Rust2026-04-29 · 7 min read

Rust Server Settings Guide 2026

Every server.cfg option that actually matters — explained with recommended values for casual groups, vanilla servers and high-pop communities.

CoalHost tip: All these settings are available in the server config editor in your panel — no SSH needed.

Server Identity

server.hostname
default: My Rust Serverrecommended: Your server name

The name shown in the server browser. Make it memorable and describe your server type (e.g. 'CoalHost 2x Monthly | EU').

server.description
default: ""recommended: Short description of rules/wipe schedule

Shown on the server info panel. Include wipe schedule, map size and any key rules.

server.url
default: ""recommended: Your Discord or website URL

Link shown on the server page — use your Discord invite for community servers.

World & Map

server.worldsize
default: 3000recommended: 2000 for <30 players / 3500 for 50–100 / 4500 for 100+

Map size in meters. Larger maps = more resources and spread-out gameplay but higher RAM/CPU. Start smaller and increase if your population grows.

server.seed
default: randomrecommended: Pick a specific seed for a good map

Set a specific seed to get a consistent map. Use rustmaps.com to preview seeds before setting one.

server.maxplayers
default: 50recommended: Match to your RAM (30 for 8GB, 100 for 16GB)

Maximum concurrent players. Don't set this higher than your RAM can support — Rust needs ~100–150MB per active player.

Gather & Loot

server.gatherrate
default: 1recommended: 2x for casual / 1x for vanilla

Resource gather multiplier. 2x is the sweet spot for casual servers — players progress fast enough to build before the next wipe.

server.pvemode
default: falserecommended: false for PvP / true for PvE

Enable PvE mode — players cannot damage each other directly. Use Oxide plugins for more nuanced PvP zones.

server.radiation
default: truerecommended: true

Enable radiation zones (monuments). Disable only for beginner servers or RP servers that want open access to all monuments.

Decay & Upkeep

decay.scale
default: 1recommended: 0.5 for casual / 1 for vanilla

Building decay rate multiplier. 0.5 means buildings last twice as long without upkeep materials — much friendlier for casual players who can't log in every day.

stability.verbose
default: falserecommended: false

Debug option — leave off. Only useful for admins debugging structure stability issues.

Wipe Schedule

Map wipe
default: Monthly (Forced)recommended: Monthly or bi-weekly

Rust has a forced monthly wipe on the first Thursday. Many servers also do a bi-weekly map wipe for faster-paced gameplay. Set this in your CoalHost wipe scheduler.

Blueprint wipe
default: Monthly (Forced)recommended: Monthly only

BP wipes reset all researched blueprints. Most players prefer monthly BP wipes only — bi-weekly BP wipes make progression frustrating.

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