Rust server settings: hostname, max players, seed and world size
Change your Rust server's name, player limit, map seed, world size and description using Startup variables and server.cfg on Schokr.
Updated · 2 min read
Most Rust settings are server variables (convars) such as server.hostname and server.worldsize. On Schokr, the most important ones are exposed as Startup variables, and anything else can go in server.cfg.
Startup variables vs server.cfg
- Startup variables are passed on the command line when the server launches. Use them for anything that matters before the map loads: world size, seed, map type, max players and ports.
server.cfgis a plain list of convars that Rust runs at startup. Use it for gameplay and admin settings that aren't in your Startup settings.
If a setting appears in both places, keep the values the same to avoid confusion.
The main settings
| Convar | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
server.hostname | Name shown in the server browser | "My Rust Server - Solo/Duo" |
server.description | Text shown on the server's info panel | "Weekly wipes, no plugins" |
server.url | Website or Discord link on the info panel | "https://discord.gg/yourinvite" |
server.headerimage | Banner image URL (a direct link to a PNG or JPG) | "https://example.com/banner.png" |
server.maxplayers | Player limit | 50 |
server.worldsize | Map size in metres, between 1000 and 6000 | 2000 |
server.seed | Number that decides the procedural map layout | 12345 |
server.saveinterval | Seconds between automatic saves | 600 |
World size and seed
The seed and world size together decide your map. The same seed and size always produce the same map, so you can preview maps on community map-preview sites before choosing.
- Changing either one creates a completely new map, which is effectively a map wipe.
- Smaller sizes use less memory and generate faster. On Schokr's free resource pool, stay around 1500 to 2500.
- Larger maps feel empty with few players, so match size to your expected population.
Editing server.cfg
The Rust template stores server data under a server identity folder. Open the file manager and look for:
server/rust/cfg/server.cfg
If the file doesn't exist, create it. Add one convar per line:
server.description "Friendly PvP server. Wipes every Thursday."
server.headerimage "https://example.com/banner.png"
server.url "https://discord.gg/yourinvite"
server.saveinterval 600
decay.scale 1
Restart the server for the changes to apply. You can also run most convars live in the console, then run server.writecfg to save the current values.
Checking a value
Type the convar name with no value in the console to print its current setting:
server.worldsize
server.maxplayers
Common mistakes
- Name not changing: the hostname is set in both your Startup settings and
server.cfgwith different values. Set it in Startup and remove the line fromserver.cfg. - Map changed unexpectedly: the seed or world size was edited. Put the old values back to restore the old map, as long as the save files still exist.
- Server not starting after raising world size: it ran out of memory. Lower the size or add memory.
Still stuck?
Ask in the Schokr Discord if a setting won't stick.