SurvivalConfigs_

Rust Dedicated Server: Admin Commands & Startup Parameters

Data Verified: May 2026

The complete guide to Rust server administration. Find startup parameters, console commands, wipe procedures, and RCON management.

Default file locations

Default installation paths for Rust dedicated servers installed via SteamCMD.

Windows

C:\rustserver\

Linux

/home/steam/rustserver/

Pro-Tip: Always stop the server completely before editing configuration files, or the server will overwrite your changes upon restart.

Default ports for port forwarding

Open these on your router and firewall before exposing the server to the internet.

Default ports for Rust
ServiceProtocolPort
Game PortUDP28015
Query PortUDP28016
RCON / TelnetTCP28016

Quick start: launch your Rust server

Copy-paste these two commands to install and start a Rust dedicated server. Tested against SteamCMD on a fresh box.

Step 1, Install via SteamCMDSteam App ID 258550

steamcmd +force_install_dir /home/steam/rustserver +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit

Step 2, Launch the Rust server

cd /home/steam/rustserver && ./RustDedicated -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.identity "my_server" +server.hostname "My Rust Server" +server.maxplayers 50 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.seed 12345 +rcon.port 28016 +rcon.password "CHANGE_ME"

Note: Rust streams updates frequently, re-run the install command after each forced wipe.

Step 1, Install via SteamCMDSteam App ID 258550

steamcmd +force_install_dir "C:\rustserver" +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit

Step 2, Launch the Rust server

C:\rustserver\RustDedicated.exe -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.identity "my_server" +server.hostname "My Rust Server" +server.maxplayers 50 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.seed 12345 +rcon.port 28016 +rcon.password "CHANGE_ME"

Note: Wrap server.hostname in quotes if it contains spaces.

Starter server.cfg

A working baseline config with sensible defaults for Rust. Copy it, tweak the marked values, and drop it into your server directory.

server.cfgStarter config · Rust
# Rust server.cfg, placed in server/<identity>/cfg/server.cfg
# These run automatically on startup. Edit values, save, and restart.

server.hostname    "My Rust Server"
server.description "PvP | Monthly Wipe | Active Admins"
server.url         "https://example.com"
server.headerimage "https://example.com/header_512x256.png"

server.maxplayers  50
server.worldsize   4000
server.seed        12345
server.tickrate    30
server.saveinterval 600

server.pve         false
decay.scale        1.0
craft.instant      false

rcon.web           1
rcon.port          28016

Frequently asked questions

Other dedicated servers you might run

Browse all games →

Host your own Rust server

All hosting guides →

Step-by-step install and deploy walkthroughs (panels, ports, RAM sizing). Pair these with the command reference above.

Reference and hosting hub for Rust

All reference articles →