Rust Server: Self-Hosted vs Rental — Which One Should You Use?

Getting a Rust server up and running is one of those things that sounds simple until you hit the first wall — literally. Maybe it's port forwarding. Maybe your PC doesn't have enough RAM. Maybe you got it working but now every time you close your laptop, the server goes down and your friends can't play.

There are two real solutions: either rent a server or host it yourself. This guide cuts through the marketing language and gives you an honest breakdown of both approaches so you can pick the right one for your situation.

Self-Hosted (Local Server)

Running Rust's dedicated server software on your own PC or a machine you control. You download the files via SteamCMD, create a launch script, and manage everything yourself.

Advantages:

• Only cost is electricity
• Full control over everything (mods, settings, updates)
• You learn how dedicated servers actually work
• No monthly subscription

Disadvantages:

• Requires decent hardware (16 GB RAM minimum, 32 GB recommended)
• You have to configure port forwarding on your router
• Server is only online when your PC is on
• If your PC crashes, the server goes down
• Some ISPs and apartment networks block incoming connections entirely

Rental Server (Game Server Hosting)

A hosting company runs the server on their hardware. You manage it through a web panel — no command line required.

Advantages:

• No port forwarding needed
• Your PC specs don't matter
• 24/7 uptime — friends can play even when you're offline
• High-end hardware (low latency, fast SSDs)
• Customer support if something breaks

Disadvantages:

• Monthly cost (~$10–25/month depending on provider and region)
• Depending on the plan, mod support may be limited
• Your data disappears if you cancel without backing up

Who Should Use What

Go self-hosted if:

• You have a capable PC (32 GB RAM, fast SSD)
• You want to learn server administration
• You need maximum mod flexibility (running Oxide with lots of custom plugins)
• Cost is the top priority
• Friends only play when you're on anyway

Go rental if:

• Your PC doesn't have enough RAM (under 16 GB)
• Port forwarding failed or isn't possible on your network
• You want a 24/7 server friends can access anytime
• You want to be playing the game, not troubleshooting the server
• You only need a server for a few days or weekends

Rental Server Options Compared

There are a lot of game server hosting services. Here's how the main ones stack up for Rust specifically.

XServer GAMEs (Japan-focused)

The game server product from Xserver, one of Japan's largest web hosting companies. Designed for non-technical users.

What it offers:

• GUI panel — no command line needed
• Rust support (30+ games available)
• Short-term plans (3 days, 1 month)
• AMD EPYC processors, NVMe SSDs

Best for: Complete beginners, weekend-only players, people who failed at port forwarding

Limitation: Full Oxide/uMod mod support may be restricted depending on the plan. Check their documentation before purchasing if custom mods are important to you.

Apex Hosting / Nodecraft / Nitrado (International)

English-language game hosting services with solid Rust support and generally strong mod compatibility.

VPS (Virtual Private Server) — DIY Setup

Rent a Linux server and install Rust's dedicated server yourself via command line. Maximum flexibility, but requires technical comfort.

Top VPS providers:

• Vultr / DigitalOcean — Good global coverage, affordable, English-only UI
• Linode (Akamai) — Solid performance, good docs
• Hetzner — Cheapest for the specs, European servers

Minimum specs for a Rust server on a VPS:

With a VPS, you get root access and can run Oxide with any plugins you want — it's basically the same as self-hosting but with a machine that's always on.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced users who want full control at lower ongoing cost than managed game hosting.

Cost Comparison

All prices are estimates — check current pricing on each provider's website.

Setting Up a Rust Server on XServer GAMEs

If you go with a managed service like XServer GAMEs, here's the basic flow:

1. Create an Account and Choose a Plan

Sign up on the official site, select Rust as your game, and choose your plan (player slots and duration).

2. Configure Server Settings

The management panel lets you set server name, max players, map size, and other parameters through a GUI. No command line involved.

3. Start the Server

Hit the launch button. Within a few minutes, you'll get an IP address for your server.

4. Connect

In Rust, press F1 and type:

client.connect YOUR_SERVER_IP:28015

5. Share with Friends

Give friends the same IP. They can join anytime the server is running — which is 24/7.

Running Rust on a VPS (Linux)

For those comfortable with a command line, here's the setup process on Ubuntu/Debian:

# Install dependencies
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y lib32gcc-s1

# Create a steamcmd user
sudo useradd -m steamcmd
sudo su - steamcmd

# Download SteamCMD
mkdir ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar zxvf -
./steamcmd.sh

# Inside steamcmd:
# force_install_dir /home/steamcmd/rustserver/
# login anonymous
# app_update 258550 validate
# exit

Create a launch script at /home/steamcmd/rustserver/start.sh:

#!/bin/bash
cd /home/steamcmd/rustserver

./RustDedicated -batchmode -nographics \
  +server.hostname "My Rust Server" \
  +server.port 28015 \
  +server.identity "server1" \
  +server.maxplayers 20 \
  +server.worldsize 3000 \
  +server.seed 12345 \
  +server.saveinterval 300 \
  +rcon.port 28016 \
  +rcon.password "ChangeThis" \
  +rcon.web 1

chmod +x start.sh
./start.sh

For automatic restart and running as a background service, use screen or create a systemd service.

My Honest Recommendation

If you're technical and have a capable machine, try self-hosting first. It's free, educational, and gives you maximum control.

But if any of the following apply, go rental from the start:

• Port forwarding failed (common in apartment buildings with shared networks)
• RAM is under 16 GB
• You want the server running 24/7 without your PC staying on
• Your friends are waiting and you just want to play

Spending $10–15/month on a game server is roughly the cost of a new game. If you're playing regularly, it's usually worth it just to eliminate the infrastructure headaches.

For serious mod users who want Oxide with full plugin freedom, a VPS is the sweet spot — full control, always on, and cheaper than managed game hosting.

Summary

Whichever path you pick, having your own Rust server genuinely changes how you play. You control the rules, the wipe schedule, who gets in, and how it's modded. It's worth getting right.