How to Host Private Rust Server: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Are you a Rust gaming enthusiast who wants to challenge their skills on a private server? Do you want a server that you can customize according to your preferences? If yes, then this guide is for you, Dev. By following the steps in this article, you will be able to host your private Rust server and enjoy the gameplay with your friends.

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Hosting Platform

Before proceeding, you must select a hosting platform that meets your requirements. There are different hosting options available in the market, such as shared hosting, dedicated hosting, and virtual private servers (VPS). In this guide, we will focus on VPS hosting, which gives you more control over your server.

Here are some recommended VPS hosting platforms:

Hosting Platform	Price	Features
DigitalOcean	$5/month	SSD storage, 1GB RAM, 1 vCPU
Vultr	$2.50/month	SSD storage, 512MB RAM, 1 vCPU
Linode	$5/month	SSD storage, 1GB RAM, 1 vCPU

Step 2: Create a Server Instance

After choosing your VPS platform, the next step is to create a server instance. Follow the instructions provided by your hosting platform to set up your server instance.

Here’s a quick overview of the steps:

Step 2.1: Choose an Operating System

You will be asked to select an operating system for your server instance. Choose a Linux-based OS, such as Ubuntu or Debian, as Rust is not compatible with Windows.

Step 2.2: Choose Your Server Specifications

Select the specifications that meet your needs. Rust requires at least 2GB of RAM, so make sure to choose a plan that meets this requirement.

Step 2.3: Create Your Server Instance

Once you have selected your specifications, create your server instance. Your hosting platform will provide you with an IP address and login credentials to access your server.

Step 3: Install and Configure Rust

Now that you have created your server instance, it’s time to install and configure Rust. Follow these steps:

Step 3.1: Install Rust Server

Log in to your server using SSH and download the Rust server files using the following command:

curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar zxvf -

Next, create a folder where you want to install Rust:

mkdir ~/rust_server

Move to the newly created folder:

cd ~/rust_server

Run the following command to install the Rust server:

~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +force_install_dir ~/rust_server +app_update 258550 +quit

Step 3.2: Configure Rust Server

After installing Rust, it’s time to configure your server. Open the server configuration file using the following command:

nano ~/rust_server/cfg/server.cfg

Update the following settings:

Setting	Description	Recommended Value
server.hostname	The name of your server	Your desired name
server.port	The port number your server will run on	28015
rcon.port	The port number your RCON will run on	28016
rcon.password	The password for your RCON	Your desired password

Step 3.3: Start Rust Server

To start your Rust server, run the following command:

~/rust_server/RustDedicated -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.identity "my_server" +server.seed 12345 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.level "Procedural Map" +server.hostname "My Rust Server" +rcon.port 28016 +rcon.password "my_rcon_password"

Your server is now live! You can connect to it using the IP address provided by your hosting platform and the port number you set in the configuration file.

FAQ

Q1: Can I host a Rust server on my PC?

A: Yes, you can host a Rust server on your PC, but it’s not recommended as it can cause lag and slow down your computer.

Q2: How many players can join my Rust server?

A: The number of players who can join your server depends on its specifications. Rust recommends at least 2GB of RAM for hosting up to 50 players.

Q3: Can I customize my Rust server?

A: Yes, you can customize your Rust server according to your preferences using the server.cfg file.

Q4: Can I install plugins on my Rust server?

A: Yes, you can install plugins on your Rust server, but it requires additional steps.

Q5: How much does it cost to host a Rust server?

A: The cost of hosting a Rust server depends on the hosting platform you choose and its specifications. You can host a Rust server for as low as $2.50/month.

That’s all, Dev! You have learned how to host a private Rust server on a VPS platform. We hope that this guide has been helpful to you. Happy gaming!