How to Set Up a Rust Server: Oxide Plugin Guide
Complete Rust dedicated server setup guide on REXE VDS: SteamCMD installation, Oxide/uMod plugin system, server configuration, performance tuning, and wipe management.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Rust is a popular multiplayer survival game. Running your own server lets you control the game rules, map size, plugins, and wipe schedule. This guide covers setting up a Rust dedicated server with Oxide/uMod plugin support on your REXE VDS.
Recommended specs: 4 CPU cores, 8-16GB RAM, 50GB NVMe SSD. RAM requirements increase with map size and player count.
Step 1: Install SteamCMD
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y lib32gcc-s1 lib32stdc++6
sudo adduser rust --disabled-password --gecos ""
sudo su - rust
mkdir -p ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
tar -xzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
Step 2: Install Rust Server
~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ~/rustserver +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit
Step 3: Server Configuration
Create a start script:
nano ~/rustserver/start.sh
#!/bin/bash
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=$LD_LIBRARY_PATH:~/rustserver/RustDedicated_Data/Plugins/x86_64
~/rustserver/RustDedicated -batchmode \
+server.port 28015 \
+rcon.port 28016 \
+rcon.password "YOUR_RCON_PASSWORD" \
+rcon.web 1 \
+server.hostname "My REXE Rust Server" \
+server.description "Powered by REXE Technology" \
+server.maxplayers 100 \
+server.worldsize 3500 \
+server.seed 12345 \
+server.saveinterval 300 \
+server.identity "myserver"
chmod +x ~/rustserver/start.sh
Step 4: Install Oxide/uMod
Oxide (uMod) enables plugin support:
cd ~/rustserver
wget https://umod.org/games/rust/download -O Oxide.Rust.zip
unzip -o Oxide.Rust.zip
rm Oxide.Rust.zip
After installing Oxide, restart the server. Plugins go in the oxide/plugins/ directory.
Step 5: Path Panel Firewall
# Game port
Protocol: UDP
Destination Port: 28015
Filter: RakNet
Comment: "Rust game port"
# RCON (restrict to your IP)
Protocol: TCP
Destination Port: 28016
Comment: "Rust RCON"
Always restrict the RCON port to your IP address. Never open RCON globally.
Step 6: Systemd Service
[Unit]
Description=Rust Dedicated Server
After=network.target
[Service]
Type=simple
User=rust
WorkingDirectory=/home/rust/rustserver
ExecStart=/home/rust/rustserver/start.sh
Restart=on-failure
RestartSec=10
[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target
Performance Optimization
| Setting | Recommended Value | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| server.worldsize | 3000-4000 | Smaller = less RAM |
| server.maxplayers | Based on RAM | ~100MB per player |
| server.saveinterval | 300-600 | Less frequent = less I/O |
| gc.buffer | 2048 | Reduces GC stutters |
Wipe Schedule
Rust servers typically wipe on a schedule:
- Map wipe: Monthly (forced by Facepunch on first Thursday)
- Blueprint wipe: Optional, usually monthly or bi-monthly
# Force wipe: delete server data
rm -rf ~/rustserver/server/myserver/
Updating
~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ~/rustserver +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit
# Re-apply Oxide after update
cd ~/rustserver
wget https://umod.org/games/rust/download -O Oxide.Rust.zip
unzip -o Oxide.Rust.zip
rm Oxide.Rust.zip
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