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You can run a public or private Rust server on Linux with SteamCMD and the RustDedicated binary. Install Steam application ID 258550 into a stable directory, launch it with a unique identity and separate UDP game and query ports, then keep persistent settings in rust/server/<server.identity>/cfg/server.cfg. The procedure below follows Facepunch’s Linux server documentation, with production practices for firewalls, service supervision, updates, backups, and troubleshooting.
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What you need before installing
A Rust server is a continuously running Linux process that stores its world and configuration on disk. Plan the installation before opening ports or creating files.
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- A dedicated, unprivileged Linux account. Do not run the game server as
root. The examples use an account namedrust; substitute the account and home directory you actually create. - A persistent directory. Use a stable path such as
/home/rust/rust. Avoid temporary directories or a home directory that is routinely deleted by a hosting image. - Outbound internet access. SteamCMD must download and validate the server files.
- Firewall and router control. An internet server needs its game and query UDP ports allowed on the Linux host and, when behind a router, forwarded to the host.
- Storage for world data and logs. The official documentation does not publish a universal CPU, RAM, disk, or player-capacity baseline. Capacity depends on the map, plugins, connected players, and your host, so measure resource use on the workload you intend to run.
Choose the server’s identity and ports in advance. The identity becomes part of the data path, and changing it later can make an existing world appear to have disappeared because Rust is looking in a different directory.
Install SteamCMD and the Rust server files
SteamCMD is both the installer and the update mechanism. Rust’s dedicated-server application ID is 258550. Keep SteamCMD in its own directory and install Rust into a sibling directory so updates are easy to audit.
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- Create the account and directories. As an administrator, create the unprivileged account and give it ownership of the installation paths. For example:
sudo useradd --create-home --shell /bin/bash rust
sudo -iu rust
mkdir -p /home/rust/steamcmd /home/rust/rustIf your distribution already has a suitable service account, use it instead of creating a second one. The important properties are that the account can read and write the Rust directory and cannot administer the operating system.
- Obtain and unpack the Linux SteamCMD archive. Download the Linux archive from Valve using your normal package or deployment process, place it in
/home/rust/steamcmd, and extract it there. The archive filename can vary; the following assumes it is namedsteamcmd_linux.tar.gz:
cd /home/rust/steamcmd
tar -xzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
chmod +x steamcmd.shDo not run SteamCMD from the Rust data directory. Keeping the two locations separate makes it clear which files are the installer and which are the game server.
- Install and validate Rust. Run SteamCMD from its directory and direct the installation one level up into
../rust:
cd /home/rust/steamcmd
./steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ../rust +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quitThe anonymous login is the documented installation method. app_update downloads the current server build, while validate checks the downloaded files. On completion, the Rust directory should contain the RustDedicated executable and the server’s supporting files.
Run the command again whenever you deliberately update the server. A clean stop before updating prevents files from being changed while the server is writing a save or log.
Create a launch script with explicit identity and ports
Launching through a script is safer than repeatedly typing a long command. It gives your service manager one stable entry point and keeps the essential runtime values visible.
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Create /home/rust/runds.sh as the rust user:
#!/usr/bin/env bash
set -euo pipefail
cd /home/rust/rust
exec ./RustDedicated -batchmode
+server.identity rustserver
+server.port 28015
+server.queryport 28016
+rcon.port 28017
+rcon.password 'CHANGE_THIS_LONG_RANDOM_PASSWORD'
+rcon.web 1
-logfile rustserver.logMake it executable:
chmod 750 /home/rust/runds.shWhat each startup value does
| Value | Purpose | Operational guidance |
|---|---|---|
-batchmode |
Runs the dedicated server without an interactive graphical interface. | Appropriate for a headless Linux host. |
+server.identity rustserver |
Names the instance and determines its data directory. | Use a different identity for every server on the same host. |
+server.port 28015 |
Sets the player/game connection port. | Keep it distinct from the query port and allow it as UDP. |
+server.queryport 28016 |
Sets the browser and query port. | It must be a different UDP port and reachable from the internet for public listing. |
+rcon.port 28017 |
Sets the remote-console port. | Expose it only to trusted administration networks. |
+rcon.password ... |
Authenticates RCON clients. | Replace the example with a long random secret and protect the script’s permissions. |
+rcon.web 1 |
Enables the web-compatible RCON mode. | Disable RCON entirely if you do not need remote administration. |
-logfile rustserver.log |
Writes server output to a file. | Rotate or prune logs so they cannot fill the disk. |
The exact binary name and startup behavior can change with a downloaded build. If the executable is named differently or reports a startup error, inspect the files installed by SteamCMD and use the name supplied by that build rather than guessing.
