How to Connect to Your Rust Server

Once your Rust server is up and running, the next step is actually getting into it. This guide walks you through finding your server's connection details in the RiverHosting panel and joining the game, whether you are playing alone or inviting friends.

Before you start

• Your Rust server must be running. If it is stopped, start it from the top of your server page in the RiverHosting panel before trying to connect.
• Allow a minute or two after startup for the server to fully load before attempting to join.
• Make sure you have Rust installed through Steam on your PC.

1. Find your server's connection details

Your server's IP address and game port are shown on the Network page inside the RiverHosting panel.

1. Log in to the RiverHosting panel.
2. Click on your Rust server to open its management page.
3. In the left-hand menu, click Network.
4. You will see your server's IP address and game port listed here. Make a note of both values.

2. Connect to your server from inside Rust

The quickest way to join your own server is through the Rust in-game console.

1. Launch Rust from Steam.
2. Once you are on the main menu, press F1 on your keyboard to open the in-game console.
3. Type the following command, replacing the IP and port with your own values from the Network page:

client.connect 123.45.67.89:28015

4. Press Enter and Rust will begin connecting to your server.

3. Connect using the server browser

If you prefer using the in-game server list, you can search for your server by name or use the direct connect option.

1. From the Rust main menu, click Play Game.
2. Click the Community tab in the server browser.
3. Use the search bar at the top to search for your server by its name.
4. Click your server in the list, then click Join.

4. Share your server address with friends

To invite friends, give them the same connection address you found on the Network page.

1. Copy your IP address and port from the Network page in the panel.
2. Share it with your friends in the format IP:port, for example 123.45.67.89:28015.
3. Ask them to open the Rust console with F1 and run the client.connect command with your address.

5. Connect with a password-protected server

If you have set a server password in your Rust Server Config, players will need to enter it when connecting. The F1 console command supports passwords directly.

1. Open the Rust console with F1.
2. Use this command format, replacing the values with your own:

client.connect 123.45.67.89:28015 yourpassword

3. Press Enter to connect.

Troubleshooting

• Connection timed out: Make sure your server is fully started and the status shows as online in the panel. Wait a couple of minutes after startup before trying again.
• Wrong password: Double-check the password set in your Server Config page and make sure you are including it in the connect command.
• Server not found in browser: New servers can take a few minutes to appear in the community list. Use the F1 console method to connect directly while you wait.
• Port mismatch: Always use the port shown on the Network page in the RiverHosting panel. Do not guess or use a default port, as your assigned port may differ.
• Rust is outdated: If Rust recently updated and your server has not, you may see a version mismatch error. Update your server from the panel and restart it.

Need help?

If you are still having trouble connecting to your Rust server after following these steps, the RiverHosting support team is happy to help.