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Rust Server Pairing: Connect Your Client

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Rust Server Pairing: Connect Your Client

This guide explains how to pair the game Rust with your own dedicated server, so you can connect directly to the server you control. You’ll learn how to find your server in the in-game client, add it to your favorites, and connect using the console. Before you start, make sure your Rust server is running and reachable, and that you have the server’s IP address and query port (usually 28015 for gameplay and 28016 for the query port).

What You’ll Need

  • A running Rust dedicated server (either on your own machine or a rented one).
  • The server’s public IP address (or local IP if you’re on the same network).
  • The server’s game port (default 28015) and query port (default 28016).
  • The server’s name (as shown in the server list) or its connection string (e.g., 127.0.0.1:28015).
  • Rust installed on your computer (Steam version).

Step-by-Step

  1. Launch Rust – Open the game from Steam. Wait for the main menu to load.
  2. Open the “Play� menu – Click on “Play� in the main menu. This opens the server browser.
  3. Select the “Modded� or “Official� tab – Your server type determines which tab it appears under. If you run a vanilla server, it will be under “Official� (or “Community� if you set it that way). If you run a modded server (with plugins), use the “Modded� tab.
  4. Use the search bar – In the server browser, type your server’s name into the search box. If your server is not listed, try searching by its IP address (without the port).
  5. If you can’t find it, add it manually – Click the “Favoritesâ€� tab, then click the “+â€� or “Add Serverâ€� button (usually bottom right). Enter the server’s IP and port (e.g., 192.168.1.10:28015) and click “Addâ€�. The server will appear in your Favorites list.
  6. Connect via the console – If the server still doesn’t show up, press F1 to open the in-game console. Type client.connect 192.168.1.10:28015 (replace with your server’s IP and port) and press Enter. This forces a direct connection.
  7. Wait for the connection – The game will attempt to connect. You may see a loading screen. If the server is password-protected, you’ll be prompted to enter the password.
  8. Verify you’re in – Once connected, you’ll spawn in the world. Check the top-left corner for the server name and player list to confirm you’re on the right server.

Common Mistakes

  • Wrong port – Using the query port (28016) instead of the game port (28015) for connection. The game port is where the actual gameplay connection happens.
  • Firewall blocking – Your computer’s firewall or router may be blocking incoming connections on port 28015. Ensure that port is open for TCP/UDP.
  • Server not fully started – If the server is still initializing, it may not appear in the list. Wait a few minutes after starting it.
  • Using localhost when remote – If you’re connecting to a remote server, don’t use 127.0.0.1; use the public IP address.
  • Client and server versions mismatch – If your Rust client is updated but the server isn’t, the server may not appear or you’ll get a version mismatch error. Update your server to match the client version.

Tips

  • Set a server name you can remember – Make the server name unique and easy to search for, like “MyAwesomeRustServerâ€�.
  • Use a static IP or DNS – If your IP changes often, consider using a dynamic DNS service to get a hostname that always points to your server.
  • Test locally first – If you’re hosting on the same machine, try connecting with localhost:28015 to verify the server works before troubleshooting network issues.
  • Check the server console – If connections fail, look at the server console for error messages (e.g., “listening on 0.0.0.0:28015â€�).
  • Whitelist the server – If you have a whitelist enabled, make sure your Steam ID is on it, otherwise you’ll be kicked.

Troubleshooting

Server not showing in the list – This is the most common issue. First, verify the server is running and the process is not crashed. Check the server console for errors. Then, ensure the server’s server.port and server.queryport are correctly set in the server config. If you’re using a hosting provider, check their documentation on how to find the correct IP and port. Also, try adding it manually via the Favorites tab as described above.

Connection timed out – This usually means the server is unreachable. Check your firewall rules (both on the server machine and your router). Open ports 28015 (TCP/UDP) and 28016 (UDP) if you want the server to appear in the list. If you’re on a LAN, ensure the server machine’s IP is static or you’re using the correct local IP.

“Server not foundâ€� in console – Double-check the IP and port format. It should be IP:PORT (e.g., 192.168.1.10:28015). If you’re using a hostname, make sure it resolves correctly.

Version mismatch – If you get a message about incompatible versions, your server needs to be updated. Stop the server, update it (via SteamCMD or your host’s panel), and restart it. Ensure the client is also fully updated.

Kicked or banned – If you’re kicked, check if the server has a whitelist or password. If you’re banned, you’ll need to remove the ban from the server’s config (usually server.bans.cfg or via the admin panel).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect to my server using the same machine that hosts it?

Yes, you can. Use localhost:28015 or 127.0.0.1:28015 in the console or when adding to favorites. This works even if the server is on the same PC.

Why is my server not appearing in the community list?

Your server may not be listed if the query port is not open, or if the server is set to not list publicly (e.g., server.public 0). Check your server config and ensure server.public is set to 1 (or true). Also, allow a few minutes for the list to update.

What is the difference between the game port and the query port?

The game port (28015) is where the actual game connection happens. The query port (28016) is used by the server browser to get server information (name, players, etc.). Both need to be open for the server to appear in the list and for players to connect.

Can I connect using a hostname instead of an IP?

Yes, if you have a DNS hostname pointing to your server’s IP, you can use that in the console or when adding to favorites (e.g., myrustserver.com:28015).

Do I need to set a password to connect?

No, unless you have set a password on the server (via server.password in the config). If you do, you’ll be prompted to enter it when connecting.

Why do I get “Connection refused� when trying to connect?

This usually means the server is not running, or the port is not open. Verify the server is running and that the port is not blocked by a firewall. Also, check that you’re using the correct IP and port.

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