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A FREAKHOSTING Rust server only appears in the in-game server list after it has finished starting: wait for Server startup complete and SteamServer Connected in the console (the first start takes about 5 to 6 minutes). Then search for its exact Server name on the Community tab, or Modded if you run Oxide or Carbon. To join straight away, press F1 and type client.connect 203.0.113.10:28015 with your own address.

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How to join without the server list

Press F1 in Rust to open the console and type:
Use the IP and game port shown in the panel. This works even while the server list hasn’t picked up your server yet.

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Why can’t I find my Rust server in the list?

1

Wait until it has started

In the Console, wait for Server startup complete and SteamServer Connected. While the map is being generated, the server is not listed.
2

Search the right tab

Vanilla servers you host appear under Community. Servers running Oxide or Carbon usually appear under Modded.
3

Search the exact name

Search for the Server name from Server settings. If you changed it, restart: the new name only shows after the next start.
4

Clear filters

Reset the browser filters in the game (region, player count, wipe and tags). Check your Server tags in Server settings too: a server with two tags from the same group, such as two wipe tags, may not show in tag searches.
5

Give it a few minutes

The list can take a few minutes to show a freshly started server. Refresh it.

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Check that the server started correctly

The Query Port (28017) in Startup is what the server list uses. Don’t change it unless you have a second port assigned to your server.

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Frequently asked questions

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How do I join my Rust server by IP?

Press F1 and type client.connect with your address and game port, for example client.connect 203.0.113.10:28015.

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My friends see the server but I don’t. Why?

Your filters in the server browser are hiding it. Reset them, or join with client.connect.

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Can I hide my Rust server from the list?

Facepunch documents a hidden, whitelisted setup on its Creating a hidden, whitelisted server page. It needs changes beyond the panel’s settings; open a ticket if you need help.

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Players see “Steam Auth Timeout” when they join. Is that the list?

No, that is a Steam login problem. See Steam auth errors.

Rust server guide

Every Rust page in one place.

Steam auth errors

Steam Auth Failed and Timeout.

Description and header image

Name, tags and banner.

Getting started

First steps on a new server.
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.

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Need Extra Help?

If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:

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Last Updated: October 2026