> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.berrybyte.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Setup a Rust Dedicated Server - Complete Multiplayer Configuration Guide

> Step-by-step guide to setting up a Rust dedicated server for multiplayer survival gameplay. Learn server requirements, configuration settings, and how to start your Rust server in minutes.

# How to Setup a Rust Dedicated Server

Setting up your own [Rust dedicated server](https://berrybyte.net/rust-server-hosting) gives you complete control over your survival multiplayer experience. This guide covers everything from initial setup to configuration for optimal server performance.

## Server Requirements

| Component   | Minimum  | Recommended    |
| ----------- | -------- | -------------- |
| **CPU**     | 4 cores  | 6+ cores       |
| **RAM**     | 8GB      | 16GB+          |
| **Storage** | 20GB SSD | 50GB+ NVMe SSD |

## Quick Setup with berrybyte

1. Go to [berrybyte.net/rust-server-hosting](https://berrybyte.net/rust-server-hosting)
2. Select your plan and server location
3. Complete checkout and check your email
4. Login to [game.berrybyte.net](https://game.berrybyte.net)
5. Start your server - ready to play immediately!

## Manual Server Setup (Advanced)

### Download Server Files

**Windows:**

```cmd theme={null}
steamcmd.exe +force_install_dir c:\rust_server\ +login anonymous +app_update 258550 +quit
```

**Linux:**

```bash theme={null}
steamcmd +force_install_dir ./rust_server/ +login anonymous +app_update 258550 +quit
```

### Start the Server

**Windows:**

```batch theme={null}
RustDedicated.exe -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.identity "myserver" +server.seed 12345 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.maxplayers 100 +server.hostname "My Rust Server"
```

**Linux:**

```bash theme={null}
./RustDedicated -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.identity "myserver" +server.seed 12345 +server.worldsize 4000 +server.maxplayers 100 +server.hostname "My Rust Server"
```

### Port Forwarding

Open these ports:

* **28015** (UDP) - Game port
* **28016** (TCP) - RCON port (optional)

## Basic Configuration

Key server settings:

* **server.hostname** - Server name in browser
* **server.maxplayers** - Maximum players (default: 100)
* **server.worldsize** - Map size (1000-4000)
* **server.seed** - World generation seed
* **gather.rate** - Resource gathering multiplier

## Common Issues

* **Server won't start**: Check port 28015 isn't in use, verify file integrity
* **Players can't connect**: Check port forwarding and firewall settings
* **Performance issues**: Reduce world size, lower max players, increase RAM

## Related Guides

* [Join Rust Server](/games/rust/join-server) - Connect to your server
* [Installing Oxide/uMod](/games/rust/install-oxide) - Add plugin support
* [Admin Commands](/games/rust/admin-commands) - Server management commands
* [Common Server Issues](/games/rust/common-issues) - Troubleshooting help

Need help? Join our [Discord community](https://berrybyte.net/discord) or [contact support](https://berrybyte.net/support).