxide Plugin Storage:

• Most plugins use JSON files in oxide/data/
• Some plugins support SQLite or MySQL connections
• Configuration in individual plugin config files

Backup Strategy:

• Backup entire server identity folder for complete restoration
• Oxide data folder contains all plugin persistent data
• Monitor storage growth on high-population servers

Administration & Scripting

Remote Administration:

• RCON (Remote Console) access for server management
• Web-based admin panels (game-specific or third-party)
• In-game admin commands and permissions

Backup Strategy:

• Automated daily backups of save files and configuration
• Rotate backups (keep 7 daily, 4 weekly, 12 monthly)
• Test backup restoration procedures regularly
• Store backups in separate location/drive

Auto-Update:

• Use SteamCMD for automatic server updates (Steam games)
• Schedule updates during low-traffic periods
• Backup before applying updates
• Monitor for update announcements and patch notes

Monitoring:

• Server performance monitoring (CPU, memory, network)
• Player connection logs and statistics
• Error log monitoring and alerting
• Uptime tracking and availability reporting

Troubleshooting (game-specific)

"Couldn't connect to server" / Connection timeout

• Cause: Firewall blocking ports or server not responding
• Fix: Open UDP port 28015 and TCP port 28016, verify server is running and responsive

"Failed to create directory" on startup

• Cause: Insufficient permissions or disk space
• Fix: Run server with proper permissions, ensure adequate disk space, check path validity

High memory usage / Out of memory crashes

• Cause: Large world size, too many entities, or memory leaks in plugins
• Fix: Reduce world size, limit entity spawns, restart server regularly, monitor Oxide plugins

"Disconnected: EAC Authentication Timeout"

• Cause: Easy Anti-Cheat connectivity issues
• Fix: Verify internet connection, check EAC service status, ensure firewall allows EAC traffic

Server lag / Low FPS

• Cause: High player count, complex bases, or inefficient plugins
• Fix: Optimize server settings, limit building complexity, review Oxide plugin performance

Workshop/Oxide plugins not loading

• Cause: Plugin conflicts, outdated plugins, or configuration errors
• Fix: Check plugin compatibility, update plugins, review oxide logs for errors