Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
World desk10 min

How to Set Up the Procedural Rail Network on a Rust Server

Enable Rust’s procedural surface and underground rails with a Procedural Map, a world size of at least 4250, and a correctly loaded world-configuration JSON file. This guide covers installation, launch settings, ports, verification, hosting choices and fixes for missing rails.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To generate Rust’s linked above-ground and underground rail network, run a Procedural Map with a world size of at least 4250, enable both rail switches in a world-configuration JSON file, and launch the server with that file. Install the dedicated server with SteamCMD (App ID 258550), keep persistent settings in server.cfg, and expose the configured UDP game/query ports—and TCP RCON only if you use remote administration.

What the procedural rail network requires

The rail system is generated as part of the procedural world. It is not a downloadable map layer that can be added after generation. The seed and procedural settings determine where the tracks, branches, tunnels and stations appear, so changing those inputs creates a different world.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Procedural Map: the server level must be Procedural Map.
  • World size: use 4250 or larger for the above-ground rail network and the linked tunnel behavior documented by Facepunch. Facepunch’s server guide lists procedural world sizes from 1000 through 6000.
  • Rail switches: enable AboveGroundRails and BelowGroundRails in the world configuration.
  • Stable generation inputs: choose the seed and other procedural settings before a wipe. Changing them normally means generating a fresh world.

A smaller procedural map can still start, but it does not meet the documented rail requirement. If the world is 4250 or larger, Facepunch says players can find one or two tunnels connecting the surface and underground networks. The transition is made by driving a train down the short slope into a tunnel.

Choose the server layout before installing

Decide whether you will run the server yourself or use managed hosting, and whether it will be reachable only from the same machine or from the internet. Those choices affect file paths, firewall rules and port forwarding, but not the rail-generation JSON.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
TOZO A1 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Light Weight in Ear Headphones | IPX5 Waterproof,2 Mics for AI Calls,Immersive Premium Sound Bass Headset with Charging Case,32 EQ via App Black
  • [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
  • [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
  • [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
  • [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
  • [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.
Decision What to use Rail consequence
World size 4250–6000 for a rail-enabled procedural world 4250 is the documented minimum for above-ground rails and linked tunnel behavior; larger worlds use more storage and generation time.
Surface rails "AboveGroundRails": true Generates the surface network, including possible secondary lines.
Underground rails "BelowGroundRails": true Generates the underground network and allows the linked surface-to-underground experience when the size requirement is met.
Self-hosted Your own operating system, files and firewall You control launch arguments and can inspect logs directly.
Managed host Provider control panel or support workflow You must locate the host’s world-config-file and startup-argument fields; some panels overwrite files during updates.
Local-only access Connect from the server machine or local network No public router forwarding is needed.
Internet access Forward the configured UDP game/query ports; add TCP RCON only when used Players can join remotely, subject to firewall and router rules.

There is no official performance benchmark in the cited Facepunch material that assigns a CPU, memory or player-count requirement specifically to rails. Size the machine for your overall Rust server, not for an invented rail-specific number.

Install or update the Rust dedicated server

SteamCMD installs the dedicated-server files. The application ID for Rust’s dedicated server is 258550. The following is a typical unattended update command; adjust the installation path to your operating system.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir /path/to/rust-server +app_update 258550 validate +quit

Run the command again whenever you need to update the server. Validation can take longer because SteamCMD checks existing files. Keep your identity directory and configuration backups outside any process that deletes the installation directory.

Start the executable in batch mode so it remains a server process rather than opening a graphical client:

RustDedicated -batchmode

In practice, you will add the identity, map, seed, world size and configuration-file arguments shown in the next sections to the same launch command.

Rank #2
Sale
Smart Watch for Men Women Compatible with iPhone Samsung Android Phone 1.69 inch Full Touch Screen IP68 Waterproof Bluetooh Fitness Tracker Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor (Black)
  • 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
  • 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
  • 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
  • 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
  • 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.

Create the procedural world and rail configuration

1. Set a server identity and procedural map

Give the instance a server identity so its saves and configuration live in a predictable directory. Use +server.level "Procedural Map", select a numeric seed, and set +server.worldsize 4250 or a larger value.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
+server.identity "myserver" 
+server.level "Procedural Map" 
+server.seed 123456 
+server.worldsize 4250

The seed in this example is only an example value. A different seed produces different terrain and rail placement. Record the seed with your wipe notes if you want to reproduce a world later.

