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Rust Server Setup Guide 2026

Complete step-by-step tutorial to set up your own Rust server

Free TutorialStep-by-Step GuideCode ExamplesTroubleshooting Tips
Rust
R

Rust

Facepunch Studios • February 8, 2018

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Game Info

Features, requirements & where to buy

Setup Guide

Step-by-step server installation

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Rust Server Requirements

What You'll Need

Software Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Minimum (5-10 players)
  • • CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 / AMD FX-9590
  • • RAM: 10 GB RAM
  • • Storage: 25 GB
  • • Network: 10+ Mbps upload
Recommended (20+ players)
  • • CPU: Intel Core i7-4690K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600
  • • RAM: 16 GB RAM
  • • Storage: 25 GB (SSD)
  • • Network: 50+ Mbps upload

Step-by-Step Rust Server Setup

1

Step 1: Download Rust server files using SteamCMD

Download Rust server files using SteamCMD

Code Example:

bash
./steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ./rust-server/ +login anonymous +app_update 258550 +quit

Rust Server Configuration

Basic Settings

Server NameMy Rust Server
Max Players20
Game Modesurvival
Difficultynormal

Advanced Settings

Performance Optimization

  • • Allocate 1GB RAM per 4-6 players
  • • Use SSD storage for better performance
  • • Optimize view distance based on player count
  • • Enable server-side optimizations

Security Settings

  • • Set strong admin passwords
  • • Configure firewall rules
  • • Enable whitelist if needed
  • • Regular backup schedule

Common Rust Server Issues & Solutions

🚫 Players Can't Connect to Server

Symptoms: Server appears offline, connection timeouts

Solutions:

  • Check port forwarding configuration (port 25565 for Minecraft)
  • Verify firewall settings allow server traffic
  • Confirm server is running and listening on correct port
  • Test with local IP first, then external IP

⚠️ Server Lag and Performance Issues

Symptoms: Slow response, block lag, entity lag

Solutions:

  • Increase RAM allocation (minimum 2GB recommended)
  • Reduce view distance in server properties
  • Limit entity spawning and mob farms
  • Use performance optimization plugins

💥 Server Crashes Frequently

Symptoms: Unexpected shutdowns, error messages

Solutions:

  • Check server logs for error messages
  • Ensure sufficient RAM allocation
  • Update server software to latest version
  • Remove problematic plugins or mods

Server Setup Complete! 🎉

Your Rust server is ready. Now let's get players to join!

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