RCON (Remote Console) allows you to administrate your Rust server remotely without being in-game. This guide covers setting up RCON and using popular RCON tools.
Setting Up RCON
+rcon.password "YourPassword"Set the RCON password (required)
Example: Use a strong, unique password
+rcon.port 28016Set the RCON port (default 28016)
Example: Change if running multiple servers
+rcon.web 1Enable web-based RCON (modern method)
Example: Required for most RCON tools
Tip
- RCON password must be set via startup parameters - cannot be changed while running
- Never use simple passwords like '12345' or 'admin'
- The RCON port must be open in your firewall
Using RustAdmin
- 1Create a free account at rustadmin.com
- 2Download RustAdmin from the official website
- 3Enter your server IP (without port)
- 4Enter your server's game port (usually 28015)
- 5Enter your RCON port (usually 28016)
- 6Enter your RCON password
- 7Click Connect - look for 'Connected' in green
Tip
- The server must be online to connect
- If console shows nothing, verify RCON port is correct
- Save your configuration for quick access later
Using In-Game F1 Console
- 1You must have ownerid (auth level 2) on the server
- 2Press F1 in-game to open the console
- 3Type commands directly - no RCON prefix needed
- 4Useful for quick admin tasks while playing
Common RCON Commands
statusList all connected players
Example: Shows Steam IDs
say "message"Send server-wide announcement
Example: say Server restart in 5 minutes
kick "name"Kick a player
Example: kick PlayerName
banid STEAMID "name" "reason"Ban a player
Example: banid 76561... "Name" "Cheating"
server.saveForce a server save
Example: Use before restarts
server.writecfgSave config changes
Example: After adding admins
RCON Security Best Practices
Tip
- Use a strong, unique RCON password (20+ characters recommended)
- Never share your RCON password publicly
- Change your password if any admin leaves the team
- Use a non-default RCON port if possible
- Monitor RCON connections in your logs
- Consider IP whitelisting if your hosting supports it
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