2. Create the world configuration file

Inside the identity directory, create a JSON file such as rail-config.json. With the identity named myserver, the path is commonly under rust/server/myserver/; use the equivalent identity path on your host.

{
  "AboveGroundRails": true,
  "BelowGroundRails": true
}

JSON is case-sensitive. Keep the quotation marks, colons and commas exactly valid, and do not add comments. You may include other documented procedural settings—such as roads, trails, rivers, powerlines and biome percentages—in the same file. Add only keys documented for your current Rust build; an undocumented key can be ignored or cause generation problems.

3. Point the launch command at the file

Add +world.configfile "rail-config.json" to the startup arguments. The file name is resolved for the server identity, so make sure it is in the identity directory and that the service account can read it.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
New Bee Guitar Cable 10ft Electric Instrument Bass AMP Cord
  • [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
  • [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
  • [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
  • [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
  • [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
RustDedicated -batchmode 
+server.identity "myserver" 
+server.level "Procedural Map" 
+server.seed 123456 
+server.worldsize 4250 
+world.configfile "rail-config.json" 
+server.port 28015

Use your chosen game port instead of 28015 if another service already uses it. The important rail-specific values are the procedural level, the 4250-or-larger world size and the world configuration file.

Put persistent server settings in server.cfg

Place settings that should survive edits to the launch script—such as the hostname, player limit and other server convars—in:

rust/server/myserver/cfg/server.cfg

Entries in this file omit the command-line + or - prefix. For example:

server.hostname "My Procedural Rail Server"
server.maxplayers 50

The file is read at startup and has priority over command-line values. Keep the world-generation arguments visible in your launch configuration, however, because the rail JSON must still be selected with +world.configfile. After changing either file, stop and restart the server rather than assuming a live reload.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Open ports and test the server

Local test

Start the server and wait for it to finish loading the procedural world. From the Rust client on the same machine, open the console and run:

Rank #4
BSIMB 15.6" Digital Family Calendar & Chore Chart, No Subscription Fees
  • Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
  • Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
  • All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
  • Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
  • Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.
connect localhost:28015

Replace 28015 with the configured game port. A successful connection confirms that the process is listening locally; it does not prove that an outside player can reach the server.

Internet access

For external players, allow the configured game and query traffic through the host firewall and forward the corresponding UDP ports on the router to the server’s internal address. If you enable remote administration, also allow and forward the configured RCON TCP port, and restrict it with a strong password and sensible firewall rules. Do not expose RCON merely because the server has rails; it is an optional administration channel.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

When a server is behind carrier-grade NAT or a hosting provider’s private network, ordinary router forwarding may not be possible. In that case, use the host’s documented public-port or networking workflow rather than changing rail settings.

Confirm that rails generated correctly

  1. Check the startup command and verify that +server.level "Procedural Map" and +world.configfile "rail-config.json" are present.
  2. Open the JSON from the active identity directory and confirm both switches are set to true.
  3. Confirm the effective world size is 4250 or greater and that the server generated the intended seed.
  4. Join the server and travel to the generated rail network. Surface tracks may include a main line and secondary lines that branch away and merge back into it.
  5. On a qualifying world, look for a rail tunnel connection. Drive a train into the tunnel and down its short slope to move between the above-ground and underground networks.

Rail placement is procedural, so its exact route, branches and tunnel locations differ by seed and by the rest of the generation settings. A route shown in one wipe is not a fixed coordinate map for the next wipe.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Operate trains on the generated network

Handling hills

A long train may struggle to climb a hill. Couple multiple Work Carts to provide additional power. This is an in-world operating solution; it does not require changing the rail JSON.

Surface branches and tunnel transitions

Secondary surface lines can leave the main line and merge back into it, giving drivers alternate routes. The linked tunnel network is separate underground track connected by the documented short-slope transitions. A tunnel is not guaranteed at every point on the surface network, and the number and location depend on the generated world.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Train persistence and population controls

The official material used for this setup does not publish a current, authoritative list of convars for train population or for keeping trains running. Do not promise players that an undocumented “always-running” or train-count setting exists. Use the documented rail switches and normal in-game train mechanics unless your specific Rust build documents an additional control.

