Rust Server Basics - Setup, Modding, and Administration
Everything you need to know about running a Rust server. Oxide/uMod installation, plugin management, wipe scheduling, and admin commands.
Rust Server Requirements
Rust servers are CPU and RAM intensive. 50-player vanilla: 4GB RAM, 100-player: 8GB RAM, 200-player: 12GB+ RAM. Modded (Oxide with 20+ plugins): add 2GB to each tier. CPU: high single-core performance critical - Rust's main game loop is heavily threaded. Our Rust plans use Ryzen 9 processors with NVMe storage for fast world loading.
Installing Oxide/uMod or Carbon
Oxide/uMod is the standard modding framework for Rust. Install via the control panel's mod manager (one-click). Alternatively, Carbon is a modern alternative with better performance and Oxide plugin compatibility. Both frameworks support the same plugin ecosystem. For new servers, Carbon is recommended for better performance. For existing servers, stick with Oxide unless you want to migrate.
Essential Rust Plugins
Admin tools: AdminRadar (ESP for admins), Vanish (invisible moderation). Anti-cheat: ServerArmour, KicksBans. Economy: Economics (virtual currency), ServerRewards (earn points), Shop (buy items with points). Quality of life: QuickSmelt (faster furnaces), GatherManager (adjust resource rates), StackSizeController (custom stack sizes). Always: BackPacks (extra inventory), Clans (team system), and InfoPanel (HUD with game info).
Wipe Management
Rust servers wipe regularly to keep gameplay fresh. Monthly forced wipes: first Thursday of each month (Facepunch update). Map wipes: weekly or bi-weekly (resets world, keeps blueprints). BP wipes: monthly (resets blueprints). Schedule: announce wipe schedule in Discord and server MOTD. Use automated wipe scripts via control panel's Scheduler. Pre-generate maps before wipe to ensure clean world on restart.
Admin Commands Reference
Essential commands: oxide.reload <plugin>, server.save, spawn <item>, teleport <player>, vanish (invisible), god (invincible), noclip (fly through terrain), ban <player>, kick <player>. Always use admin mode responsibly - visible admin presence reduces accusations of abuse. Log all admin actions for transparency with your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many plugins can I run without lag?
20-30 optimized plugins: no noticeable impact. 40-50 plugins: moderate impact - profile with 'oxide.showtimings'. 60+ plugins: significant impact - audit and remove unused plugins. Each plugin adds CPU overhead. Plugins with tick-based logic (every frame) are expensive - prefer event-based plugins.
Carbon vs Oxide - which is better for new servers?
Carbon. 2-4x faster startup, lower RAM usage, Oxide plugin compatible. The only downside is smaller community (fewer tutorials). Oxide is fine if you prefer the larger community and documentation. Both work great on our infrastructure.
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