How to Set Up a Rust Dedicated Server

Overview

Running a dedicated server for Rust gives you full control over map generation, tickrates, gather rates, wipe schedules, and modding frameworks. On DustBowl Warden, Rust dedicated servers run in high-performance isolated containers configured with automated SteamCMD updates and resource monitoring.

This guide walks you through provisioning, port configuration, and initial startup.

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Prerequisites and Default Ports

Rust dedicated servers require three network ports allocated in your DustBowl Warden dashboard under the Network tab:

Port Role	Default Protocol	Default Port	Description
Game Port	UDP	28015	Client game traffic and physics simulation
Query Port	UDP	28016	Steam master server browser listings
RCON Port	TCP / WebSocket	28017	Remote console administration and WebRCON

Allocation Note: On shared infrastructure, DustBowl Warden assigns unique external port numbers. Check your server's Network tab to identify your exact assigned ports before connecting.

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Core Startup Parameters

DustBowl Warden provides interactive startup fields in the Startup tab. The following parameters control your instance on boot:

+server.ip 0.0.0.0
+server.port {{SERVER_PORT}}
+server.queryport {{QUERY_PORT}}
+server.identity "{{SERVER_IDENTITY}}"
+server.seed {{SERVER_SEED}}
+server.worldsize {{WORLD_SIZE}}
+server.maxplayers {{MAX_PLAYERS}}
+server.hostname "{{SERVER_NAME}}"
+server.description "{{SERVER_DESCRIPTION}}"
+server.headerimage "{{HEADER_IMAGE_URL}}"
+server.url "{{WEBSITE_URL}}"
+rcon.port {{RCON_PORT}}
+rcon.password "{{RCON_PASSWORD}}"
+rcon.web 1

1. Server Identity: The folder name inside /server/ where save files, blueprints, and identity configs are stored. Default is rust-server.
2. Server Seed: A positive integer (between 1 and 2147483647) determining procedural terrain, monument layout, and road placement.
3. World Size: Map dimensions in meters (standard vanilla size is 4000 to 4500).
4. Max Players: Player slots available on the server (typically 50 to 300 depending on CPU and RAM tier).

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Initial Server Boot

1. Navigate to your server dashboard in DustBowl Warden.
2. Open the Startup tab and verify your server name, seed, and world size.
3. Switch to the Console tab and click Start.
4. During first boot, SteamCMD verifies local game files (Steam App ID 258550). The server generates the procedural navmesh and world save. This process can take 2 to 5 minutes depending on map size.
5. Once generation completes, the console will print Server startup complete alongside the listening IP and port.

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Connecting to Your Server

Method 1: In-Game F1 Console (Direct Connect)

1. Launch Rust on your local client machine.
2. In the main menu, press F1 to open the client developer console.
3. Run the client connect command using your allocated IP and game port:

connect 198.51.100.42:28015

4. Press Enter. The client will establish a handshake and load procedural assets.

Method 2: Steam Favorites

1. Open your Steam desktop client.
2. Navigate to View -> Game Servers.
3. Select the Favorites tab and click + (Add Server).
4. Enter your server's IP address and Query Port (for example: 198.51.100.42:28016).
5. Click Add this address to favorites.
6. Launch Rust, navigate to the in-game server browser, and select the Favorited tab.

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Next Steps

• Configure identity rules, crafting rates, and chat settings in How to Configure server.cfg on a Rust Server.
• Add administrators and moderators in Rust Admin Commands, Permissions, and Moderator Setup.
• Set up remote management tools in How to Configure and Connect to Rust RCON.