How to use RCON to manage Rust, Source and ARK servers

RCON (remote console) lets you run server commands from your own computer or an admin app. You set an RCON password on the server, make sure the RCON port is reachable, then connect with a tool that speaks the right protocol for your game.

Do you even need RCON?#

For most tasks you don't. The console in the Schokr dashboard sends commands straight to the server, so you can type status, kick, changelevel and similar commands there. RCON is useful when you want:

• Admin apps or bots that manage the server for you.
• Teammates to run commands without access to your Schokr team.
• Commands from inside the game client, for Source games.

Source games: CS:GO, TF2, Garry's Mod#

Source RCON runs over TCP on the same port as the game, so you don't need an extra allocation.

1. Open your server's cfg/server.cfg in the file manager (inside the game folder, such as csgo/cfg/server.cfg).
2. Add a strong password:

rcon_password "use-a-long-random-password"

3. Restart the server.

To use it from the game client, open the developer console and type:

rcon_address <server-ip>:<port>
rcon_password use-a-long-random-password
rcon status

Every command prefixed with rcon runs on the server. Leaving rcon_password empty disables RCON.

Rust#

Rust uses WebSocket RCON on its own port.

1. Add a port allocation for RCON. See adding port allocations.
2. In your Startup settings, set the RCON port variable to that port and set a strong RCON password.
3. Restart the server.

Tools such as RustAdmin and BattleMetrics RCON can connect using <server-ip>, the RCON port and the password. See Rust admin and RCON for useful commands.

ARK: Survival Evolved#

ARK uses Source-style RCON on a separate TCP port. Add an allocation, set the RCON port in your Startup settings, make sure RCON is enabled, and use your admin password (ServerAdminPassword) to log in. ARK-specific tools and general Source RCON clients both work.

A command line option#

gorcon/rcon-cli is a small open-source client that supports Source RCON and Rust's WebSocket RCON:

# Source games and ARK
rcon -a <server-ip>:<port> -p "your-password" status

# Rust (WebSocket RCON)
rcon -a <server-ip>:<rcon-port> -p "your-password" -t web "serverinfo"

Keeping RCON safe#

• Use a long, random password. Anyone with it has full control of the server.
• Don't share your RCON password in screenshots or public channels.
• Source servers temporarily ban IPs that send too many wrong passwords, so double-check the password if you suddenly can't connect.
• Change the password if someone leaves your admin team.

Still stuck?#

If your tool times out, check the port first, then the password. The Schokr Discord can help if it still won't connect.