Rust Server Startup Options

Master every Rust server startup parameter to optimize performance, customize gameplay, and create production-ready server configurations. This definitive guide covers all available variables in the Pelican control panel.

Accessing Startup Configuration

The Pelican control panel provides a dedicated Startup tab where you can configure all server launch parameters with a visual interface.

Pelican Panel - Startup tab for configuring advanced server parameters

Understanding the Startup Interface

The Startup tab provides:

• Variable List: All configurable server parameters
• Default Values: Recommended settings for standard servers
• Descriptions: Explanation of each parameter's function
• Validation: Real-time checking for valid inputs
• Restart Required: Changes apply on next server start

Essential Startup Parameters

Server Identity

+server.hostname "Your Server Name"
+server.description "Server description with rules"
+server.url "https://discord.gg/yourserver"
+server.headerimage "https://yourdomain.com/header.png"

• hostname: Server name displayed in browser (max 60 chars)
• description: Long description, rules, or info (max 5000 chars)
• url: Website/Discord link shown to players
• headerimage: 512x256px banner displayed in server browser

Connection & Port Settings

+server.port 28015
+server.queryport 27015
+rcon.port 28016
+rcon.password "secure_password_here"
+server.ip 0.0.0.0

• server.port: Game connection port (default: 28015)
• queryport: Server browser query port (default: game port - 1000)
• rcon.port: Remote console port (default: 28016)
• rcon.password: RCON password (min 8 characters recommended)
• server.ip: Bind IP (0.0.0.0 = all interfaces)

World Generation Parameters

Map Configuration

+server.level "Procedural Map"
+server.seed 1234567890
+server.worldsize 4000
+server.saveinterval 300

• server.level: "Procedural Map", "Barren", "HapisIsland", or custom map name
• server.seed: Map generation seed (any number, blank = random)
• server.worldsize: Map size in meters (1000-6000, must be divisible by 500)
• server.saveinterval: Auto-save interval in seconds (default: 300)

Map Size Recommendations

• 1000-2000: Small servers (10-50 players), close-quarters PVP
• 3000-3500: Medium servers (50-100 players), balanced gameplay
• 4000-4500: Large servers (100-150 players), standard Rust experience
• 5000-6000: Massive servers (150-200+ players), requires high-end hardware

Player & Gameplay Settings

Player Capacity

+server.maxplayers 100

• maxplayers: Maximum concurrent players (adjust based on RAM/CPU)
• Rule of thumb: 80MB RAM per player minimum
• 100 players = 8GB+ RAM recommended

PVP/PVE Mode

+server.pve false

• true: PVE mode (players cannot damage each other)
• false: PVP mode (full player combat enabled)

Radiation Settings

+server.radiation true

• true: Radiation zones active (default gameplay)
• false: Disable all radiation damage

Performance Optimization Parameters

Entity & Population Settings

+spawn.respawn_groups true
+spawn.respawn_individuals true

• respawn_groups: Enable animal group spawning
• respawn_individuals: Enable individual animal spawning
• Disable both to reduce server load (removes animals)

FPS & Tick Rate

+fps.limit 256
+server.tickrate 30

• fps.limit: Server FPS cap (30-256, higher = smoother but CPU intensive)
• server.tickrate: Physics update rate (10-30, affects combat/movement feel)
• Production recommendation: 30 tickrate for 60Hz gameplay

Network Optimization

+server.compression true
+server.netcache.bypass false

• compression: Enable network packet compression (reduces bandwidth)
• netcache.bypass: Disable netcache (use only for debugging)

Security & Anti-Cheat

EAC & VAC Configuration

+server.secure true
+server.eac 1
+server.encryption 2

• server.secure: Enable VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat)
• server.eac: EAC level (0=off, 1=on, 2=plus global ban list)
• server.encryption: Network encryption level (0=none, 1=lite, 2=full)

Admin & Moderation

+rcon.web 1

• rcon.web: Enable web-based RCON (for Rust+ app and web panels)

Server Tags & Visibility

Tag Configuration

+server.tags "monthly,vanilla,noob,uk"

Common tags:

