Server wipes are a fundamental part of running a Rust server. Understanding when and how to wipe can make or break your community's engagement.
Understanding Wipe Types
Map wipes reset the entire game world - all buildings destroyed, resources reset, monuments regenerate. Most servers wipe weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Blueprint (BP) wipes reset players' learned blueprints, forcing fresh progression. Usually done monthly or on forced wipes only.
Forced Wipes
Facepunch forces all servers to wipe on the first Thursday of each month. These wipes cannot be avoided and often include game updates.
Setting Your Wipe Schedule
Weekly wipes are best for PvP-focused servers with high player retention and fast-paced gameplay. Monthly wipes work better for vanilla/roleplay servers with time for full progression and community bonding.
How to Perform a Wipe
Announce the wipe 24-48 hours in advance. Create a backup. Stop your server. Delete procedural map files and player data (for BP wipes). Generate a new map seed and restart.
Keeping Players Engaged
Host pre-wipe events like PvP tournaments and base raiding events. Offer post-wipe boosts like 2x gather rates for the first day and starter kits.
Best Practices
Maintain a consistent schedule, communicate clearly with multiple announcements, listen to community input, and adjust based on player feedback and population trends.
