Introduction
Rust, the popular survival game, offers an exhilarating multiplayer experience that can be even more enjoyable when hosted on your own Linux Debian 12 server. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up and hosting a Rust server on a Linux Debian 12 system, allowing you and your friends to embark on epic adventures together.
Prerequisites
Before diving into the hosting process, you need to ensure you have the following prerequisites:
- A Linux Debian 12 Server: You should have access to a Linux Debian 12 server with adequate CPU, RAM, and storage resources to handle the Rust server and the number of players you intend to support.
- SSH Access: You need SSH access to your server to execute commands and manage the server remotely.
- Steam Account: Rust requires a Steam account to download and install the game server files.
Step 1: Update Your System
Ensure that your Linux Debian 12 system is up to date by running the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Step 2: Install Required Dependencies
You’ll need to install some essential dependencies for Rust. The following commands will install them:
sudo apt install wget tar screen
Step 3: Create a Dedicated User
For security and organization, it’s advisable to create a dedicated user for your Rust server. To create a new user and switch to that user, use the following commands:
sudo adduser rustserver
sudo su - rustserver
Step 4: Download and Install SteamCMD
SteamCMD is a command-line tool provided by Valve for managing Steam games, including Rust. Download and install it with the following commands:
mkdir ~/steamcmd
cd ~/steamcmd
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
./steamcmd.sh
Step 5: Install Rust Server
Inside SteamCMD, you can install the Rust server by running:
login anonymous
force_install_dir ~/rustserver
app_update 258550 validate
quit
Step 6: Configure the Rust Server
Navigate to the server configuration files and customize your server settings by editing the server.cfg
file with a text editor of your choice:
nano ~/rustserver/cfg/server.cfg
Adjust server settings to your preferences, such as server name, description, player limits, and other gameplay-related settings.
Step 7: Start the Rust Server
To start your Rust server, use the following command:
cd ~/rustserver
./start.sh
Your Rust server should now be up and running, and players can connect to it using your server’s IP address and port number. Ensure that your server’s firewall rules are configured to allow incoming connections on the Rust server port (default is 28015).
Conclusion
Hosting a multiplayer Rust game on a Linux Debian 12 server can be a rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can create a dedicated server that you and your friends can enjoy. Remember to keep your server updated and secure to provide a smooth and safe gaming environment. Have fun exploring the world of Rust with your friends!