Understanding how much RAM a Rust server needs is crucial for optimal gameplay and server stability. This guide will explore the RAM requirements for a Rust dedicated server, associated costs, and tips for RAM management.

Setting up a Rust server is an exciting venture for gaming enthusiasts and developers alike. One of the first questions you might ask is "how much RAM for a Rust server?" This guide will answer that and dive into other crucial aspects of setting up and running a Rust server effectively.

Rust Server Requirements: At A Glance

Quickly, Rust servers require a significant amount of RAM, a good processor, and sometimes a dedicated GPU, depending on your server's size and expected player load. Adequate storage and bandwidth are also essential for smooth gameplay.

How Much RAM for a Rust Server?

Typically, a Rust server needs a lot of RAM for basic operation with a small group of players. For larger servers or those running multiple mods, more RAM is recommended to ensure smooth performance without lag.

Running a Rust server requires a certain amount of RAM to ensure smooth gameplay:

  • Minimum RAM: 8 GB for basic operations with a small number of players. Private servers between 0-50 players are alright for this RAM count.
  • Recommended RAM: 16 GB or more for larger servers or those with multiple mods. If you are getting more than 75 active players, you will want to consider running your Rust server on at least 12GB or more of RAM.

There are a few factors that affect Rust RAM allocation needs:

  • Players: The more players you get, the more RAM your Rust server will need.
  • Map Size: The larger the map, the more RAM you will need to allocate to handle the larger number of entities.

How to Allocate More RAM to Rust Server

To allocate more RAM to a Rust Server:

  1. Locate Your Server’s Startup Script: Find the batch file (.bat) used to launch your Rust server.
  2. Edit the Startup Script: Right-click the file and choose "Edit" to open it in Notepad or another text editor. If you are using a managed game host like Atomic Networks, this will usually be a tab in your panel called "Startup Options"
  3. Modify the RAM Allocation: In the script, look for a command that starts the server. Modify the -maxMem=X parameter where X is the amount of RAM in megabytes you want to allocate. For example, to allocate 10 GB, change it to -maxMem=10240.
  4. Save the Changes: After making the adjustments, save the file.
  5. Restart the Server: Run the batch file to restart your server with the new RAM allocation.

Allocating more RAM to your Rust server can improve performance significantly. Or, if you are on an Atomic Networks service, you can just open a ticket and we will do it for you!

Rust Server Requirements

To run a Rust server, you will need to meet the following hardware and software requirements:

Hardware Requirements

  • RAM: Minimum of 8 GB, with 16 GB recommended for optimal performance.
  • CPU: A modern quad-core processor; more cores and threads can benefit performance. The higher the clock speed (like our 5.7Ghz Ryzen 7950X CPUs we offer) the better.
  • Storage: SSD preferred for faster data access and load times. At least 20 GB of free space. We offer NVMe, the fastest SSDs available.
  • Network: A stable and fast internet connection with at least 10 Mbps upload speed for hosting multiple players.

Software Requirements

  • Operating System: Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, or a recent distribution of Linux (such as Ubuntu 18.04).
  • Rust Server Software: Latest version of the Rust dedicated server software.
  • Dependencies: Depending on the OS, you might need to install additional software like .NET runtime, SteamCMD, or specific Linux libraries.

Additional Considerations

While these are the basic requirements, having a dedicated IP address for your server and ensuring it has DDoS protection can also be beneficial, especially if you plan to host a public server with a high player count.

If you don't want to go through the trouble of doing all this setup yourself, you can always consider purchasing a game server hosting service.

Does a Rust Server need a GPU?

A Rust server does not need a GPU to run optimally. Almost all popular Rust servers do not run their dedicated server hosting with GPUs.

How many VCores do you need for a Rust server?

The number of virtual cores (VCores) needed for a Rust server depends largely on the number of players and server complexity. A minimum of 4 VCores is advised for standard operations.

The factor that is more important is clock speed. The more computations the CPU can do, the better.

How much does it cost to run a Rust server?

Running a good Rust server does not cost less than $10/mo, which can vary significantly based on the server setup and hosting options. When running a Rust server, you have 3 options:

  • Shared Game Server Hosting: Typically starts at around $15-20 per month for basic packages suitable for smaller servers. Atomic Networks offers Rust Server Hosting for only $10/month.
  • Dedicated Server Hosting: Costs for hardware that you would be able to get with regular game server hosting can range from $199 to over $249.99 per month depending on server specifications and bandwidth requirements.
  • VPS Hosting: Flexible pricing based on usage, but generally more expensive than shared hosting, especially at scale. You will also need to setup the Rust server fully by yourself (no panel).

How much does a private Rust server cost?

Running a private Rust server can vary in cost. Shared hosting solutions might start around $10 per month, whereas dedicated servers can cost $100 per month or more, based on the server specifications and bandwidth requirements. Running a private Rust server will not change costs in comparison to running a public Rust server, unless you expect less players on the server. This will allow you to spend less on your resources.

How to Buy a Rust Server

To buy a Rust Server:

  1. Buy Rust Server Hosting
  2. Complete the 5 Minute Checkout Process
  3. Receive the welcome email and sign into your panel!