Question 1

How do I set up my Rust server for the first time?

Accepted Answer

The panel downloads the Rust Dedicated Server files automatically on your first start; this takes 10-20 minutes, so do not be concerned if the console shows no activity at first. Once downloaded: open the Startup page and review the variables. The important ones are server.hostname (the name shown in the server list), server.maxplayers (max concurrent players), server.worldsize (map size in metres; larger maps use more RAM), server.seed (determines your procedural map layout), and server.description (shown on your server details page). Start the server from the Console page and wait for "Server startup complete" to confirm it is ready. One thing worth knowing before you change anything: changing world seed or world size wipes the map on the next restart. Player data such as blueprints is stored separately and is not affected by a map wipe.

Question 2

How do I install Oxide plugins on my Rust server?

Accepted Answer

Oxide (also known as uMod) is the modding framework for Rust. It adds commands, gameplay mechanics, and admin tools through community-made plugins. Installing Oxide itself: open the Startup page, find the "Install Oxide" / Oxide Version variable, enable it, and restart. Confirm it installed by looking for an "Oxide version X.X.X" line in the console after restart. Adding a plugin: download the plugin file (usually a .cs file) from umod.org, open File Manager, navigate to oxide/plugins/, and upload it. Unlike GMod addons or Minecraft plugins, Oxide plugins load automatically with no restart required. Configuring a plugin: after it loads for the first time, a config file is created automatically in oxide/config/. Edit that file to change its behaviour, then run oxide.reload PluginName in the console to apply the change without a full restart. Only install plugins from umod.org or a developer's official source. Rust plugins are server-side code, and a malicious one can genuinely damage your server.

Question 3

How do I use RCON with my Rust server?

Accepted Answer

RCON (Remote Console) lets you send admin commands to your server without keeping the panel console open in a browser tab. Setting it up: open the Startup page, set the RCON Password variable to something strong, note the RCON port (28016 by default for WebRCON), and restart. Connecting: a popular free client is RustAdmin (rustadmin.com). Install it, go to Settings, and enter your server IP, the RCON port, and your RCON password, then click Connect. Useful commands once connected: say "message" broadcasts to all players. kick "PlayerName" "Reason" and ban "PlayerName" "Reason" remove a player. env.time 12 sets the in-game time. server.save forces an immediate save. oxide.reload PluginName reloads a specific plugin. Keep your RCON port and password private. Anyone with RCON access has full control of your server, including the ability to kick, ban, and spawn items.

Rust Panel