Common Rust Server Settings Guide

Common Rust Server Settings Guide

The server.cfg file is the command center of your Rust server. It lives in the /server/identity/cfg/ folder and runs every time your server starts. Inside, you define everything from the server name to how fast twig huts rot away.

This page lists all the most common and useful Rust server.cfg settings with explanations and admin tips.

If you need help creating the file itself, see our How to Create a server.cfg for Rust guide.

Check out our online Rust server.cfg Generator to make one in minutes!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. My changes in server.cfg aren’t taking effect

  • Confirm you’ve placed the file in the correct folder: /server/identity/cfg/ (where “identity” is whatever you defined via server.identity)
  • Make sure the server has been restarted after editing the file. Many settings only apply on startup.
  • Check you aren’t overriding the same setting via command-line launch parameters. CLI values override server.cfg.
  • Look for typos or wrong syntax (missing quotes, missing spaces, incorrect variable names).
  • If your server is modded (via uMod/OxideMod), plugin configs may be interfering.

2. My server name/description isn’t updating in the browser list

  • Steam’s server browser cache may delay updates — wait a few minutes, or restart the server and refresh the viewer.
  • Ensure you are editing server.hostname and server.description inside the correct .cfg under the correct identity.
  • Be aware: there is a known bug where the description duplicates itself in-game; using extra \n line-breaks is a workaround.

3. Decay/upkeep settings aren’t working as expected

  • Some decay variables only apply when the server starts up — changing them live might not apply until restart.
  • If you set decay.scale 0, you’ve effectively disabled decay — this may cause “junkyard” maps if players aren’t cleaning up.
  • For bracket settings (e.g., decay.bracket_0_blockcount / decay.bracket_0_costfraction), ensure your values make logical sense (upper bound, cost fraction). Mistakes can cause unbalanced upkeep.

4. RCON / WebRCON access not working

  • Double‐check rcon.password, rcon.port, and rcon.web 1 are correctly set.
  • Ensure your firewall or hosting provider allows the RCON port inbound if you’re accessing remotely.
  • Note: If RCON binds to 0.0.0.0, it’s open on all interfaces — if you want limiting, specify rcon.ip accordingly.
  • Confirm you’re using the correct identity folder and cfg path — misplacing these may cause login failure.

5. Performance issues / high latency / odd tick behaviour

  • If you’ve set server.tickrate too high relative to hardware capability, you may overload your CPU/RAM. Many guides recommend sticking around 30.
  • Large server.worldsize values (e.g., 6000) increase memory and storage load; ensure your host can handle it.
  • If using mods/plugins, make sure they’re all compatible with the Rust version you’re running — mismatches often cause crashes or lag.

6. My server isn’t showing in the server browser at all

  • Ensure the game port (server.port, default 28015) and query ports are open/forwarded on your network.
  • Confirm your server version matches the client version (Rust updates can cause version mismatches).
  • For multi‐IP hosts, ensure server.ip is set correctly (0.0.0.0 will bind all interfaces; if you specify a specific IP make sure it’s valid).

 Server Info

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
server.hostnameName shown in the server browser.Unique, not spammy.
server.hostname "GamesOMG Vanilla+"
server.descriptionBlurb in server details window.Add rules/Discord.
`server.description “Weekly wipes
server.urlClickable link in server panel.Use for website or Discord.
server.url "https://gamesomg.com/rust"
server.headerimageBanner image (512×256 PNG).Host on a stable URL.
server.headerimage "https://example.com/banner.png"
server.identitySave/config folder name.Changing wipes progress.
server.identity "rust_main"
server.tagsUp to 4 discovery keywords.Keep relevant.
server.tags "vanilla,pve,monthly,US" See Below.
server.levelForces a specific map type (Procedural, Barren, etc.).Lock map type instead of relying on defaults.
server.level "Procedural"
 2. Tag dictionary for Server.cfg setting:
TagMeaning
pvePlayer vs Environment server.
vanillaUnmodified gameplay.
monthlyIndicates monthly wipe cycle.
buildsCreative/build servers.
trainingPvP training servers.
moddedUses Oxide/uMod plugins.

“You can only set up to 4 tags. Use them wisely — they affect whether players ever see your server in the browser.”

