Configuring Your Rust Server

This comprehensive guide will walk you through configuring your Rust server using the OCN Panel. From basic server settings to advanced performance optimization, this article covers everything you need to create the perfect Rust environment for your community.

Accessing the Control Panel

After ordering your Rust server from OCNetworks, you'll receive access to the OCN Panel - a powerful web-based interface for managing your server.

OCN Panel - Main console view showing server controls and live console output

Login Process

1. Navigate to your server in the OCNetworks Client Area
2. Click the "Login to Panel" button
3. You'll be automatically authenticated and redirected to your server's control panel
4. The main console view shows your server status and live output

Basic Server Configuration

Start with these essential settings to get your server up and running:

Server Identity

• Server Name: Set a unique, memorable name that players will see in the server browser
• Description: Add server rules, features, or welcome messages
• Header Image: Upload a 512x256px banner image for server branding
• URL: Link to your Discord, website, or community hub

Server Settings

• Max Players: Set your player limit (default: 100, adjust based on your RAM)
• World Size: Choose map size in meters (3000-6000 for most servers)
• World Seed: Use a custom seed for map generation or leave blank for random
• Map Type: Select Procedural Map, Barren, or custom map files
• Save Interval: How often the server saves (default: 300 seconds)

Performance Settings

• Entity Count: Reduce for better performance on lower-spec servers
• Tick Rate: Server update frequency (higher = smoother but more CPU intensive)
• Network Compression: Enable to reduce bandwidth usage

Startup Parameters

The startup parameters section allows you to customize server behavior with command-line arguments. These are configured in the Startup tab of your control panel.

Essential Parameters

-batchmode -nographics +server.port 28015 +server.level "Procedural Map" +server.seed 1234567 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.maxplayers 100 +server.hostname "Your Server Name" +server.description "Server Description" +server.headerimage "http://yourdomain.com/header.png" +server.url "http://yourdomain.com" +rcon.port 28016 +rcon.password "your_secure_password"

PVP/PVE Configuration

• PVP Server: +server.pve false
• PVE Server: +server.pve true

Wipe Settings

• Map Wipe Only: Delete only the proceduralmap.*.*.map and *.sav files
• Blueprint Wipe: Also delete player.blueprints.*.db
• Full Wipe: Delete all files in the server directory

Advanced Configuration

RCON Setup

Remote Console (RCON) allows you to manage your server remotely using tools like Rusty or RustAdmin:

• Set RCON port (default: 28016)
• Create a strong RCON password
• Configure firewall rules if needed
• Test connection with an RCON client

Server Tags

Add tags to help players find your server:

• +server.tags "monthly,vanilla,noob"
• Common tags: weekly, biweekly, monthly, modded, vanilla, PVE, roleplay, creative

Anti-Cheat Configuration

• EAC (Easy Anti-Cheat): Enabled by default, protects against most cheats
• VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat): Secondary protection layer
• Server-Side Anti-Cheat: Configure detection sensitivity in server.cfg

File Management

The control panel's file manager allows you to:

• Edit configuration files (server.cfg, users.cfg)
• Upload custom maps and plugins
• Download backups and logs
• Manage world save files

Important Files

• server.cfg: Main server configuration
• users.cfg: Admin and moderator permissions
• bans.cfg: Banned players list
• *.sav files: World save data

Scheduled Tasks

Set up automated tasks for server maintenance:

• Auto-Restart: Schedule daily restarts to clear memory leaks
• Backups: Automatic world saves before restarts
• Updates: Auto-update Rust server when patches release
• Announcements: Scheduled server messages to players

Performance Optimization

Server Hardware Recommendations

• 50 Players: 4GB RAM, 2 CPU cores
• 100 Players: 8GB RAM, 4 CPU cores
• 150 Players: 12GB RAM, 6 CPU cores
• 200+ Players: 16GB+ RAM, 8+ CPU cores

Optimization Tips

• Use smaller world sizes for better performance (3000-4000 for most servers)
• Reduce entity count if experiencing lag
• Schedule restarts every 6-12 hours to clear memory
• Monitor CPU and RAM usage in the control panel's resource graphs
• Disable unnecessary plugins or reduce their update frequency

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Server Won't Start

• Check console output for error messages
• Verify all startup parameters are correctly formatted
• Ensure no conflicting ports with other services
• Try reinstalling server files from the control panel

Players Can't Connect

• Verify server is showing as "Running" in control panel
• Check firewall rules aren't blocking ports
• Ensure server isn't full (check current player count)
• Verify server isn't password protected unless intended

Performance Issues

• Check resource usage graphs in control panel
• Review installed plugins for conflicts or resource-heavy mods
• Reduce world size or entity count
• Schedule more frequent restarts
• Consider upgrading your server package if consistently maxing out resources

Next Steps

Now that your server is configured, continue enhancing your Rust experience:

• Install Mods: Add plugins like Oxide/uMod for extended functionality
• Set Admin Permissions: Configure admin and moderator access
• Customize Startup Options: Fine-tune advanced server parameters
• Setup Backups: Configure automatic world saves and disaster recovery

Connection Details:

Server IP Address: 178.129.218.59
Game Port: 28015
Query Port: 27015
RCON Port: 28016

Authentication Credentials:

• RCON Password: Randomly generated 32-character secure password
• FTP Username: Automatically created based on server ID
• FTP Password: Secure random password (different from RCON)
• SSH Access: Private key authentication (optional, available on request)

Quick Connect String:

client.connect 178.129.218.59:28015

Control Panel Access

OCN Panel URL: https://panel.ocnetworks.co.uk

Features Available:

• Real-time server console
• File manager with online editing
• Scheduled task management
• Database management
• Backup and restore functions
• Server startup parameters
• Network port allocations
• Performance monitoring graphs

Post-Deployment Support

Getting Help

UK-Based 24/7 Support:

• Live Chat: Available in client area (average response: 2 minutes)
• Email Support: support@ocnetworks.co.uk (response within 1 hour)
• Discord Community: Join our Discord server for community support
• Knowledge Base: Comprehensive articles covering all aspects of Rust hosting

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

99.9% Uptime Guarantee:

• Network uptime: 99.9% monthly average
• Hardware failure response: Within 15 minutes
• Critical issue resolution: Within 1 hour
• Scheduled maintenance: Announced 48 hours in advance

Next Steps

Now that your Rust server is deployed and accessible, proceed to:

• Configuring Your Rust Server - Customize server settings and optimize performance
• Installing Mods with One-Click - Browse and install popular Oxide/uMod plugins
• Rust Server Startup Options - Comprehensive guide to server parameters

Need Help? Contact our support team at support@ocnetworks.co.uk or join our Discord community for assistance.