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

# How to Set Up a Rust Server (Getting Started)

> How to set up a Rust server on FREAKHOSTING: set your own RCON password first, name the server, fix the map seed, start it and join with client.connect.

To set up a Rust server on FREAKHOSTING, first open **Server settings** under **RUST** in the Game Panel, click **Generate** next to **RCON password**, then **Review and save** and restart. The console, commands and **Stop** all work through RCON, and Rust keeps RCON off while the password is the well-known default. Then name your server, start it and wait 5 to 6 minutes while the map is generated.

| Difficulty | Time | Works on | Panel pages |
| - | - | - | - |
| Beginner | 15 minutes (including the first map generation) | Every FREAKHOSTING Rust server | **Server settings**, **Staff and bans**, **Console** |

## Before you start

* Log in to the [Game Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-login-and-access-the-game-panel.md).
* Have Rust installed on your PC through Steam.
* Find your SteamID64 (a 17-digit number, for example `76561198000000000`). You need it to make yourself owner.

## Step 1: Set your own RCON password (required)

RCON (remote console) is how the panel talks to your Rust server. Every new server starts with the same well-known default password. Rust refuses that password: it prints `RCON password is very insecure, RCON is disabled.` and switches RCON off. Until you set your own, the panel console only shows `Waiting for RCON to come up...`, typed commands don't run, the **Staff and bans** page can't send changes, and **Stop** can't stop the server cleanly.

**1. Open Server settings**

Open your server in the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com) and click **Server settings** under **RUST**. The **Checks** card shows "The RCON password is a well-known default".

**2. Generate a password**

Scroll to **Security and plugins** and click **Generate** next to **RCON password**. Click **Show** if you want to copy it for an RCON tool.

**3. Review and save**

Click **Review and save**. The dialog lists **RCON password (RCON\_PASS)** under **Startup variables**. Click **Save changes**.

**4. Restart**

[Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). If the server was stuck in **Stopping** before you changed the password, use **Kill** once. After the restart the console shows `Connected to RCON.` and accepts commands.

## Step 2: Name your server and fix the map

On the same **Server settings** page:

| Setting | What to do |
| - | - |
| **Server name** | Replace "A Rust Server" with your own name. Players search the server list by name. |
| **Description** | Your rules or info. Write `\n` for a new line. |
| **Website** | Your website or Discord invite, or clear it. |
| **Map seed** | Leave `0` for the random seed made at install, or enter your own number from 0 to 2147483647. |
| **Map size** | 1000 to 6000. The default is 3000. Bigger maps need a lot more memory. |
| **Server tags** | For example `monthly,vanilla,EU`. |

Click **Review and save**, then restart. Startup settings apply on the next start. See [server settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-cfg-settings-explained.md).

![Rust Server settings page with Checks, Server name, Description, Map seed, Map size and RCON password](https://mintcdn.com/freakhostingltd/dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD/images/games/rust/rust-server-settings.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=dCZ9JIDc2HjHnuiD\&q=85\&s=cc0d18f8fe6311272e27f33ee716004a)

Server settings for Rust in the FREAKHOSTING Game Panel

## Step 3: Start the server and wait for the map

The first start generates the procedural map, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes on a 3000 map. The console shows lines such as `Generating procedural map of size 3000 with seed ...` and `Couldn't load ... proceduralmap ... file doesn't exist` (normal on the first start). The server is ready when you see:

```text theme={null}
Server startup complete
SteamServer Connected
```

Later starts are faster because the map is saved.

## Step 4: Join your server

| Method | What to do |
| - | - |
| Direct connect | Press **F1** in Rust and type `client.connect` with your address, for example `client.connect 203.0.113.10:28015`. |
| Server list | Open **Play Game**, choose the **Community** tab (or **Modded** if you run Oxide or Carbon) and search for your **Server name**. |

Use the address and game port shown in the panel. Your server's ports are 28015 (game), 28016 (RCON), 28017 (query, for the server list) and 28082 (Rust+ app).

## Step 5: Make yourself owner

Open **Staff and bans**, enter your SteamID64, set **Role** to **Owner** and click **Review and add**. Reconnect to the game to get admin rights in the **F1** console. See [admins and moderators](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/setting-up-rust-server-admins-and-moderators.md).

## Step 6: Make your first backup

Create a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-create-and-restore-backups.md) once your server is set up. The **Wipe** page also takes a backup before every wipe if **Take a backup first** is ticked.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why does my Rust console say "Waiting for RCON to come up"?

Your server still uses the default RCON password, so Rust has turned RCON off. Generate your own in **Server settings** and restart. See [console not working](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-console-not-working-waiting-for-rcon.md).

### How long does a Rust server take to start?

The first start takes about 5 to 6 minutes because the map is generated. Later starts are faster. Wait for `Server startup complete` in the console.

### Can I install plugins?

Yes. Set **Plugin framework** to Oxide or Carbon in **Server settings** and restart. Then install plugins from uMod on the **Plugins** page. See [install Oxide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/installing-oxideumod-on-your-rust-server.md).

### Why can't players find my server in the list?

The server only appears after the map has been generated. Search for its exact name, or join with `client.connect`. See [server not showing in the list](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-not-showing-in-list.md).

## Related guides

> [card] [Rust server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-hosting-guide.md)
>
> Every Rust page in one place.

> [card] [Server settings explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-cfg-settings-explained.md)
>
> Every field and server.cfg.

> [card] [Admins and moderators](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/setting-up-rust-server-admins-and-moderators.md)
>
> Make yourself owner.

> [card] [Console not working](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-console-not-working-waiting-for-rcon.md)
>
> Fix "Waiting for RCON to come up".

> [card] [Start, stop and restart](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md)
>
> Control your server's power.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Rust dedicated server, procedural map 3000). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### Need Extra Help?
>
> If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:
>
> * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website.
> * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** October 2026


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