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Put persistent settings in server.cfg
Create the configuration directory below the identity you selected:
mkdir -p /home/rust/rust/server/rustserver/cfg
nano /home/rust/rust/server/rustserver/cfg/server.cfgUse plain variable names in this file. Do not copy the command-line + prefix into the configuration:
server.hostname "My Linux Rust Server"
server.description "A private community server"
server.maxplayers 20
server.level "Procedural Map"
server.worldsize 3500
server.seed 12345Rust reads server.cfg at startup, and the file takes priority over command-line values. This makes it the right place for settings you expect to survive restarts. The command line can still provide the minimum required to identify and reach the process.
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Settings that do not behave like ordinary cfg variables
Do not assume every console variable can be applied from server.cfg. Facepunch notes that some values, including certain weather-chance variables, must be applied after startup or through RCON. If a setting appears to be ignored, check the server log and apply it in the documented runtime context rather than adding more prefixes or duplicate lines to the file.
Multiple instances
For a second server, give it a new identity such as rustserver2, separate game, query, and RCON ports, a separate launch script or service, and its own server/<identity>/cfg/server.cfg. Reusing an identity or port causes instances to share data or fail to bind.
Open the correct UDP paths for players and the browser
Rust uses two separate network paths that are often confused:
| Path | Example from the script | Protocol | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game/player traffic | 28015 |
UDP | Players use it to connect to the server. |
| Query traffic | 28016 |
UDP | Services and the in-game browser use it to discover and query the server. |
| RCON administration | 28017 |
RCON/web mode | Optional remote administration; restrict it more tightly than player traffic. |
Both server.port and server.queryport must be open and reachable, and they cannot be the same port. A server can run correctly on the host yet remain absent from public listings when the query path is blocked.
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Allow the game and query ports as UDP in the Linux firewall. If RCON is enabled, allow its port only from the administrator IP ranges or private network that needs it. The exact firewall command depends on your distribution and firewall frontend; verify the resulting rules rather than assuming that opening a TCP port also permits UDP.
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Router forwarding
For an internet server behind a home or office router, forward the two UDP ports to the Linux host’s private address. Reserve that address in DHCP or configure a stable local address; otherwise a reboot can send the forwarding rule to a different machine. Do not expose router ports for a LAN-only server. Players on the same private network can use the host’s local address without making the service public.
Testing reachability
Start the server and inspect rustserver.log for successful binding and map initialization. Test from a network outside the host’s LAN, because testing only from the server itself does not prove that the router and public firewall are forwarding correctly. If direct connection works but browser listing does not, investigate the query port first.
Start the server interactively the first time
Run the script as the unprivileged account so you can see errors immediately:
cd /home/rust
./runds.shAllow the initial map and save creation to finish. Watch for a normal startup, the expected identity, the configured ports, and a steadily updating log. Stop it cleanly from the console when you need to edit settings or perform an update; killing the process during a save risks an incomplete world state.
Once the process starts, connect locally or from a test client using the server address and game port. A successful local connection proves the binary and configuration work; an external connection additionally proves the firewall and router path.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep the process running after logout or reboot
GNU Screen for a quick interactive host
Facepunch documents GNU Screen for keeping a live console attached while your SSH session closes:
screen -S rust_server ./runds.shDetach with Ctrl-A, then D. Reconnect later with:
screen -x rust_serverScreen is useful for a small server or hands-on administration, but it does not by itself provide boot startup, crash recovery, or structured log rotation.
systemd for unattended operation
For a production or community server, use a service manager. Create /etc/systemd/system/rust.service as an administrator:
[Unit]
Description=Rust dedicated server
After=network-online.target
Wants=network-online.target
[Service]
Type=simple
User=rust
WorkingDirectory=/home/rust/rust
ExecStart=/home/rust/runds.sh
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=10
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.targetLoad and enable it:
sudo systemctl daemon-reload
sudo systemctl enable --now rust.service
sudo systemctl status rust.service
sudo journalctl -u rust.service -fThe launch script still writes the Rust log through -logfile; systemd’s journal provides an additional place to inspect startup and restart failures. Set up log rotation for the file and monitor available disk space. If you change the script or unit, run systemctl daemon-reload when the unit itself changes, then restart the service during a maintenance window.
Update safely and handle modded servers
SteamCMD is the supported installation and update path. A controlled update looks like this:
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- Back up the relevant identity directory, especially before a wipe or major version change.
- Run the SteamCMD update from its own directory:
cd /home/rust/steamcmd
./steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ../rust +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit- Start
RustDedicatedagain and inspect the log for protocol, startup, or plugin errors. - Test administrator access and a player connection before announcing the server as available.
Facepunch warns that putting SteamCMD directly in a startup script keeps the installation vanilla. That is convenient for an unmodded server, but it can overwrite or conflict with Oxide/uMod or other extensions. For a modded server, keep updating and launching as separate operations, copy or restore extensions according to their documentation, and verify plugin compatibility after every Rust update. Never assume that a plugin built for the previous server version remains safe after the binary changes.