 Players & World

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
server.maxplayersMax concurrent players.Match hardware.
server.maxplayers 75
server.worldsizeMap size in meters.3000–3500 ideal.
server.worldsize 3500
server.seedMap generator seed.Save seeds for replays.
server.seed 12345
server.pveToggles PvE mode (1 = on, 0 = off).Use if you want PvE without plugins.
server.pve 1
server.encryptionEnables/disables network encryption.Rarely used; can help troubleshoot performance.
server.encryption 1

 Performance & Time

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
server.saveintervalSeconds between saves.Default 300.
server.saveinterval 300
server.tickrateServer update frequency.30 is smooth.
server.tickrate 30
fps.limitCap server FPS.-1 = unlimited.
fps.limit -1
global.timeoffsetShifts daylight cycle.Adjust for peak hours.
global.timeoffset 2
env.timeForce world time (0–24).Lock to noon.
env.time 12

 Security & Anti-Cheat

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
server.secureEnables VAC protection.Keep at 1.
server.secure 1
server.eacToggles Easy Anti-Cheat.Usually on.
server.eac 1

 RCON & Access

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
rcon.passwordRemote console password.Use strong value.
rcon.password "StrongPass123"
rcon.portPort for RCON.Keep unique.
rcon.port 28016
rcon.ipBind RCON to IP.Default works.
rcon.ip 0.0.0.0
rcon.webEnable WebRCON.Needed for most tools.
rcon.web 1
server.ipBind game server to a specific IP.Rarely needed, critical for multi-IP hosts.
server.ip 0.0.0.0
server.portExplicitly set the game port (default 28015).Document alongside RCON port.
server.port 28015

 Decay & Upkeep

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
decay.scaleGlobal decay speed multiplier.0 = off.
decay.scale 0.75
decay.upkeep_period_minutesMinutes before decay without upkeep.Extend to reduce grind.
decay.upkeep_period_minutes 2880
decay.upkeep_grief_protectionGrace period after TC destroyed.Prevents instant grief-decay.
decay.upkeep_grief_protection 60
decay.duration_twigTime before twig decays (minutes).decay.duration_twig 60
decay.duration_woodTime before wood decays.decay.duration_wood 180
decay.duration_stoneTime before stone decays.decay.duration_stone 300
decay.duration_metalTime before sheet metal decays.decay.duration_metal 480
decay.duration_toptierTime before armored decays.decay.duration_toptier 720

Decay Brackets

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
decay.bracket_0_blockcountMax blocks in bracket 0.decay.bracket_0_blockcount 1000
decay.bracket_0_costfractionFraction of upkeep in bracket 0.decay.bracket_0_costfraction 1.0
decay.bracket_1_blockcountMax blocks in bracket 1.decay.bracket_1_blockcount 2000
decay.bracket_1_costfractionUpkeep fraction for bracket 1.decay.bracket_1_costfraction 0.75
decay.bracket_2_blockcountMax blocks in bracket 2.decay.bracket_2_blockcount 3000
decay.bracket_2_costfractionUpkeep fraction for bracket 2.decay.bracket_2_costfraction 0.5
decay.bracket_3_blockcountAnything above this is bracket 3.decay.bracket_3_blockcount 4000
decay.bracket_3_costfractionUpkeep fraction for bracket 3.decay.bracket_3_costfraction 0.25

 Player Control

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
banidBan player by SteamID.banid 76561198042260039 "griefing"
banlistLoads banlist file.banlist "cfg/bans.cfg"
whitelistidWhitelist a SteamID.whitelistid 76561198058946649
owneridAssigns owner/admin.ownerid 76561198058946649
moderatoridAssigns moderator.moderatorid 76561198042260039
server.bansPath to ban list file.Relocate ban storage.
server.bans "mycustompath/bans.cfg"
server.whitelistEnables whitelist mode (requires whitelist.txt).Good for private/test servers.
server.whitelist 1

 NPCs & Events

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
heli.lifetimeminutesMinutes patrol heli stays.heli.lifetimeminutes 15
heli.bulletdamagescaleScales heli gun damage.heli.bulletdamagescale 1.0
heli.bulletaccuracyAccuracy of heli guns.heli.bulletaccuracy 2
bradley.healthBradley APC health.bradley.health 1000
bradley.respawndelayminutesRespawn delay for Bradley APC.bradley.respawndelayminutes 60
spawn.max_rate / spawn.min_rateControls animal spawn rates.spawn.max_rate 50
spawn.min_rate 5

 Fun & Extras

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
boombox.streamingEnable/disable music streaming.boombox.streaming 0
boombox.monopolyLimit multiple boombox use.boombox.monopoly 1
chat.serverlogLogs chat to console/log file.chat.serverlog 1
voice.proximityDistance in-game voice travels.voice.proximity 100
server.allowbakedsaveAllows baked saves to load.server.allowbakedsave 1

