How to set up a Rust server with Oxide or Carbon

Rust servers need strong hardware, especially for big maps and many players. Here is the setup in simple steps.

Choose your map and size

Map size (worldsize) and the number of players decide your RAM needs. Bigger maps and more players mean more RAM, often 8 to 16 GB.

Basic startup settings

• server.hostname: the name in the server list
• server.identity: the folder name for your save data
• server.seed and server.worldsize: your map
• server.maxplayers: player limit
• rcon.password: a strong password for remote admin

Make yourself admin

Open the console and run ownerid your_steam64_id "yourname", then writecfg to save it.

Plugins

Install Oxide (uMod) or Carbon, then add plugins by uploading their .cs files to the plugins folder. Reload with oxide.reload or carbon.reload.

Wipes

Rust has a forced wipe on the first Thursday of every month after the official update. Plan your map and player announcements around it.

Ports

Game on UDP 28015, RCON on TCP 28016, and the Rust+ companion app on TCP 28082 by default.

Common errors

• "EAC authentication timeout": a player-side Easy Anti-Cheat problem. They should restart the game and Steam.
• Server not in the list: it can take several minutes to appear. Check the server tags and that the query port is open.
• Plugins stop working after an update: Oxide or Carbon needs a new build. Wait for it, update and restart.
• Lag at wipe: pre-generate or use a smaller map, and keep entity counts reasonable.