Security, backups, and routine maintenance
- Protect credentials. Replace the sample RCON password, keep the launch script readable only by the service account and administrators, and avoid placing secrets in world-readable deployment files.
- Minimize exposure. Publicly forward only the game and query UDP ports. Keep RCON behind an IP-restricted firewall or private network whenever possible.
- Back up by identity. The world and durable server data live below
/home/rust/rust/server/rustserverfor the example identity. Back up that directory before wipes, updates, configuration changes, and storage migrations. - Control disk growth. Retain useful logs, but rotate or delete old files. A full filesystem can prevent saves, updates, and service restarts.
- Use maintenance windows. Announce restarts, stop the process cleanly, update, check logs, and reconnect with an administrator account before reopening the server to players.
- Record changes. Keep a short change log for port assignments, identity names, configuration edits, wipes, and plugin versions. It reduces recovery time when a setting appears to have reverted.
Self-hosting versus managed infrastructure
Running the server yourself gives you direct control over Linux, ports, files, updates, and extensions. A managed provider trades some of that control for operational assistance. The official Rust documentation establishes the software and networking workflow, but it does not publish a hardware baseline, performance benchmark, or guaranteed player capacity, so compare offers using measurable requirements rather than a claimed player number.
| Decision factor | Self-hosted Linux | Managed service |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | Separate the host, storage, bandwidth, and administration costs; no official total is specified. | Usually presented as a recurring package price; verify what bandwidth, backups, and support include. |
| CPU, RAM, and disk | You choose and monitor the resources, then scale when your workload shows a need. | The provider assigns a plan; check whether resources are dedicated or shared and whether upgrades are possible. |
| Network and DDoS protection | You configure the firewall and depend on the upstream network’s protections. | Ask what mitigation is included, where it operates, and whether it covers game and query traffic. |
| Ports and mods | Full control of port assignments, files, scripts, and extensions. | Confirm that custom ports, file access, and the mod framework you use are supported. |
| Backups | You design, schedule, test, and retain your own backups. | Check frequency, retention, restoration access, and whether backups are stored separately. |
| Geographic latency | Choose the machine location yourself. | Select among the provider’s regions and verify where the actual game process runs. |
| Updates and automation | You control maintenance timing and compatibility testing. | Automation may be available, but confirm whether it can be disabled during mod testing. |
| Support | You troubleshoot Linux, Rust, and networking yourself. | Evaluate response times, escalation, and whether support covers the operating system or only the control panel. |
Troubleshoot the failures that occur most often
| Symptom | Checks and corrective action |
|---|---|
| The process exits immediately | Run ./runds.sh directly as the rust user, verify the path and executable permissions, then read rustserver.log and the service journal. Confirm that the downloaded build contains the expected binary. |
| Players cannot connect from outside | Check that the Linux firewall and router both allow and forward the configured server.port as UDP. Confirm the forward points to the host’s current private address. |
| The server runs but is missing from the browser | Check server.queryport separately. It must be a distinct, reachable UDP port; opening only the game port is insufficient for browser queries. |
| Settings revert after a restart | Confirm the file is exactly server/<server.identity>/cfg/server.cfg, uses plain variable names without +, and is readable by the service account. Check for a second launch identity or duplicate configuration. |
| RCON does not work | Verify the configured port, password, and web mode, then check that the firewall permits the administrator’s source address. Do not open RCON broadly just to make a test pass. |
| A modded server fails after updating | Stop the server, identify the first plugin or protocol error in the log, and check that extension against the new Rust build. Restore the pre-update backup if the world or plugin stack cannot be made consistent. |
| A second instance will not start | Give it a new identity and unique game, query, and RCON ports. Two processes cannot bind the same port, and sharing an identity mixes their data. |
Final deployment checklist
- Dedicated unprivileged Linux account owns the installation.
- SteamCMD is separate from the Rust directory, and App ID
258550installed successfully. - Launch script uses an explicit identity and a stable working directory.
- Game and query ports are different UDP ports and are forwarded only when public access is intended.
server.cfgis under the correct identity and contains durable settings without+prefixes.- RCON is optional, protected by a strong secret, and restricted by firewall rules.
- Screen is used for quick interactive hosting, or systemd supervises unattended operation.
- Logs are retained and rotated, and identity data is backed up before wipes and major updates.
- Updates run separately from launch, with plugin compatibility checked after each Rust release.
With those pieces in place, Linux provides a predictable Rust hosting workflow: SteamCMD manages the files, the launch script defines the instance, server.cfg preserves its settings, and the network and supervisor configuration determine whether players can find and reliably use it.
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