 AI & NPC Behavior

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
ai.moveEnables/disables NPC/wildlife movement.Turn off for target dummy mode.
ai.move true
ai.thinkToggles NPC “thinking” (pathfinding, actions).Setting false freezes AI.
ai.think true
ai.sensetimeInterval between AI sensory checks.Lower for more responsive NPCs.
ai.sensetime 1
npcdamageScales NPC damage output.Great for PvE balancing.
npcdamage 0.5
npcaccuracyControls accuracy of scientist NPCs.Lower for casual PvE servers.
npcaccuracy 0.25

 Logging & Analytics

SettingDescriptionTip / Example
netlog.enabledEnable network logging.Debug only.
netlog.enabled 0
analytics.enabledToggle analytics collection.analytics.enabled 0

Example Rust server.cfg ~ Common Rust Server Settings Guide

server.hostname "GamesOMG Vanilla+ QOL"
server.description "Weekly wipe | PvE friendly | Discord.gg/example"
server.url "https://gamesomg.com/rust"
server.headerimage "https://example.com/banner.png"
server.identity "rust_main"
server.tags "vanilla,monthly,pve,US"
server.maxplayers 75
server.worldsize 3500
server.seed 98765
server.secure 1
server.eac 1
server.saveinterval 300
server.tickrate 30
fps.limit -1
global.timeoffset 2
env.time 12
rcon.password "SuperSecret123"
rcon.port 28016
rcon.ip 0.0.0.0
rcon.web 1
decay.scale 0.75
decay.upkeep_period_minutes 2880
decay.upkeep_grief_protection 60
decay.duration_twig 60
decay.duration_wood 180
decay.duration_stone 300
decay.duration_metal 480
decay.duration_toptier 720
decay.bracket_0_blockcount 1000
decay.bracket_0_costfraction 1.0
decay.bracket_1_blockcount 2000
decay.bracket_1_costfraction 0.75
decay.bracket_2_blockcount 3000
decay.bracket_2_costfraction 0.5
decay.bracket_3_blockcount 4000
decay.bracket_3_costfraction 0.25
banlist "cfg/bans.cfg"
boombox.streaming 0
boombox.monopoly 1
chat.serverlog 1
voice.proximity 100
heli.lifetimeminutes 15
heli.bulletdamagescale 1.0
heli.bulletaccuracy 2
bradley.health 1000
bradley.respawndelayminutes 60
spawn.max_rate 50
spawn.min_rate 5
analytics.enabled 0
netlog.enabled 0

 3. Known Issues

Known Rust server.cfg quirks

  • server.description sometimes duplicates text in the server list; padding with \n line breaks fixes it.
  • Some settings (like decay scale) won’t apply until a restart, even if changed live.
  • Startup command line values override cfg values.

 Common Rust server.cfg FAQ

Where does the server.cfg file go?
It lives in /server/identity/cfg/. Replace identity with whatever you set as server.identity. If you don’t have a cfg folder, create one and drop the file inside. See our guide on How to create a server.cfg for rust, and or use our Create a custom server.cfg generator to spin one up.

My server.cfg changes aren’t working — why?
The most common culprit is a typo, wrong folder, or forgetting to restart the server. Also check you don’t have the same setting in your command line — command line overrides cfg values.

How do I disable decay completely?
Set decay.scale 0. That freezes all structures. Just remember it creates laggy “junkyard maps” if players never clean up.

Why is my server name not updating in the list?
Steam caching is slow. Try restarting the server, refreshing, and waiting a few minutes. Also confirm you’re editing server.hostname inside the right identity folder.

What’s the difference between VAC and EAC?
server.secure enables Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC), while server.eac controls Easy Anti-Cheat. Most admins leave both on (1) for maximum protection.

How do decay brackets work?
Each bracket sets a block count limit and a fraction of upkeep cost. Small bases fall into bracket 0, mega compounds into bracket 3. Use them to scale upkeep fairly.

Can I make my server always daytime?
Yes — either set env.time 12 (locks time at noon) or use global.timeoffset to shift day/night cycles.

How do I set myself as admin?
Add your SteamID64 with ownerid in the server.cfg (or via console), then restart. Example:

ownerid 76561198042260039

What’s the difference between server.cfg and startup command line?
Command line values are loaded first and override server.cfg. Use cfg for permanent, easy-to-edit settings.

Can I load mods from server.cfg?
Not directly — Oxide/uMod plugins load separately. The cfg only handles base server commands.

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