> ## 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 Improve Rust Server Performance and Memory Use > Improve Rust server performance: match map size and player slots to your memory, keep a sensible save interval, check plugins, wipe often and restart daily. Rust server performance depends mostly on map size, player count, plugins and how much has been built since the last wipe. On a FREAKHOSTING server, keep **Map size** and **Player slots** in **Server settings** in line with your memory, leave **Save interval** at a sensible value, check plugins for errors, wipe regularly and restart daily with **Schedules**. Watch memory and CPU on **Statistics**. | Fact | Value | | - | - | | Memory on our test server | About 4.9 GB after start-up (procedural map 3000, no players) | | First start | About 5 to 6 minutes while the map is generated | | Biggest factors | Map size, players, plugins, buildings and entities | | Panel pages | **Statistics**, **Server settings**, **Schedules**, **Plugins** | ## What uses memory on a Rust server? * **Map size.** The panel warns: "Bigger maps need a lot more memory." Facepunch also notes that larger maps need more disk space and memory. A 3000 map used about 4.9 GB on our test server before anyone joined. * **Players.** "More players need more memory," and more players need a faster CPU. * **Buildings and entities.** Every base, box and deployable is saved and simulated. The world grows during a wipe and shrinks again when you [wipe](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/how-to-wipe-your-rust-server-map-blueprints.md). * **Plugins.** Each Oxide or Carbon plugin adds work. A broken plugin can spam errors. ## How to check your server's load Open [Statistics](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-view-server-statistics.md) for memory, CPU and network use. Set up [server alerts](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-set-up-server-alerts.md) to get a message by e-mail, Discord or webhook when the server crashes or its memory stays at the limit. In the [Console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-use-the-server-console.md), `status` shows each player's ping. ## How to make your Rust server run better **1. Pick a map size that fits** In **Server settings**, keep **Map size** modest for small groups. A smaller map also starts faster. A new size means a new map; see [map seed and size](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/changing-the-map-seed-and-size-in-rust.md). **2. Match player slots to your plan** Set **Player slots** to the number of players you really expect. **3. Keep the save interval sensible** **Save interval** is 60 seconds by default. The panel explains: "Short intervals lose less after a crash but can cause small lag spikes." Avoid very short intervals on large maps. **4. Check your plugins** On **Plugins**, switch off plugins you don't use. Read the console after a restart for compile errors and repeated warnings. **5. Keep decay on** In **Server settings**, **Decay speed** 0 turns decay off, so abandoned bases never disappear and the world keeps growing. Leave it at 1, or lower it only a little. **6. Restart daily** A daily restart gives a fresh start. Set one up in [Schedules](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-configure-schedules-and-tasks.md); see [wipe schedules and restarts](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/setting-up-automatic-restarts-and-wipe-schedules.md). **7. Wipe regularly** A wipe removes every building and entity. Many servers wipe weekly or every two weeks; every server wipes at the monthly forced wipe. ## Is the lag on the server or on the player's side? | Sign | Likely cause | | - | - | | Everyone lags at the same moment, every minute or so | World saves on a large world; check **Save interval** and the world size | | Lag grows over days and resets after a restart | Memory and entities building up; restart daily, wipe | | Lag right after installing a plugin | That plugin; switch it off on **Plugins** and test | | Only one player lags, others are fine | The player's connection or PC | | Memory at the limit on **Statistics** | Map too big or too many slots for the memory | ## Frequently asked questions ### How much RAM does a Rust server need? It depends on map size, players and plugins. Our test server used about 4.9 GB after start-up on a 3000 map with no players. Bigger maps, more players and more buildings need more. ### Why does my Rust server take so long to start? The first start generates the map, about 5 to 6 minutes on a 3000 map. Later starts load the saved map and are faster. Big maps and many plugins take longer. ### Does a bigger map lag more? A bigger map needs more memory and takes longer to generate and save. Choose the smallest size that suits your player count. ### Should I restart my Rust server every day? A daily restart is a common habit and keeps memory use in check. Schedule it at a quiet time and warn players first. ## Related guides > [card] [Rust server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/rust-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every Rust page in one place. > [card] [Wipe schedules and restarts](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/setting-up-automatic-restarts-and-wipe-schedules.md) > > Daily restarts and wipe day. > [card] [Map seed and size](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/rust/changing-the-map-seed-and-size-in-rust.md) > > Pick a map size that fits. > [card] [Server statistics](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-view-server-statistics.md) > > Memory and CPU in the panel. *** > [!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 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.