How to Set Up a Rust Server (Wipes, Plugins and Players)
From a clean Oxide install to a wiped, populated Rust server — install, the wipe schedule that keeps players, must-have plugins, and how to get found.
Rust servers live and die by their wipe cycle and their plugins. This guide takes you from a clean install to a public server players actually stick to — on a Linux box, the standard choice.
What you need
- A Linux VPS or dedicated box (Ubuntu 22.04+). Rust is hungry: 4 vCPU and 8 GB RAM is a sane minimum for ~100 slots; bigger maps need more.
- 30+ GB of disk and SteamCMD to download the server.
- Ports 28015 UDP (game) and 28016 (RCON) open.
- The Oxide/uMod framework if you want plugins.
Step 1 — Install with SteamCMD
Install SteamCMD, then download the Rust dedicated server with app_update 258550 validate. Let it finish (several GB), then write a start script with your server name, map size, seed and max players.
Step 2 — Pick a map size and seed
A procedural map needs a world size and a seed; 3000–4500 suits most communities. Lock the seed so the map only changes when you want it to — players hate an unexpectedly different map mid-wipe.
Step 3 — Add Oxide and the right plugins
- A clear info/welcome panel and visible rules.
- Admin and moderation tools.
- Quality-of-life: stack sizes, quick smelt, or a gather-rate tweak — state it openly.
- A vote-reward plugin tied to your listing.
Don’t over-mod a fresh server. Players bounce from servers stuffed with kits and gimmicks. Pick one clear identity — vanilla-ish, 2x, or modded — and say it in the name.
Step 4 — Set a wipe schedule and stick to it
Wipes are Rust’s heartbeat. Most servers run weekly or biweekly map wipes with a monthly blueprint wipe aligned to Facepunch’s forced wipe (first Thursday). Publish the schedule and never surprise-wipe — predictability is what builds a returning population.
Step 5 — Get on the rankings
A wiped server with nobody on it is invisible. List it so it shows in the live Rust ranking, keep it online 24/7, and push votes around each wipe when interest peaks.
List your Rust server and climb the rankings.Add your Rust server
Live ranking
Top Rust Servers
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does a Rust server need?
Around 8 GB for a 100-slot procedural map; large maps or higher slots can push 16 GB+. Rust is far heavier than most games — don’t under-spec it.
How often should I wipe?
Weekly or biweekly map wipes are standard, with a monthly blueprint wipe on Facepunch’s forced-wipe Thursday. Consistency matters more than the exact cadence.
Do I need Oxide?
Only if you want plugins — vanilla runs without it. Most community servers use Oxide/uMod for admin tools, vote rewards and quality-of-life tweaks.