Troubleshoot the most common failures

No surface rails appear

  • Check that the level is exactly Procedural Map, not a fixed map or another level name.
  • Check that the world size is at least 4250. A smaller value is the most important rail-specific configuration failure.
  • Check that the launch command references the intended file with +world.configfile.
  • Check JSON syntax and spelling. The key is AboveGroundRails, with capital A, G and R.
  • Stop the server, correct the files, and regenerate the world if the existing save was created without the intended procedural settings.

Underground tracks or connecting tunnels are missing

  • Confirm "BelowGroundRails": true in the active JSON file.
  • Confirm the world is 4250 or larger; the linked surface/underground behavior is tied to that threshold.
  • Make sure you are checking the world generated from the current seed and settings, not an older save left in another identity directory.

The JSON seems to be ignored

  • Verify the file is inside the identity directory used by +server.identity.
  • Verify the file name in +world.configfile matches exactly, including capitalization and the .json extension.
  • Remove comments and trailing commas; strict JSON does not allow them.
  • Restart after every change and inspect the startup output for file or generation errors.

Local connection works but remote players cannot join

  • Confirm the host firewall permits the configured UDP game and query traffic.
  • Confirm router forwarding targets the server’s current internal IP address.
  • Confirm the public address and port match the values players are using.
  • If RCON is enabled, test its TCP rule separately; RCON connectivity does not replace game-port forwarding.

A map change did not change the rail layout

Rust may still be using an existing save under the same identity. A new seed or procedural configuration is a new world-generation plan; schedule it with your normal wipe process and preserve backups before removing or replacing the old save.

Self-hosted versus managed hosting

Area Self-hosted server Managed server
Installation Run SteamCMD and maintain the Rust files yourself. The provider usually installs the build; you select a Rust version or trigger an update.
World JSON Create and edit the file directly in the identity directory. Upload it through a file manager or enter the provider’s custom world-config setting.
Startup arguments Edit the service, shell script or scheduled task. Use the panel’s startup-parameter field; verify it retains +world.configfile.
Networking Configure the operating-system firewall and, when applicable, home-router forwarding. Use the host’s allocated ports and firewall controls; private-network limitations are handled by the provider.
Wipes and seeds Back up and replace the identity/save directories according to your schedule. Use the panel’s wipe tool only after confirming which identity and save it removes.

Regardless of host type, the rail result is determined by the same three inputs: a procedural level, a world size of at least 4250, and enabled rail switches.

Plan wipes and configuration changes safely

  1. Record the current seed, world size, world-config file and identity name.
  2. Back up server.cfg, the rail JSON and any other procedural settings.
  3. Choose the next seed and confirm that the new world size still meets the 4250 threshold.
  4. Apply the new JSON and launch arguments before generating the replacement world.
  5. Start the server, verify the generated map and rail behavior, then announce the wipe to players.

Changing a seed, world size or procedural-generation setting is not a cosmetic rail toggle: it changes the generated terrain and track layout. Treat those edits as world resets unless you have confirmed that the existing save will be regenerated.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Configuration checklist

  • SteamCMD installed or updated Rust dedicated server App ID 258550.
  • Server launched with -batchmode.
  • +server.level "Procedural Map" present.
  • +server.worldsize 4250 or a larger value present.
  • Numeric seed selected and recorded.
  • rail-config.json stored in the active server identity directory.
  • AboveGroundRails and BelowGroundRails both set to true.
  • +world.configfile "rail-config.json" present in the launch command.
  • Persistent hostname, player limit and other convars stored in cfg/server.cfg without + or - prefixes.
  • Local connection tested with the configured game port.
  • UDP game/query rules and optional TCP RCON rules checked for the intended hosting arrangement.

What players should expect

The result is a seed-dependent rail system rather than a fixed blueprint. Surface tracks can branch and rejoin the main line, underground tracks provide a separate network, and qualifying worlds can contain one or two tunnels linking the two. The practical setup is therefore straightforward but exact placement is not: configure the generation correctly, create the world, and explore the rails that the selected seed produces.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.