> ## 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 Configure Restarts & Wipe Schedules in Rust

> Maintain peak server performance and player retention. Learn how to automate restart cycles and manage community-facing wipe announcements.

## Managing Technical Maintenance Cycles

Rust servers are notoriously resource-intensive and prone to "Memory Creep" during prolonged uptime sessions. To maintain a high tickrate (TPS), minimize network jitter, and prevent spontaneous engine-level crashes, it is essential to implement a rigorous automated restart policy. also, effectively communicating your "Wipe Schedule" is the primary factor in maintaining player retention, as survivors are significantly more likely to invest time in a server if they know exactly when the next fresh start is scheduled.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Difficulty" icon="gauge-low">
    Beginner
  </Card>

  <Card title="Time" icon="clock">
    5 Minutes
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Automated Panel Restarts

The most resilient method for managing maintenance is using the FREAKHOSTING **Schedules** utility. This system operates independently of the game process, ensuring that even if the server is technically "Frozen," the reboot sequence will still initialize.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Initialize the Task">
    Navigate to the **Schedules** tab in your Game Panel and click **Create Schedule**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Define the Frequency">
    Assign a descriptive name (e.g., `Daily Flush`) and set the interval using Cron syntax. For a standard 12-hour cycle, we recommend a low-traffic window such as **04:00** and **16:00**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Broadcast Warnings">
    Add a **New Task** using the `Send Command` action.

    * **Command:** `global.say "Server restarting for maintenance in 10 minutes!"`
    * **Time Offset:** Set to `0` seconds.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Execute Power Action">
    Add a final task with the action **`Power Control -> Restart`**. Set the **Time Offset** to `600` seconds to ensure the server only reboots once the warning timer has concluded.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Communicating the World Wipe

While the physical act of wiping the map (purging `.sav` files) should remain a manual administrative action to prevent data accidents, you can automate the community-facing countdown using the **WipeSchedule** modification.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="The Player Interface">
    By implementing the WipeSchedule plugin, players can execute the **`/wipe`** command at any time to view a dynamic countdown timer indicating the end of the current map cycle.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Strategic Sync">
    **Important:** Always ensure your localized community schedule aligns with the global **Facepunch Force Wipe** (the first Thursday of every month). Attempting to "hold" a map through this window will lead to version mismatch errors and block all player connections.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

<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)
</Note>

<Tip>
  ### Save on Your Hosting

  Ready to get a new server? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first month!
</Tip>

***

<div align="center">
  **Last Updated:** January 2026 | **Rust:** Maintenance schedules active.
</div>