How to Configure Your Rust Server Settings from the Panel

When you rent a Rust server from RiverHosting, you do not need to edit raw configuration files to get your server running the way you want. The RiverHosting panel includes a dedicated Server Config page for Rust that gives you a clean interface for the most important settings. This guide walks you through finding and using that page to set up your server.

Before you start

• You need an active Rust server with RiverHosting. If you do not have one yet, visit riverhosting.com to get started.
• Log in to the RiverHosting panel at panel.riverhosting.com.
• Your server does not need to be running to change most settings, but you will need to restart it after saving any changes for them to take effect.

1. Open the Server Config page

The Server Config page is where you make most of your Rust server changes directly from the panel.

1. Log in to the RiverHosting panel at panel.riverhosting.com.
2. Click on your Rust server from the server list.
3. In the left-hand menu, click Server Config.
4. The Server Config page will load with all available settings for your Rust server.

2. Set your server name and description

Your server name is what players see when they search for your server in the Rust server browser. Setting a clear, recognizable name makes it much easier for your friends and community to find you.

1. On the Server Config page, find the field for your server name.
2. Enter the name you want players to see in the server list.
3. If there is a description field, add a short summary of what your server is about, for example the rules, the map size, or the wipe schedule.
4. Click the save button when you are done.

3. Adjust the max player count

The max player count controls how many players can be on your server at the same time. You may want to lower this on smaller servers or raise it for larger communities.

1. On the Server Config page, find the max players or player limit setting.
2. Enter the number of players you want to allow.
3. Save your changes.
4. Restart the server from the top of the page or from the Console tab for the new limit to apply.

4. Configure PvP, decay, and other gameplay options

The Server Config page also includes settings that affect how the game plays. Common options you may find here include PvP toggles, resource gather rates, decay settings, and more.

1. Browse through the available settings on the Server Config page.
2. Adjust any option you want to change, such as gather rate multipliers or PvP settings.
3. Save your changes when you are finished.
4. Restart the server so the updated settings are loaded.

5. Set a server password (optional)

If you want to run a private server for friends or a specific community, you can add a password that players must enter before they can join.

1. On the Server Config page, find the server password field.
2. Enter the password you want to use. Share this with your players directly.
3. Leave the field blank if you want your server to remain open to everyone.
4. Save your changes and restart the server.

6. Restart your server to apply changes

Most settings on the Server Config page require a server restart before they take effect. Here is how to restart from the panel.

1. After saving your settings, click Console in the left-hand menu.
2. Use the restart button at the top of the Console page to restart your server.
3. Wait for the server to come back online. This usually takes a minute or two for Rust.
4. Once the server is back online, your new settings will be active.

Troubleshooting

• My changes are not taking effect: Make sure you clicked the save button on the Server Config page before restarting. Unsaved changes are not applied.
• The server name is not updating in the server browser: Rust server browser listings can take a few minutes to refresh. Wait a short while and then search again.
• I cannot find a specific setting: Some advanced Rust settings are not available in the Server Config page and may require the Console or a plugin. Check the Console page or visit the support page for guidance.
• My server is not starting after a config change: A value that was set incorrectly can sometimes prevent the server from starting. Return to the Server Config page, review your recent changes, and correct any obvious errors. You can also check the Console tab for error messages.
• I want to run a command directly: Open the RCON page from the left-hand menu to send commands to your running server without needing a third-party RCON tool.

Need help?

If you run into an issue you cannot resolve, the RiverHosting support team is ready to help.