How to host a Rust server on Windows
This guide covers running your own Rust dedicated server on a Windows PC by hand: what you need, which ports to open, where the config lives, and how to keep it updated and modded. At the end there's the shortcut: doing the same thing in Rackd.
Requirements
- Windows 10/11 64-bit. Rust is heavy: plan on 8 GB of RAM minimum and 12–16 GB for larger maps, plus a fast SSD.
- SteamCMD. RustDedicated is Steam app
258550and downloads anonymously. - A wired connection and a router you can log in to for port forwarding.
Default ports
| What | Port | Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Game port | 28015 | UDP |
| RCON (WebRCON) | 28016 | TCP |
| Query / server list port | 28017 | UDP |
Manual setup, step by step
1. Install with SteamCMD
steamcmd +force_install_dir C:\RustServer +login anonymous +app_update 258550 validate +quit
2. Create a start script
Make start.bat: RustDedicated.exe -batchmode +server.port 28015 +server.queryport 28017 +rcon.port 28016 +rcon.password CHANGE_ME +rcon.web 1 +server.hostname "My Server" +server.maxplayers 50 +server.worldsize 3500 +server.seed 12345 +server.identity myserver
3. Config files
Persistent settings go in server\<identity>\cfg\server.cfg, and admins in users.cfg (or ownerid from the console). Map and saves live under the same identity folder.
4. Firewall and port forwarding
Forward UDP 28015 and UDP 28017 to the host. Only expose TCP 28016 if you need remote RCON, and use a strong password.
5. Updates and wipes
Facepunch pushes a mandatory update on the first Thursday of each month and clients can't join an outdated server, so re-run SteamCMD then. That update also forces a map wipe.
6. Mods
Server-side plugins need a framework such as uMod (Oxide) or Carbon dropped over the server files, and they must be reinstalled after every Rust update.
Port forwarding tips
- Give the host PC a fixed local IP (a DHCP reservation in your router) before you create forwarding rules.
- If your router's WAN IP doesn't match what whatismyip shows, your ISP is using CGNAT and port forwarding won't work. Ask for a public IP or use a tunnel/VPN.
- Test from outside your network (a phone on mobile data), since many routers don't support loopback connections to your own public IP.
Or do it in a few clicks with Rackd
Rackd is a Windows 10/11 desktop app that does the steps above for you:
- One-click install: pick Rust, name the server, and Rackd downloads the files through SteamCMD and gives each server its own game, query and RCON ports so two Rust servers don't fight over 28015.
- Rackd Connect: asks your router to forward the server's port over UPnP and shows you the address to share, so you don't have to dig through router menus. (If your router has UPnP off or you're behind CGNAT, you'll still need the manual steps.)
- Scheduled updates that never kick players: pick an update window. If anyone is online, Rackd waits and retries instead of shutting the server on them.
- Backups: zip the server folder in one click and restore it when something goes wrong.
- Live console and RCON so you can watch the log and send commands.
Download Rackd for Windows 7-day free trial, no card required.
See all games Rackd supports or browse more server hosting guides.