• Wipe Cycle: weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly
• Type: vanilla, modded, roleplay, creative, battlefield
• Difficulty: noob, casual, hardcore, competitive
• Region: eu, us, uk, asia, oceania
• Modifications: 2x, 5x, 10x (gather rates), zombies, kits

Advanced Launch Options

Memory & Threading

-logfile "output.log"
-maxMem=8192
-force-gfx-jobs native
-force-feature-level-11-0

• logfile: Custom log file path
• maxMem: Maximum RAM usage in MB (not commonly used)
• force-gfx-jobs: Multi-threaded rendering (native = auto)
• force-feature-level: DirectX feature level (11-0 standard)

Stability Options

-nographics
-batchmode
-silent-crashes

• -nographics: Headless mode (no GUI, required for servers)
• -batchmode: Batch mode (suppresses Unity dialogs)
• -silent-crashes: Don't show crash dialogs

Production Server Configurations

Vanilla 100 Player Monthly Server

+server.hostname "OCN UK | Monthly | Vanilla | Noob Friendly"
+server.description "Monthly wipe, vanilla settings, active admins"
+server.url "https://discord.gg/ocnetworks"
+server.level "Procedural Map"
+server.seed 12345
+server.worldsize 4000
+server.maxplayers 100
+server.saveinterval 300
+server.pve false
+server.radiation true
+server.tags "monthly,vanilla,noob,uk"
+rcon.password "super_secure_password"
+rcon.port 28016
+rcon.web 1
+server.secure true
+server.eac 2
+fps.limit 60
+server.tickrate 30
-batchmode -nographics

Modded 200 Player 2x Server

+server.hostname "OCN UK | 2x Modded | Weekly | Active"
+server.description "2x gather, TP, Kits, active staff"
+server.url "https://discord.gg/ocnetworks"
+server.level "Procedural Map"
+server.worldsize 5000
+server.maxplayers 200
+server.saveinterval 600
+server.pve false
+server.tags "weekly,modded,2x,uk"
+rcon.password "another_secure_password"
+rcon.port 28016
+rcon.web 1
+server.eac 1
+fps.limit 60
+server.tickrate 30
-batchmode -nographics

PVE Roleplay Server

+server.hostname "OCN UK | PVE Roleplay | Monthly"
+server.description "Pure PVE, roleplay encouraged, friendly community"
+server.url "https://discord.gg/ocnetworks"
+server.level "Procedural Map"
+server.worldsize 3500
+server.maxplayers 75
+server.saveinterval 300
+server.pve true
+server.radiation false
+server.tags "monthly,pve,roleplay,uk"
+rcon.password "pve_secure_password"
+rcon.port 28016
+rcon.web 1
+server.eac 1
-batchmode -nographics

Troubleshooting Startup Issues

Server Fails to Start

• Check console output for specific error messages
• Verify all parameters use correct syntax (+ prefix for variables, - for flags)
• Ensure ports aren't blocked by firewall or already in use
• Check worldsize is divisible by 500
• Verify RCON password doesn't contain special characters causing parsing issues

Poor Performance After Changes

• Reduce worldsize if server struggles
• Lower maxplayers if RAM/CPU insufficient
• Decrease fps.limit or tickrate
• Enable compression to reduce bandwidth load
• Disable animal spawning on low-end hardware

Players Can't See Server

• Verify server.ip set to 0.0.0.0 or correct public IP
• Check firewall rules allow game port and query port
• Ensure server.secure=true for Steam server browser visibility
• Verify server tags are correctly formatted (comma-separated, no spaces)

Best Practices

• Test Changes Gradually: Modify one parameter at a time to identify issues
• Backup Configurations: Save working startup configs before major changes
• Monitor Performance: Watch CPU/RAM usage after parameter adjustments
• Match Hardware to Settings: Don't oversell server capacity
• Use Secure RCON Passwords: Minimum 16 characters, alphanumeric
• Schedule Restarts: Apply startup changes during scheduled maintenance
• Document Changes: Keep notes on custom configurations

Next Steps

Enhance your Rust server management:

• Install Performance Plugins: Add monitoring and optimization mods
• Configure Auto-Restart: Schedule daily restarts with new startup params
• Setup Backups: Automate world saves before server restarts
• Join Admin Community: Connect with other server owners for tips

Control Panel Access

Pelican 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.