How to Host a Rust Server for Free

Hello Dev, are you tired of playing on other people’s servers and want to host your own Rust server for free? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting up and hosting a Rust server on your own computer or using a free hosting service. Let’s get started!

Part 1: Setting Up

Before we can host a Rust server, we need to set it up on our computer. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Download and Install SteamCMD

To download Rust server files, we need SteamCMD. Head over to the SteamCMD website and download the appropriate version for your operating system.

Once the download is complete, extract the files to a folder on your computer. We recommend creating a new folder for SteamCMD and Rust server files, like “C:\SteamCMD\RustServer“.

Step 2: Create SteamCMD Script

To download Rust server files using SteamCMD, we need to create a script. Open a text editor like Notepad and paste the following code:

Code:
force_install_dir ../RustServer/
app_update 258550 -beta experimental validate

Save the file as “rust_server_update.bat” in the SteamCMD folder. This script tells SteamCMD to download Rust server files and install them in the RustServer folder.

Step 3: Run SteamCMD and Update Rust Server

Open Command Prompt or Terminal and navigate to the SteamCMD folder. Run the “steamcmd.exe” file to start SteamCMD.

Once SteamCMD is running, type “@rust_server_update.bat” and hit enter. SteamCMD will download and install Rust server files in the RustServer folder.

Step 4: Configure Rust Server

Now that we have Rust server files, we need to configure them to our liking. Open the “RustServer\cfg\server.cfg” file in a text editor and make changes as per your preference. Refer to the official Rust wiki for configuration options.

Part 2: Hosting Locally

If you want to host a Rust server for free on your own computer, follow these steps:

Step 1: Port Forwarding

Rust server uses ports 28015 and 28016 by default. To allow players outside your network to connect to your server, you need to forward these ports in your router. Refer to your router’s manual or portforward.com for instructions.

Step 2: Start Rust Server

To start Rust server, open Command Prompt or Terminal and navigate to the RustServer folder. Type “rust_server.exe” and hit enter. Rust server will start and show logs in the console window.

Step 3: Connect to Server

To connect to your Rust server, open Rust game and click on the “Servers” tab. Search for your server using its name or IP address. If everything is set up correctly, you should be able to connect to your own Rust server!

Part 3: Hosting on Free Services

If you don’t want to host your Rust server locally or don’t have a powerful computer, you can use free hosting services. Here are some options:

1. Aternos

Aternos is a free Minecraft server hosting service that also supports Rust servers. Follow these steps:

1. Create an account on Aternos website.
2. Create a new server and select Rust as the server type.
3. Customize server settings and click on “Start”.
4. Wait for the server to start, which may take a few minutes.
5. Connect to your server using its address provided by Aternos.

2. Servut.us

Servut.us is a free game server hosting service that supports Rust servers. Follow these steps:

1. Create an account on Servut.us website.
2. Create a new server by selecting Rust as the game and free plan.
3. Customize server settings and click on “Create Server”.
4. Wait for the server to start, which may take a few minutes.
5. Connect to your server using its address provided by Servut.us.

FAQ

Q: Can I host a Rust server on my own computer without port forwarding?

A: Yes, you can host a local Rust server without port forwarding, but only players on your own network can connect to it.

Q: How much RAM do I need to host a Rust server?

A: Rust server requires at least 4 GB of RAM to run smoothly. If you plan to host a large number of players, we recommend using a hosting service.

Q: How many players can join my Rust server?

A: The maximum number of players depends on your server’s hardware and internet connection. We recommend testing your server with a few players before inviting a large number of players.

Q: Can I install plugins on my Rust server?

A: Yes, Rust server supports plugins. You can find a variety of plugins on the uMod website.

Q: Can I host multiple Rust servers on the same machine?

A: Yes, you can host multiple Rust servers on the same machine by using different ports and server folders.

Q: How do I update my Rust server to the latest version?

A: To update your Rust server to the latest version, run “@rust_server_update.bat” in SteamCMD again and restart the server.

Q: How do I backup my Rust server data?

A: To backup your Rust server data, simply copy the entire RustServer folder to a backup location. You can also use backup plugins like Backup.

That’s it Dev, you now know how to host a Rust server for free. We hope you found this guide helpful. Happy gaming!