> ## 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.

# Rust server.cfg Settings Explained (and Where to Change Them)

> Rust server.cfg settings explained: change name, map, PVE, decay, radiation, chat, tags and RCON on Server settings; server.cfg is in /server/rust/cfg.

On a FREAKHOSTING Rust server you change the usual settings on **Server settings** under **RUST** in the Game Panel. Each field is tagged **Startup** (a Startup variable passed on the command line) or **server.cfg** (a line in `/server/rust/cfg/server.cfg`). Click **Review and save**, check the changes and restart. The panel creates `server.cfg` the first time you save a setting that lives in it.

| Fact | Value |
| - | - |
| Panel page | **Server settings** (under **RUST**) |
| Config file | `/server/rust/cfg/server.cfg` |
| Written by the game | `/server/rust/cfg/serverauto.cfg` |
| Which wins | `server.cfg` (read after `serverauto.cfg`) |
| When changes apply | After a restart |

## How to change a Rust server setting

**1. Open Server settings**

In the [Game Panel](https://games.freakhosting.com), open your server and click **Server settings** under **RUST**.

**2. Look at Checks**

The **Checks** card lists things to fix, such as "The RCON password is a well-known default" or "Your server still has the default name". Click **Go to the setting** to jump to the field.

**3. Change the fields**

Edit the fields you want. The tag next to each field shows where it is saved.

**4. Review and save**

Click **Review and save**. The dialog shows exactly what changes under **Startup variables** and **server.cfg**. Click **Save changes**. The old file is kept as `server.cfg.bak`.

**5. Restart**

[Restart the server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-start-stop-and-restart-your-game-server.md). Changes apply on the next start.

![Rust Server settings page with Checks card, Your server fields and Startup and server.cfg tags](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

## Your server

| Field | Saved in | What it does | Default |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Server name** | Startup | The name in the in-game server list (up to 40 characters). | A Rust Server |
| **Description** | Startup | Shown on the server's page in the list. Write `\n` for a new line. | Hosted by FREAKHOSTING.COM |
| **Website** | Startup | The address for the Website button. | An example address; use your own or clear it |
| **Header image** | Startup | Banner on your server page (512 by 256 pixels works best). | Empty |
| **Logo** | server.cfg (`server.logoimage`) | Square logo for the server list (256 by 256 pixels). | Empty |

More detail: [description, header image and logo](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/configuring-server-description-and-header-image.md).

## World and players

| Field | Saved in | What it does | Default |
| - | - | - | - |
| **Player slots** | Startup | How many players can be online at once. More players need more memory. | 40 |
| **Map size** | Startup | Procedural map size, 1000 to 6000. A different size starts a new map. | 3000 |
| **Map seed** | Startup | 0 to 2147483647. A different seed starts a new map. | 0 (uses the random seed from install) |
| **Map type** | Startup | Procedural map, Barren, Hapis Island, Craggy Island, Savas Island, Savas Island (King of the Hill). | Procedural map |
| **Custom map address** | Startup | An `https://` address of a `.map` file. Seed and size are then not used. | Empty |
| **Save interval** | Startup | How often the world is saved, in seconds. | 60 |

See [map seed and size](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/changing-the-map-seed-and-size-in-rust.md) and [custom maps](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/how-to-install-custom-maps-rustedit.md).

## Gameplay (server.cfg)

| Field | Convar | What it does | Panel default |
| - | - | - | - |
| **PVE (no player damage)** | `server.pve` | Players cannot hurt each other. | Off |
| **Decay speed** | `decay.scale` | 1 is normal, 0 turns decay off, 0.5 is half as fast. | Not in the file (game default 1) |
| **Building upkeep** | Set by the panel | Bases cost resources to keep (stock the Tool Cupboard). | On |
| **Building stability** | Set by the panel | Buildings need support. | On |
| **Radiation** | Set by the panel | Radioactive zones hurt players. | On |
| **Global chat** | Set by the panel | Everyone can read the chat. Off: only nearby players and team mates. | On |
| **Kick idle players after** | Set by the panel | Minutes without activity before a kick. 0 never kicks. | Not in the file |
| **Server tags** | `server.tags` | Comma-separated tags, for example `monthly,vanilla,EU`. | Empty |

Facepunch lists the allowed [server browser tags](https://wiki.facepunch.com/rust/server-browser-tags): one wipe tag (`monthly`, `biweekly`, `weekly`), one difficulty tag (`vanilla`, `hardcore`, `softcore`), a region (`NA`, `SA`, `EU`, `WA`, `EA`, `OC`, `AF`) and others such as `pve`, `roleplay` or `creative`. Up to four tags show in the browser. Don't set two tags from the same group.

## Security and plugins

| Field | Saved in | What it does |
| - | - | - |
| **RCON password** | Startup | Password for the panel console and RCON tools. Click **Generate**. Letters, numbers, `_`, `.` and `-`, up to 64 characters. |
| **Plugin framework** | Startup | Vanilla (no plugins), Oxide (uMod) or Carbon. Installed when the server starts. |

Set your own **RCON password** on every new server. Rust turns RCON off while the password is the well-known default, and the panel console, commands, **Stop** and **Staff and bans** all need RCON. See [getting started](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/getting-started-with-your-rust-server.md).

## What are server.cfg and serverauto.cfg?

Rust reads two files from `/server/rust/cfg/`:

* `serverauto.cfg` is written by the game itself when it stops or when someone runs `server.writecfg`. It also holds `server.headerimage`.
* `server.cfg` is your file. The game reads it after `serverauto.cfg`, so a line in `server.cfg` wins. When `server.cfg` has no line for a setting, the value in `serverauto.cfg` stays.

Facepunch's [Creating a server](https://wiki.facepunch.com/rust/Creating-a-server) page notes that values in `server.cfg` override command-line settings, and that convars in the file are written without the `+` prefix:

```text theme={null}
server.pve true
decay.scale 0.5
server.tags "monthly,vanilla,EU"
```

To add a setting the module doesn't show, open `server.cfg` in the [File Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-file-manager.md) (the page links to it under **Advanced**), add one convar per line and restart.

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is server.cfg on a Rust server?

In `/server/rust/cfg/server.cfg`. It doesn't exist on a new server; the panel creates it the first time you save a setting tagged **server.cfg**.

### Why did my server.cfg change not apply?

Rust reads `server.cfg` when it starts, so restart after saving. Also check the setting isn't one tagged **Startup**: those are Startup variables, not `server.cfg` lines.

### Why does the panel say "The map seed is not fixed"?

With **Map seed** at 0 the server uses the random seed written at install, so your map stays the same until you wipe. Enter that number (shown on the **Wipe** page) to fix it for good.

### What does the website warning mean?

The **Website** field starts with an example address. Put in your own site or Discord invite, or clear it.

## Related guides

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

> [card] [Map seed and size](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/changing-the-map-seed-and-size-in-rust.md)
>
> Pick your map.

> [card] [Description and header image](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/configuring-server-description-and-header-image.md)
>
> Your server page in the list.

> [card] [RCON tools](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/connecting-rcon-tools-rustadmin.md)
>
> RustAdmin and WebRCON.

> [card] [Startup variables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-startup-variables.md)
>
> How Startup variables work.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 31 October 2026 (Rust dedicated server, Server settings module). 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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