Getting started with Rust

This guide walks you through setting up your Rust server on ServerPrism, from ordering and initial configuration to inviting players and troubleshooting common issues. It's for new server owners who want to get their Rust server online quickly.

Before you start

Before you begin, ensure you have ordered a Rust server on ServerPrism. This guide assumes your server is ready for deployment or already deployed.

Ordering on ServerPrism

1. Select a plan: For Rust, we recommend at least 4 GB of RAM for a basic server. For larger maps or more players, consider 8 GB or more, up to 32 GB. You can upgrade your plan anytime from your ServerPrism dashboard.
2. Choose a region: Select the data center closest to you and your players for the best performance.
3. Deploy: Once your order is complete, your server will begin provisioning.

First boot

After your server is deployed, it will perform its first boot. During this process, the Rust server files are downloaded and installed. This can take several minutes depending on network conditions and the size of the latest Rust update. You can monitor the progress in the ServerPrism panel's Console tab.

Your server is ready when you see messages indicating the server has started and is listening for connections, typically ending with Server startup complete or similar in the console output.

Connecting / inviting players

Players can connect to your Rust server in a few ways:

• Direct Connect: In the Rust game menu, press F1 to open the console and type connect YOUR_SERVER_IP:28015 (replace YOUR_SERVER_IP with your server's IP address. The default port for Rust is 28015).
• In-game Server Browser: Your server should appear in the in-game server list under the "Community" or "Modded" tabs, depending on your server's configuration. It may take a few minutes for your server to populate the list after startup.
• ServerPrism Subdomain: You can attach a free subdomain to your server from your ServerPrism dashboard, making it easier for players to remember your server address.

Configuration basics

Most essential Rust server settings are managed via Startup Variables in your ServerPrism panel or by editing the server.cfg file.

1. Access Startup Variables: Navigate to your server in the ServerPrism panel and click the Startup tab. Here you can easily modify key settings without directly editing files.

2. Key Settings: Look for variables such as:

   • SERVER_NAME: Your server's display name in the server browser.
   • SERVER_MAP: The map seed (e.g., Procedural Map).
   • SERVER_MAXPLAYERS: The maximum number of players allowed on your server.
   • SERVER_DESCRIPTION: A short description for your server.
   • SERVER_URL: A website URL for your server.
   • SERVER_IDENTITY: The folder name where server data is stored (e.g., my_rust_server).
   • SERVER_PORT: The main game port (default 28015).
   • RCON_PORT: The RCON port (default 28016).
   • RCON_PASSWORD: The password for RCON access.

3. Editing server.cfg: For more advanced settings not exposed in the Startup Variables, you can edit the server.cfg file directly. Access this via the File Manager tab in your panel. The file is typically located in server/my_rust_server/cfg/server.cfg (where my_rust_server is your SERVER_IDENTITY).

   After making changes to server.cfg or Startup Variables, restart your server for the changes to take effect.

Common issues

• Server not appearing in browser: Ensure your SERVER_NAME is unique and your server has fully started. It can take up to 15 minutes for new servers to appear in the official server list. Check the console for any errors.
• Players cannot connect: Double-check that players are using the correct IP address and port (YOUR_SERVER_IP:28015). Ensure your server is not password-protected if you intend it to be public. If you've changed the default port, ensure players are using the new port.
• High ping / lag: This can be due to players being geographically distant from your chosen server region, or if your server plan has insufficient RAM for the number of players or installed mods. Consider upgrading your plan from your ServerPrism dashboard or optimizing your server settings.
• Server crashes: Check the Console and Logs tabs in your ServerPrism panel for error messages. Common causes include corrupted map data, incompatible plugins/mods, or insufficient server resources. If you need assistance debugging, open a support ticket at https://serverprism.com/tickets and include your server ID and relevant log snippets.

Next steps

• Install Mods and Plugins: Explore tools like Oxide (uMod) to add custom features, plugins, and server-side modifications to your Rust server. You will typically install these by uploading files via SFTP or the File Manager to your server's oxide folder.
• Backup your server: Regularly back up your server's data, especially before making major changes or installing new mods. You can manage backups from your ServerPrism panel.
• Monitor Performance: Use the resource graphs in your ServerPrism panel to monitor CPU, RAM, and disk usage to ensure your server is running optimally.