Configuring your Rust server properly is essential for the gameplay experience you want to create. This guide covers all important server.cfg settings and startup parameters.
Server Identity Settings
server.hostname "Your Server Name"The name displayed in the server browser
Example: server.hostname "My Rust Community"
server.description "Description"Server description shown in browser
Example: server.description "Vanilla 2x | Active Admins"
server.url "https://yoursite.com"Website link shown in server info
Example: server.url "https://discord.gg/..."
server.headerimage "URL"Banner image for server browser
Example: Use a direct image URL
Player and World Settings
server.maxplayers 100Maximum concurrent players
Example: Adjust based on your hardware
server.worldsize 4000Map size (default 4000, max ~6000)
Example: Larger maps need more RAM
server.seed 12345Map generation seed
Example: 0 for random, or specific number
server.level "Procedural Map"Map type to use
Example: Procedural Map, Barren, etc.
Tip
- Worldsize over 4500 can cause performance issues
- Changing seed requires a wipe
- Plan for ~50MB RAM per player plus base server usage
Decay Settings
decay.scale 1.0Decay rate multiplier (0 = disabled)
Example: decay.scale 0.5 for half speed
decay.upkeep trueEnable/disable upkeep system
Example: decay.upkeep false to disable
decay.upkeep_period_minutes 1440Upkeep duration (default 24 hours)
Example: 1440 = 24 hours
Tip
- Disabling decay entirely can hurt server performance over time
- Consider reducing decay speed rather than disabling
- decay.scale 0 is commonly used on build servers
PvE/PvP Settings
server.pve falseEnable PvE mode (no player damage)
Example: true for PvE servers
Tip
- PvE mode prevents all player-to-player damage
- You can use plugins for more granular PvP control
- Consider timed PvP windows with plugins
Startup Parameters
+server.port 28015Game port for client connections
Example: Default: 28015
+rcon.port 28016RCON port for admin connections
Example: Default: 28016
+rcon.password "pass"RCON password (required)
Example: Use a strong password
+server.identity "server1"Folder name for server data
Example: Useful for multiple servers
Saving Configuration
- 1Edit server.cfg in ./server/server_identity/cfg/
- 2Use server.writecfg via RCON to save current settings
- 3Some settings require startup parameters and can't be in server.cfg
- 4Always backup your configuration files
Tip
- server.writecfg saves current running config to file
- Some settings only work as startup parameters
- Test changes on a backup before applying to production
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